Parenting 101: How to Soothe Your Crying Baby

Most parents know that in a dream world, babies don't wildly cry, helping them to relax and have fun. The reality is, babies do cry wildly, and they cry for a lot of reasons.

The Mayo Clinic said that a newborn baby cries when it wants to communicate something. Parents do well to understand what those wails and cries mean, so that they could give baby the care he/she needs.

Understanding baby is only part of the equation. Knowing what to do when baby cries is also necessary, so that mom or dad won't cry from their baby's crying, too. Here are a few tips to help soothe a crying baby.

Read the Tears

The Mayo Clinic suggested considering what the baby could be thinking. A baby could be thinking about anything, and understanding them will help you give them proper care.

Is the baby hungry? Remember that babies need to feed round the clock, so moms, get ready to breastfeed, or prepare that milk bottle.

Is the baby wet? Don't forget to change the diaper often. Having baby powder will also help prevent rashes, which will cause discomforts, leading to crying times.

Is the baby uncomfortable? Find out what causes the discomfort: temperatures; too much movement or visual stimulation; or just plain tired and sleepy. When you find out, act accordingly.

Mellow Movements

When your baby cries, chances are he/she wants to be cuddled by you. Take your baby in your arms, and gently rock him to sleep. WebMD recommended smooth, rhythmic movements that imitate a rocking chair or infant swing. You can also use those for more convenience.

Soothing Sounds

Try using different sounds, like white noise, a fan or vacuum cleaner. Fort Lauderdale pediatrician Kristie Rivers, M.D., told Parents that these sounds imitate what the baby hears when she was still in her mom's womb. Recording a “heartbeat” sound and playing it might also help.

The 5 S's

Pediatrician Harvey Karp, MD, author of “The Happiest Baby on the Block,” suggested the five S's that parents should remember:

- Swaddling
- Side/Stomach soothing
- “Shhhh” sounds
- Swinging
- Sucking (feeding, or giving a pacifier)

Able to create or imitate the feeling of being inside the womb, the five S's are actually a summary of what to remember.

As a parent, you should always remember that your baby is precious to you. No matter how long or how loud the crying may take, keep in mind that your baby is more likely to be pacified when you yourself are calm in soothing him/her.

Happy parenting!