How to settle a fussy baby

How to settle a "fussy" baby

Here are some of our top tips. Every parent and baby will have their own unique journey and methods. There is no one size fits all when it comes to parenting. Every baby is an individual and what works for your first baby may not work with with second and so on. We hope you find these simple strategies and tips helpful.

*Note, if your baby is crying for prolonged periods of time, you are concerned there might be something wrong or they seem in real pain ALWAYS contact your care provider (GP, Maternity hospital, PHN, or nearest A&E) Your gut instinct is the most important factor in your parenting,

Newborns are undergoing a huge transition to the outer uterine world. They have to adjust to sounds, smells, lights, sensations as well as feeling hunger, having dirty nappies, experiencing wind and lots more.

Babies can seem fussy for many reasons including:

• Overstimulation

• Hunger

• Tired / Sleepy

• Too Hot or Too Cold

• Wind/Gas

• Wet or Dirty nappy

• Feeling lonely or frightened

• Needing cuddles & love

Parenting a newborn is a process of elimination and working off your instincts.

Go through the check list of meeting your babies basic needs: have they had a good feed, clean nappy, winded, the right temperature etc? If in doubt cuddle baby upright at your chest (heartbeat) and rock side to side to imitate life in the womb.

Skin to skin with some white noise playing can help massively too. Babies can often become overwhelmed and over stimulated especially towards the end of the day. This can lead to crying and fussiness for no apparent reason.

Try to dampen down the sensory input:

• Play white noise on YouTube

• Pull the blinds

• Go to a room where there are no strong smells like cooking,

• Make sure there are not loads of people coming in and out

• Get skin to skin with baby

• Hold baby close and rock gently side to side

Create a calm energy: This is not easy when you're sleep deprived and touched out I know!

You baby is so connected with you that they feed off our energy to know if they are safe or if they should be on high alert. Where possible if you can meet baby from a place of calm loving acceptance. If you can close your eyes, slow your breathing, count to ten, say affirmations to stay in control - whatever works for you. See our post with ‘Calm Parenting Affrimations’ on our Instagram grid for inspiration.

Try upright holds: see our YouTube video with some examples here

Your baby is digesting milk and their digestive system is still figuring things out. Keeping baby upright can help that process.

Look back at our previous videos on methods to keep baby calm and comfortable:

• Tiger in the tree

• Shoulder hold

• Baby up on your chest

• Using a sling or baby carrier

• Sitting on your lap supporting their head & airways

Keep baby close

Babies do not know they are born into a safe environment without predators. They are hardwired to know they are vulnerable and depend on parents to keep them safe. They often cry when put down as they feel frightened. In the same way we would reassure any loved one when they are frightened, your love and presence is crucial in helping them realise they are safe. Over time they will need less and less reassurance with this.

Every Parent : Baby dyad will find their own way but some other tricks that can work are:

• Going for a walk in the buggy

• Sitting on a yoga ball with them & gently bouncing Using a stretchy wrap sling

• Singing softly to them

• Baby massage

• Going for a drive

• Swaying gently with them

• Lying in bed with them , cuddled close, rubbing their head gently

• Walking up and down the stairs with them

• A warm bath

• Skin to Skin

Remember DoulaCare Ireland have doulas offering support nationwide. We also offer one hour zoom sessions to brainstorm, share tips and tricks and be a listening ear to debrief. You can find out more about our support by emailing info@doulacare.ie