Baby and Infant Care

Expert Tips: How To Soothe Your Crying Newborn

19 Nov 2025

Caring for a crying newborn can be overwhelming, especially for new parents without the support of family members, a confinement nanny or babysitter. Understanding how to calm your baby is a valuable skill that can help soothe both you and your little one. Here are some effective strategies to calm a crying newborn:

1. Check Basic Needs

First and foremost, ensure your baby's basic needs are met:

Hunger: If it's been a while since your baby's last feeding, try offering them milk or formula.
Diaper: Check if your baby's diaper is wet or soiled. A dirty diaper can cause discomfort and lead to crying.
Comfort: Ensure your baby is comfortable by adjusting their clothing or swaddling them snugly.

2. Provide Comforting Touch

Gentle, comforting touch can work wonders in soothing a crying newborn:

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Hold your baby close to your chest, providing them with warmth and security.
Gentle Massage: Stroke your baby's back, arms, or legs with gentle, soothing motions.
Rocking or Swinging: Rock your baby in your arms or use a gentle rocking motion in a baby swing or rocking chair.

3. Use White Noise or Shushing Sounds

White noise mimics the sounds your baby heard in the womb and can have a calming effect:

White Noise Machines: Use a white noise machine or app to create a steady, soothing sound.

Shushing: Make a "shushing" sound close to your baby's ear, mimicking the comforting noises they heard in utero.

4. Try Pacifiers or Sucking

Many babies find comfort in sucking:

Offer a Pacifier: Pacifiers can help satisfy your baby's natural sucking reflex and provide comfort.

5. Create a Calming Environment

Create a peaceful, calming environment to help your baby relax:
Dim Lights: Dim the lights or create a cozy environment with soft lighting.
Reduce Stimulation: Minimize noise and activity in the room to avoid overstimulating your baby.

6. Go for a Walk or Drive

The gentle motion of walking or driving can often lull a baby to sleep:

Stroller Walk: Take your baby for a stroll in the stroller around the neighborhood or in a nearby park.

Car Ride: If safe and practical, take your baby for a drive in the car. The motion and vibrations can have a calming effect.

7. Offer Comfort Feeding

Sometimes, babies cry because they seek comfort rather than hunger:

Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding: Offer your baby the breast or a bottle, even if they're not hungry. The act of sucking can be soothing.

8. Stay Calm and Patient

Above all, remain calm and patient, especially when you have the support of a confinement nanny or babysitter:

Take Deep Breaths: If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to breathe deeply and collect yourself.

Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask your confinement nanny or babysitter for support or guidance if you need a break.

Conclusion

Caring for a crying newborn can be challenging, but with patience, love, and the right techniques, you can help calm your baby and provide them with the comfort they need. With the presence of a trusted confinement nanny or babysitter, you can feel supported as you navigate this precious time with your little one. Remember, every baby is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your little one.