How to Soothe a Baby Without a Pacifier

For babies, the sucking motion can be very soothing. Because of this, many parents give their child pacifiers to soothe him. There are many other ways to soothe a baby when he is fussy, however, than just putting a pacifier in his mouth.

Things You'll Need

  • Blanket
  • Music
  • Rocking chair

Instructions

    • 1

      Check to see why your baby might be crying. If he is hungry, feed him. If his diaper is wet or messy, change it. Once you've exhausted all the possibilities of why he might be crying, it's time to move on.

    • 2

      Rock your baby in a rocking chair or glider. The motion of the rocking will help a baby calm down because it reminds them of being in the womb. This is especially nice at night when the baby wakes up, as it allows the parents to sit while rocking. If you do not have a rocker, you can also stand and sway your body back and forth in a slow motion.

    • 3

      Swaddle the baby in a blanket. In the first few months of life, swaddling can instantly soothe some babies. It is reminiscent of the womb, where they were wrapped up warm and snug. Swaddling involves wrapping the arms close to the body so they can't flail around.

    • 4

      Sing to your baby, or play a lullaby on the CD player. Babies are soothed by soft music, especially if sung. Place the baby's head against your chest so they can hear your heart beating and the sound of your voice more clearly, and it will calm them.

    • 5

      Give your baby a lovey. This can be a blanket or a soft stuffed animal. It is especially helpful in the first few months if it smells like mom. Babies have a keen sense of smell, and just having something to hold on to that smells like their favorite person can help to soothe them, especially if you are not around at the moment.

    • 6

      Help your baby find his thumb. Even if you do not want to use pacifiers, the sucking reflex does help babies. She will probably find it on her own within a few months, but you can encourage it if you like by guiding her thumb to her mouth. This can be helpful at night when the baby awakens. He can just put his thumb in his mouth and soothe himself back to sleep.

    • 7

      Invest in a sling or front carrier. Babies love to be held, especially close to your warmth and heartbeat. Your arms will give out soon, though, so a sling or front carrier allows you to hold the baby while still getting things done.

    • 8

      Walk outside. Babies love fresh air, and just stepping out the door is usually enough to get them to stop crying. Take a break yourself. Sit in a chair or on the front step and enjoy the nice weather for a few minutes. Crying babies tend to cause stress, and taking a few minutes of fresh air is a good break for all involved.

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