Most parents know – or soon will – crying is completely normal for babies. Even once you’ve determined a cause for the cries, finding foolproof ways to soothe baby can be difficult. Here are some ways to help you cope.
- 1. Soothe your baby back to sleep. Bassinets are recommended for newborns until they can roll over or push up (typically around 5 months old). Creating a fully immersive sleep environment, a smart bassinet hears baby’s cries and responds by gradually adjusting thousands of soothing combinations to help lull baby back to sleep, including gentle motions, soft vibration, multiple speeds, white noise and calming music.
- 2. Rock your baby to comfort. Mimicking the way parents naturally soothe their babies, using a soothing swing can offer a variety of motions such as swinging, rocking, cradling and gliding – as well as combinations of soft vibrations, speeds, white noise and calming sounds to help create more peaceful, happy moments.
- 3. Swaddling: This can create a sense of security and comfort reminiscent of the womb. Wrapping your baby snugly in a soft blanket can help reduce the startle reflex that often wakes them up. Make sure the swaddle is snug but not too tight, allowing for healthy hip movement and breathing. The comforting embrace of a swaddle can help your baby feel safe and calm, leading to longer and more restful sleep.
- 4. White noise: This can be another effective method to soothe your baby back to sleep. Gentle, consistent sounds mimic the environment of the womb, providing a familiar and calming background noise. You can use a white noise machine, a fan, or even a white noise app on your phone. Ensure the volume is set to a safe level to avoid damaging your baby’s hearing. White noise can help mask other household sounds that might disturb your baby’s sleep, allowing them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- 5. Feeding: Sometimes, your baby might wake up due to hunger, and a feeding can provide the comfort and nutrition they need to go back to sleep. Offering a breast or bottle feed in a quiet, dimly lit environment can help prevent overstimulation. The act of sucking is soothing for babies, and the warm milk can make them feel full and content, encouraging them to return to sleep. Feeding can satisfy your baby’s hunger and provide the comfort they need to relax and drift off peacefully.
These techniques can help create a calming environment and establish a comforting bedtime routine for your baby, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. Find more solutions to help calm and soothe your little ones by exploring the collection at GracoBaby.com.
