How to calm fussy baby:♥️ From a Homesteading Doula 🌻🌼

Nothing leaves a parent feeling more helpless than being unable to soothe their baby.

Baby changed, fed and all bases covered but still unsettled? Are you so tired??

Here are a few ideas to help soothe your screaming ‘Bundle of Joy’ that is not bringing much joy at 3 a.m. and keeping everyone from getting any sleep.

1) Swaddle.

Even if your baby acts as if they hate it, hear me out. SWADDLE. Think about it, In the womb, there was no wiggle room. They couldn’t startle themselves with their own hands. So swaddle and then follow through with the rest of these simple steps, it is necessary for the rest of these steps to work.

2) Side Lying or Stomach Position ~Disclaimer THIS POSITION IS ONLY WHILE YOUR HOLDING THEM

Studies have shown that the back is the only safe position for sleep. In the meantime, when there is no peace for anyone to sleep, try holding the baby on their side. I like to do side lying in my arm and tummy to tummy. You can also put your baby’s tummy on your arm or leg when sitting down.

3) SSHHUUSSHHIINNGGG

Before our babies are born, they hear a lot of sounds from our digestive system and our continual heartbeat. Making a shushing sound will help soothe your little one. Once your baby is calm and sleeping, it might be helpful to try a sound machine that makes white noise or womb sounds to help your baby sleep.

4) Swinging

Bouncing, Swaying, Jiggling, Rocking. Our baby had constant swaying all day long when in the womb. Then, when we lay down to sleep, they start moving around.

Support your baby's head and move in whatever way works best for you. Your baby will quickly let you know if that works best for them as well. Work together.

5) Sucking

It isn’t unusual to hear someone say that their baby was sucking on their hands or even thumb in an ultrasound. Sucking is a reflex that babies are born with. it is survival so that they can be fed. But long as your baby is fed and has a dry diaper and long as you feel ok with it, you can let your baby suck on a pacifier. It is likened to the icing on the cake in Harvey Karp’s book called The Happiest Baby on the Block.

As long as there is no underlying hunger, pain, fever, or dirty or wet diaper, I have found this method to work every time. Try it.