Guide to Soothing Fussy Babies

Need help soothing a fussy baby? We’ve all been there. The baby is crying and you’re not sure what to do or maybe just don’t have the bandwidth to know what to try next. It’s incredibly easy to get overwhelmed, so here is my “Soothing List”. These tried and true remedies to help calm your crying baby!

Now, every baby is different and has different needs. But chances are if you try each of the things on this list, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet their needs. This is definitely my go-to!

~ S O O T H I N G L I S T ~

• Diaper Change
• Hungry
• Thirsty
• Needs Comfort (skin to skin or being rocked)
• Overstimulated (move to a quieter + darker environment, no screens)
• Craving 1-on-1 time

Basic Need, Environment Change or Both?

Some of these fulfill basic needs and others are more about changing their current environment, some are surprisingly a mix of the two! Whether it’s a basic need being met or just getting into a new space; chances are it will help calm your baby.

For example: diaper changes are a basic need. But sometimes just going through the motions of a change (even when they don’t need one) can be calming just by changing their environment to something they know and expect.

Babies “communicate” by telling us they need something. Yes, when they are little it’s often in the form of crying. BUT their needs are usually quite simple (barring medical conditions) and can be remedied by finding out and meeting that need.

Some of my favorite ways to spend one-on-one time is finding activities that involve multiple senses. Like going for a walk outside while touching and talking about different plants. I’ll guide their hand to feel a tree and then talk about the color, texture, size, etc.

This is an example of spending 1-on-1 time together and moving to a less stimulating environment. So we can definitely check off multiple things on the Soothing List at once!

-> Bonus Trick: Sometimes when babies are overstimulated or over tired they just need to lay down for nap. If I’ve tried ALL the things and nothing seems to be working, I will try soothing them and laying them down in their bed. Sometimes that is what’s need most!

As you spend more time with your baby, you’ll begin to understand what they need and how to better support them. Try to be patient and give yourself LOTS of grace, you’ve got this mama!

What is your #1 way to calm your baby when they are upset?

Here’s a few comfort items we use to help sooth babies in our home!

Muslin Baby Wraps (Extra large for easy swaddling)

Velcro Swaddles (So good for late nights!)

Natural Rubber Pacifiers

Pacifier Clips

White Noise Machine (can link to your phone)