When your baby cries inconsolably, you may feel inconsolable as well. It’s hard to watch your child in great distress and feel there is nothing you can do to comfort him or her.
The source of inconsolable crying may be an immature digestive system, which causes gas, or overstimulation. Sometimes, there’s no perceptible source at all. Whatever the source, here are some techniques you can try to comfort the baby:
- Walk or dance with your baby. Music or singing often helps calm both parent and baby.
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- Place your baby tummy-down across your lap and gently rub or pat his or her back. Sometimes, laying your baby on a warm hot-water bottle can be soothing.
- Swaddle your baby tightly and gently rock him or her.
- Offer a pacifier or your finger and hold it in his or her mouth if necessary.
- Feed and burp your baby one more time, or offer a little warm water or weak chamomile tea.
- Hold your baby up close and breathe slowly and calmly.
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Sing or talk in a quiet, singsong way.
- Take a walk outside with the front pack or stroller. The cool night air can be calming.
- Take a ride in the car. Some babies calm down in a moving car.
- While holding your baby upright on your shoulder—with your hand behind his or her head—bend and straighten your knees quickly so you are bouncing up and down.
- Put your baby on a blanket atop your clothes dryer, keep your hand on his or her back, and turn on the machine. The heat and vibration may prove comforting.
- Let someone else take over the care of your baby for a while. If a family member is not available, consider hiring a sitter for a short period of time. You need to take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby.
- If nothing works, put your baby in his or her bed, close the door, and turn up the TV or radio. Check on your baby every 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes, babies need to cry to release the tension of the day before they can relax into sleep.
- And please remember this piece of good news: babies are often much happier once they reach their three-month milestone. By then, their digestion is working better, and they generally are more settled. A month can seem like a long time when a baby is crying every night, but it is normal…and it eventually does resolve itself.
Parents Place is happy to provide you with helpful tips and tried-and-true techniques to help you in your role as parents. Need more help? Call us at 415-359-2443.