BABY
How to Calm a VERY Fussy Baby
Fretful infants need a little more vigor to soothe and fall asleep.
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
PARENT PICKS
Bestsellers
BABY
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Bestsellers
Soft whispers and gentle rocking are perfect for calm babies. But very fussy newborns need a bit more vigour to help them calm and fall asleep. This sounds as wrong as the advice to add a slimy, raw egg to a cake mix…yet it is definitely the best way to calm very fussy newborns at night!
Think of turning on the calming reflex like getting someone’s attention. If a person is engaged in a heated argument, you may have to tap his shoulder several times––very emphatically––just to get him to respond.
Vigour is exactly why hoover sounds and car rides on bumpy roads calm babies. And it is why grabbing the swing seat and giving some fast––but tiny––jiggles is essential to flip on the calming reflex in a screaming, motion-loving baby.
(Of course, you must never shake your baby! When jiggling, always support your baby’s head and neck, and keep your movements to just a couple centimetres back and forth.)
If vigourous rocking does not soothe your baby, you can try some of the below tips for calming fussy newborns and preventing nighttime fussing in the first place:
If your newborn is extremely fussy and will not stop crying or sleep, then some possible causes include:
Think of baby calming as a dance…and your little love is leading. When he is wailing, do the 5 S's with more intensity in your shush and jiggle. Then, as he calms, gradually reduce your effort and guide him down to a soft landing where he is swaddled with white noise (as loud as a shower), and perhaps some sucking or gentle rocking.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
