How to Get a Baby Not to Scream

Your baby can't simply tell you when he's hungry, sad, bored, tired or just generally feeling unhappy for any reason. What he can do is cry. The bad news is that since you might not know why he's crying, it might take some trial and error to determine what's causing your little one's tears so you can remedy the situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle or breast milk
  • Pacifier
  • Rocking chair
  • Swaddle wrap or blanket
  • Swing
  • Sound machine
  • Toys

Instructions

    • 1

      Offer your baby your breast or a bottle. Newborns tend to eat every two to three hours, according to HealthyChildren.org, a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. If your baby is older, he still might be ready to eat. Hungry babies can become cranky and fussy very quickly.

    • 2

      Burp your baby. Painful gas bubbles can make your baby uncomfortable, causing him to scream.

    • 3

      Offer your baby a pacifier. Though your baby might not be hungry, sucking can help him self-soothe. According to MayoClinic.com, sucking is a natural reflex that calms babies. You can also offer your clean finger in place of a pacifier.

    • 4

      Check to see if your baby needs a new diaper. A wet or dirty diaper can make baby very uncomfortable, causing her to scream.

    • 5

      Check the temperature in the room. If your baby is too warm or too cool, he might also be uncomfortable -- and screaming is how he lets you know that. Offer a blanket or remove some clothing to make him comfortable.

    • 6

      Put your baby down for a nap. A tired baby will cry and fuss. Other signs that a baby is tired, according to the Whole Pregnancy website, include yawning, clenched fists, not holding eye contact, hiccups and facial grimacing.

    • 7

      Rock your baby. The swinging motion might help calm your baby. You can also try putting your baby in a swing. Alternatively, some parents put their babies in their car seats and take them for a short drive. The motion of a moving car can help soothe a cranky baby as well.

    • 8

      Swaddle your baby with a blanket or swaddle wrap. This tight wrap simulates the security of the womb. In "The Happiest Baby on the Block," Dr. Harvey Karp recommends swaddling as one of ways to calm a fussy baby. To swaddle your little one, place her blanket on flat surface in a diamond position. Fold the top corner down about 6 inches, and place your baby in the center of the blanket with her neck at the fold. Starting on your left, bring the first corner over and tuck it snugly behind your baby. The bottom corner goes over your baby's left shoulder and behind her back. Wrap the third corner across and all the way around behind your baby, tucking the bottom tip into the fold in the front.

    • 9

      Provide a soothing environment and white noise. Bright lights, loud noises and too much activity in one room can overstimulate your baby, causing him to become fussy and scream. Dim the lights, turn off the television and ask guests to leave or move into a room away from your little one. A quiet and relaxing space can help calm your baby. If you can't eliminate sounds in the environment, Dr. Harvey Karp recommends using white noise, like a sound machine, vacuum or making a shushing sound with your own voice, to simulate the environment of the womb and help drown out other noises such as traffic.

    • 10

      Offer entertainment. Sometimes babies cry because they are simply bored. Show your baby brightly colored toys. Play finger games. Read him a book or sing him a song. Keep the activities simple so you don't overstimulate your baby.

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