How to Get a Baby to Stop Fussing

While it̵7;s normal for newborns to fuss at times, babies get upset for different reasons. Crying is a baby̵7;s way of getting what he needs. Knowing how to respond depends on whether your infant is fussing because he̵7;s uncomfortable, sleepy, sick, in pain, overstimulated or just needs some attention. How he cries is a clue to what̵7;s wrong, notes Healthguide.org. Once you know how to tell the difference between his cries, you will have a better idea of what to do to get him to stop fussing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Respond immediately when your baby cries. You won̵7;t spoil him, and by seeing to your baby's needs, he will have less reason to cry, points out the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your baby also know you care. The better you know your baby, the faster you̵7;ll know what he needs. If you leave your baby to cry it out, he may learn not to trust you, and this will make it difficult for the two of you to bond.

    • 2

      Check to see if something is making your baby uncomfortable. It may be time for a diaper change or dry. Or it could be dry, itchy skin or a loose thread or fine strand of hair wrapped around a finger or toe that is causing his discomfort. Adjust the room temperature or dress your baby more warmly or less warmly if necessary. If you find the room chilly or hot, it's a good bet your baby does too.

    • 3

      Hold your baby, and talk to him in a soothing tone of voice. Some babies need more cuddling than others and will calm at the touch of a parent's hand or sound of a parent's voice. A baby usually finds it comforting to listen to the rhythmic sound of the mother's heartbeat as she holds him close. You will likely have to try different approaches, but you will eventually learn what works best to soothe your baby.

    • 4

      Swaddle your newborn by wrapping her snugly in a blanket, but be sure to follow the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics at HealthyChildren.org in the May, 2013 article, "Swaddling: Is it Safe?" Swaddling, often taught in the hospital by a nurse, can make your infant feel more secure because it provides a coziness akin to the womb, but guidelines must be followed for safety. Always place a swaddled baby on her back, and only swaddle infants under 2 months of age and only if the baby shows no signs of soon being able to turn herself over because she could suffocate. Follow the AAP guidelines for folding the blanket for safety and to prevent hip damage.

    • 5

      Rock your baby gently or push him in a stroller. Babies tend to find rhythmic motions calming. Simply holding your baby or carrying him can help as well. Palo Alto Medical Foundation in California points out that research shows babies who are held and carried more tend to cry and fuss less. If your baby needs frequent comforting, carry him in a sling so that he̵7;s always close.

    • 6

      Create a more calming environment. Babies get fussy when they find their surroundings too stimulating. Run a fan for white noise to drown out sounds your baby finds disturbing. Turn off the television when you̵7;re trying to settle him for the night. Play soft music and dim the lights so he knows it̵7;s time for sleep.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How do you get a screaming baby to be quiet?
      I understand youre frustrated with a screaming baby. Its important to remember that babies cry for a reason. They are communicating their needs, and its our job to figure out what those needs are and meet them. Here are some things you can try:First,
    • How do you get a 15 month old baby off bottle without all the screaming and crying?
      Its completely normal for a 15-month-old to resist giving up the bottle. Heres a gentle approach to weaning that minimizes tears:1. Start with small changes:* Replace one bottle: Start by replacing one bottle per day with a cup. Choose a time when
    • How to Get Free Diapers
      A newborn baby requires at least six to eight diaper changes per day. As the baby grows, the number of necessary diaper changes tends to decrease; however, the cost of diapers tends to increase according to size. No matter what stage a baby is in, th