After diapering and feeding duties, soothing your infant can seem like it takes up a big chunk of your day – and especially the night. Crying and infants go hand in hand since kicking up a fuss is the only communication language your infant knows. A baby’s cries can quickly overwhelm you. This is frustrating, especially if you can’t figure out why they’re upset in the first place. Even though crying is normal for newborns, first-time parents can’t decipher what “normal really means.” There’s no one-size-fits-all method that works for all babies. With time, you’ll soon develop a myriad of techniques that’s perfect for your child. Before then, read on for some expert tips to help your little human feel better.

1. Consider a carrier or sling

Wearing your baby and strolling or walking around is a great way to soothe them. Newborns enjoy the feeling of closeness coupled with the rhythm of your steps. There are plenty of online reviews here on the best slings, and you can check to pick out what works for you. Also, a carrier is convenient since your hands remain free for other tasks. Have your infant face your body in a front-pack carrier or a sling for the first four months when they need the extra head support.

2. Try the shoosh-bounce

You can rock your newborn in a carrier while repeatedly shushing in their ear. Depending on your baby, putting your fussy munchkin in a sling and moving around can help calm them. You can research online reviews from the internet to check what baby swing would be ideal for your baby. But, how does a shoosh-bounce work? Research shows that a calming response is triggered in a newborn’s brain when being rocked or carried. This causes the infant’s heart rate to slow and the muscles to become more relaxed.

3. Swaddling

This works well for some infants during their first weeks. If you’re a new parent, this is a soothing technique that is worth learning. Gentle swaddling keeps a baby’s arms close to the body while allowing for movement of the legs. Not only does this activity keep a baby warm, but it also gives most infants a sense of comfort and security. Additionally, swaddling may also help limit the startle reflex, which can wake a baby.

4. Play some tunes

You don’t need to limit yourself to lullabies. You are free to try different songs and genres – including your favourites. What’s more, you might catch your baby smiling playfully to some of your songs. Like swaddling, music can calm the nervous system. This lowers a baby’s heart and respiratory rate.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of your voice – even if you’re no Celine Dion. Research shows that the sound of a mum singing may soothe their infant. This is because a mum’s voice is familiar, and the rhythm is calming.

5. The “Colic Carry”

If your baby is crying uncontrollably, sometimes what they need is some pressure on their tummy. This is also known as the “colic carry” and helps relieve gas and colic. What to do: Lay your infant on her belly, cradling their head in your hand, and use your other hand to stabilise and rub their back. You can also lay your baby on her back and moderately “bicycle pump” her knees up to her tummy for about 10 seconds, then release. For the best results, you can repeat this a few times until they stop crying.

6. Switch off the lights

Some babies will immediately stop kicking up a fuss if they’re put in a completely dark room. However, this is different with babies, and how your baby reacts might be different from another. Nevertheless, babies can become overstimulated with all the noise and lights of daily life. After all, infants are used to the quiet and dark confines of the womb. Blocking out the lights can calm them down.

7. Take a walk

Sometimes, changing the scenery by getting out of the house can be an excellent solution to your baby’s fussiness. Taking long walks can help calm your baby down. Don’t worry that people will be annoyed hearing a crying infant in public: go outside and get some fresh air. Even if your baby continues to cry, there’s less stress outdoors than when you are inside the house.

Also, remember to soothe yourself first before you can settle the baby. If your baby’s cry is stressing you out, take some time to cool down. Blocking out the crying for a few minutes can stop your mind from spinning and worrying too much. Finally, taking deep breaths is also advisable. It helps promote relaxation and helps you get in control of your feelings.