seven reasons babies cry and how to soothe them (prt 3)

My baby's still crying. How can I soothe her?

As you gradually get to know your baby's personality you'll learn which techniques work best for her. If a cuddle or a feed doesn't do the job, these suggestions may help:

Play a constant sound 

In your womb (uterus), your baby could hear the beat of your heart. She probably enjoys being held close to you now because your heartbeat is so familiar. 

Other noises mimic the sounds she'll have heard in your womb. The repetitive noise of a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer may lull your baby to sleep. Or you could supervise her on the floor next to the washing machine.

The steady rhythm of the machine can have a calming effect.

You can also download white-noise sounds or a white-noise app to your phone, or buy a white-noise CD created for babies. 

Rock-a-bye baby

Most babies love to be gently rocked. You could rock her:

·         while walking around

·         in a rocking chair

·         in a baby swing

You could also try taking her for a ride in your car or for a walk in her pushchair.

Try a massage or a tummy rub

Using massage oils or cream, gently rub her back or tummy in a clockwise direction.

Doing this regularly may help your baby to cry and fuss less. However, the best time for massage is when your baby is settled and alert. If she is crying during the massage, then stop, because she's telling you she's had enough. 

Try a different feeding position

Some babies cry during or after feeds. If you're breastfeeding, you may find that improving the way your baby latches on helps her to feed calmly, without crying. Ask your health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor to check your positioning. 

If your breastfed or bottle-fed baby seems to have painful wind during feeds, she may prefer to feed in a more upright position. 

Burp your baby after a feed by holding her against your shoulder and gently patting or rubbing her back. If your baby cries straight after a feed though, she may still be hungry.

Let her suck on something

For some babies, the need to suck is very strong. If you're breastfeeding, you could let your baby suckle your breast for comfort. Alternatively, let her suck on your clean finger or knuckle. Most babies will never need a dummy, but this is another option to try if you think it may help her.

Give her a warm bath

A warm bath may help your baby to calm down. Check the water temperature before placing her in the bath. It should be about 37 degrees C to 38 degrees C. If you don't have a thermometer, dip your elbow into the water. It should feel neither hot nor cold.

Bear in mind that a bath may also make her cry more. Not all babies enjoy the sensation of being in water. In time, you'll get to know your baby's likes and dislikes.

What should I do if nothing seems to help?

It is normal for babies to cry, so try not to blame yourself if your baby simply won't be soothed. 

If your baby cries almost constantly she won't do herself lasting harm. But it's likely to put you and your partner under strain. If she's unhappy and resists every effort to calm her down, you may feel rejected and frustrated. 

But you are not the cause of her crying. Sometimes, simply accepting that you have a baby who cries a lot can help. If you've met your baby's immediate needs and tried everything you can to calm her, it's time to take care of yourself:

·         Put your baby in her cot and let her cry for a few minutes out of your range of hearing. Take deep breaths and let yourself relax for a moment or two.

·         If you and your baby are both upset and you've tried everything, call a friend or relative for support. Give yourself a break and let someone else take over for a while.

·         Find a local support group or parent-and-baby group. That way you can meet other new parents in the same situation and offer each other moral support.

·         Talk to your health visitor  about coping strategies before everything gets too much. Don't let things build up, as it could make things harder for you and your baby.
This crying is probably just a phase. It is very common and it will pass. As your baby grows, she'll learn new ways of communicating her needs to you. And when this happens, the excessive crying will soon stop.