The first few months after bringing your new baby home can be the most amazing time of your life—full of new feelings and emotions. But they can also be very stressful and exhausting, especially if you have a fussy baby. You learn as you go and start to recognise your baby’s signs for when they are hungry or tired. However, there are many other things they try to communicate, and since they can’t express themselves in any way other than crying, it can be a major source of anxiety. There’s nothing more upsetting than hearing your baby cry and not knowing how to help or fix the problem.
So… how can you soothe a newborn baby? There are many tips and tricks that have worked for others, so why not give them a try?
Eliminate the obvious: Check for hunger, a full nappy, or discomfort from being too hot or too cold. Do they need burping? Could they have trapped gas? It all sounds logical—until you're half-asleep at 3 a.m. trying to figure it out.
If your baby has gas: Try laying them on their tummy across your knees and gently rubbing their back. Alternatively, lay them on their back and move their legs in a bicycle motion. If you're breastfeeding, fennel tea (1–2 cups per day) may help. Add honey if the taste bothers you. Fennel is known to relieve gas and may also help with colic. Drink it about 30–60 minutes before nursing or expressing. If nothing helps, speak to your doctor about infant gas drops.
Change of scenery: Babies can get cabin fever too. If they’re fussy, take them to a different room, or step outside for a bit. A change in environment can do wonders.
Motion: For nine months your baby experienced constant movement in the womb. Now they're lying still, which can feel unfamiliar. Many babies fall asleep easily in cars or prams thanks to the motion. At home, a rocking chair or pacing the room while holding your baby might help. Motorised swings that combine gentle movement with vibration can also soothe babies effectively.
Let’s get loud: First-time parents often whisper around their babies, but the womb was a noisy place—heartbeat, digestion, and blood flow were all loud and constant. Babies are used to sound. Try turning on a fan (not aimed directly at them), vacuuming, or using white noise apps or machines that mimic the sounds they heard in the womb (waves, rainfall, heartbeat, etc.).
Try a dummy: Many parents initially vow never to use one. Then reality hits. Sucking is a powerful soothing mechanism. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), pacifiers are safe for newborns and unlikely to harm development.
Sing and talk: Babies love the sound of their parents' voices. Sing a soft tune, hum, or read to them in a calm voice. Even if it only distracts them briefly, it can give you both a moment of peace.
Colic? Colic’s cause is unknown, and there’s no one-size-fits-all remedy. If your baby cries for hours inconsolably, try one calming method at a time to see what works. If something doesn’t help, move on to another technique.
Your diet matters (if breastfeeding): Your baby’s mood can be influenced by what you eat. Avoid excessive caffeine (no more than two cups a day), chocolate, acidic foods (lemons, oranges, berries, tomatoes), and gassy vegetables (asparagus, onions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower). What you eat impacts your milk and, in turn, your baby’s digestion.
Swaddling: Babies are used to tight, warm spaces. Wrapping your baby snugly in a lightweight blanket can recreate that comforting womb-like environment. Make sure it’s not too tight—circulation must not be restricted. Swaddling often leads to longer, deeper sleep.
Reduce stimulation: During newborn sessions, I often notice that babies become grumpy after being repositioned a few times, even gently. Newborns are sensitive to overstimulation. Visitors coming and going, noise, or too much handling can make them restless. Try to stagger visits and ensure your baby gets plenty of uninterrupted rest.
Dad to the rescue: Don’t forget the power of dad’s arms. Sometimes a baby just wants a different cuddle. Let your partner take over—you might be surprised at how well it works.
Change positions: If your baby is crying while on their back, try tummy time (under supervision). A simple position change can make a big difference.
Know when to take a break: Babies can sense your frustration. If you’re reaching your limit, place your baby safely in their cot and step away for a few minutes. Take deep breaths, relax your shoulders, and return once you're calm. You need to be composed to help soothe your baby effectively.
Remember: crying is how babies communicate. With time, patience, and some experimentation, you’ll find what works best for you and your little one.
