Best ways to soothe a newborn start with understanding why they cry and what helps them feel safe. When my friend's baby wouldn't stop crying, I showed her these tricks, and her little one calmed down in minutes. Crying is normal for babies - they can't talk yet!
But don't worry, I've gathered lots of effective newborn calming techniques that really work. With these methods, you'll help your baby feel better and get more sleep yourself.
Why Babies Cry and How to Help
Babies cry for many reasons. This is
how they tell us what they need because they can't talk yet. In my years
working with new parents, I've seen that most crying happens because babies
need:
- Food when hungry
- Clean the diaper when wet
- Comfort when tired
- Relief when too hot or cold
- Cuddles when lonely
- Help with gas or tummy pain
- Less noise or light when overwhelmed
Learning your baby's cues helps you
find the best ways to soothe a newborn before big crying starts.
Top 10 Best Ways to Soothe a Newborn
1. Swaddling - A Top Way to Soothe a Newborn
Swaddling techniques for newborns work
so well because they feel like the tight, safe space of the womb. I've helped
many parents learn to swaddle, and it's often like magic! Here's how:
- Use a thin blanket or special swaddle wrap
- Lay it flat and fold down one corner
- Lay the baby on its back with the head slightly
elevated.
- Wrap one side across the baby's body
- Tuck it under the baby's back
- Bring the bottom up over your feet
- Fold the other end over and secure it snugly.
Make sure the swaddle isn't too tight
around hips and legs. Baby should be able to move them a bit. This is one of
the best ways to soothe a newborn that I recommend to all new parents.
2. The Famous 5 S's Method
Dr. Harvey Karp created these baby
settling tricks for new parents that work amazingly well. Use these steps with every fussy baby:
- Swaddle: Wrap baby snugly
- Side/Stomach Position: Hold baby on side or tummy (only when awake and
you're holding them)
- Shush: Gently whisper a constant "shhh" near the baby's ear.
- Swing: Gently rock or sway with the baby
- Suck: Offer a clean finger or pacifier for soothing.
I've seen this method work within
minutes for even the fussiest babies! These best ways to soothe a newborn that work
together to trigger the calming reflex.
3. White Noise Wonders
White noise for babies is one of my favorite newborn sleep solutions that work. The
constant sound echoes the calming womb whoosh. Give it a try:
- White noise machine (I have three in my house!)
- Fan sound (not blowing on baby)
- Recording of heartbeats
- An app with womb sounds
- Running water sounds
I've found that the right noise can
help a baby fall asleep much faster. These steady sounds block out other noises
that I think will wake your baby and are among the best ways to soothe a newborn
during sleep time.
4. Movement Magic
Newborn rocking motions are some of the most reliable ways to comfort a fussy baby.
In my experience, even the most upset baby often calms with movement. You can:
- Rock in a rocking chair or glider
- Sway while standing
- Take a walk with a stroller
- Go for a car ride
- Use a baby swing (follow age guidelines)
The steady movement reminds the baby
of being in mom's tummy. I like to add a gentle bounce while walking - it works
every time for my nephew!
5. Skin-to-Skin Contact - A Natural Soother
Skin-to-skin contact is one of the best ways to soothe a newborn that doctors
now recommend right after birth. I've seen how it helps with bonding, too!
Here's why it works:
- Keeping the baby at the perfect temperature
- Let's baby hear your familiar heartbeat
- Makes the baby feel protected
- Helps with healthy breathing
- Lowers stress hormones for both of you
Both moms and dads can do this calming
technique. Hold your diapered baby against your bare chest, covered with a
light blanket.
6. Gentle Baby Massage
Baby massage techniques are wonderful, gentle methods to comfort fussy babies. I
learned these from a doula, and they're so helpful:
- Apply a small drop of baby-safe oil if required.
- Rub baby's
back with gentle circles
- Stroke arms and legs from the center outward
- Press softly on the tummy in clockwise circles
- Watch your baby's face to see what feels good
Talk softly while you massage. This
bonding time is special and one of the best ways to soothe a newborn who needs
extra comfort.
7. Warm Bath Time Comfort
A warm bath can be one of the most
relaxing infant relaxation strategies. I've found this to be a successful way to
reset a fussy day. Try these tips:
- Make sure the room is very warm
- Test the water temperature with your wrist
- Support the baby's head and neck always
- Pour warm water gently over the body
- Talk or sing softly
- Keep it short (5-10 minutes)
Don't use too much soap as it can dry the
baby's skin. A nighttime bath can be one of the best ways to soothe a newborn
before bedtime.
8. Change the Environment
Sometimes babies just need a change of
scene. This is one of the simplest, best ways to soothe a newborn that I use
when nothing else works:
- Go outside for fresh air
- Moving to a unique room
- Dim the lights if too bright
- Turn the lights up if it’s too dark
- Change baby's position (upright, side-lying, etc.)
I've noticed that just walking to the
front door and back can sometimes stop crying instantly! A new view often
resets the baby's mood.
9. Babywearing Benefits
Carrying your baby in a wrap or
carrier is one of favorite best ways to soothe a newborn. It provides comfort
while giving you free hands! Babies love:
- Hearing your heartbeat
- Feeling your warmth
- Moving with you as you walk,
- Being held upright (successful for gassy babies)
I wear my friend's baby when I visit,
and he falls asleep within minutes. Make sure any carrier supports the baby's
head and keeps airways clear for safety, calming a newborn at night.
10. Parent Calm is Baby Calm
This may be the most important of all the
best ways to soothe a newborn - your state of mind. Babies can feel when you're
stressed. If you're calm, they're more likely to calm down too. Try:
- Taking slow, deep breaths
- Speaking in a low, muted voice,
- Crawling and smoothly,
- Asking for help if you need a break
When I'm taking care of a crying baby,
I always take a few deep breaths first. It's amazing how much this helps both
of us!
Special Situations Needing Extra Soothing
Helping Babies with Colic
Soothing colicky infants naturally
takes extra patience. If your baby cries for hours and nothing seems to help,
they might have colic. This means:
- Crying for 3+ hours a day
- At least 3 days a week
- For at least 3 weeks
- Baby is in pain
I've helped several friends through
this tough time. Some tips for soothing colicky babies that I think will help:
- Try the "colic hold" - baby facing down
across your arm
- Bicycle baby's legs to release gas
- Give a warm (not hot) towel on the tummy
- Ask the doctor about probiotics or gas drops
- Use white noise plus movement together
Colic usually goes away for 3-4
months. You're doing a successful job if you're dealing with this!
Soothing Gas Pain
Many newborns struggle with gas, which
can cause crying. Signs I look for include:
- Pulling legs up to chest
- Red face when crying
- Hard tummy
- Passing gas with relief after
These best ways to soothe a newborn
with gas have worked well:
- Burp often (every 5-10 minutes) during feeding
- Do the "bicycle legs" movement
- Give a clockwise tummy massage
- Hold the baby upright for 15-20 minutes after
feeding
- Try fresh bottles of formula feeding
I've found that the football hold
(baby facing down on your arm) works wonders for gassy babies!
Helping Overtired Babies
Sometimes babies get too tired to
sleep well. This is one of the hardest situations! Watch for early signs like:
- Eye rubbing
- Yawning
- Looking away
- Getting fussy
- Arching back
I've learned that using the best ways
to soothe a newborn before these signs show up works better. Once a baby is
overtired, try:
- Darkening the room completely
- Using loud white noise
- Limiting all stimulation
- Holding very still in one position
- Being extra patient
It might take longer, but stay calm
and keep trying. Your overtired baby will sleep eventually!
Creating Good Sleep Habits with Soothing
While using these best ways to soothe
a newborn, you can also start baby sleep tips for newborns:
- Have a short, simple bedtime routine
- Keep night feedings boring (muted, dark, minimal
interaction)
- Put the baby down drowsy but awake when possible
- Use the same methods each time
- Be consistent but flexible
I've seen babies learn to self-soothe
much faster when parents use these tips from the beginning.
Taking Care of Yourself While Soothing Baby
Remember that taking care of yourself
is just as important as finding the best ways to soothe a newborn! Try to:
- Sleep when baby sleeps (I know it's old advice,
but it works!)
- Accept help from friends and family
- Take breaks when you can - even 5 minutes helps
- Know it's normal to feel tired and overwhelmed
- Talk to someone if you feel very sad or worried
A happy parent helps make a happy
baby. I always tell new parents that self-care isn't selfish - it's necessary!
When to Call the Doctor About Crying
Most crying is normal, but call the
doctor if:
- The baby won't stop crying for many hours
- Baby has a fever (over 100.4°F)
- Baby won't eat
- Baby seems sick in any way
- Something feels wrong with you
- You feel too stressed, sad, or angry
Trust your gut feeling. You know your
baby best. There's no shame in asking for help, and finding the best ways to
soothe a newborn sometimes means getting professional advice.
FAQS About the Best Ways to Soothe a Newborn
How to soothe a fussy newborn?
The most effective ways to comfort a fussy baby combine several approaches. Try the 5 S's method: swaddle, side/stomach position (while holding them), shush, swing, and let them suck.
Always check basics first - hungry? wet? too hot/cold? Skin-to-skin contact,
gentle movement, and white noise often work well together. I've found that
staying calm yourself is crucial, as babies sense your emotions and react to
them.
What are the 5 8 5 rules for babies?
The 5 8 5 rule means: feed your baby every 5 hours during the day, let them sleep 8 hours at night, and feed for 5 minutes on each side when breastfeeding. But this is NOT for newborns! Newborns need to be fed every 2-3 hours around the clock.
The 5 8 5 rules might work for
older babies (4+ months) who are ready to sleep longer. For finding the Effective
newborn calming techniques, forget this rule and feed on demand.
What is the hardest week of a newborn?
From what I've seen with countless
families, weeks 2-3 tend to be hardest for most. This is when:
- Parents are exhausted
- Baby is more awake
- Colic might start
- Breastfeeding challenges appear
- Hormones are changing for mom
The "peak fussiness" often
happens around 6-8 weeks. Remember that this hard time will pass! These weeks
are when knowing the newborn soothing techniques becomes most valuable.
Why does my newborn cry every time I put him down?
This is so common! Babies cry when put
down because:
- They're used to being held close in the womb
- They feel the temperature change (you're warm!)
- They notice the still position (no heartbeat, no
movement)
- They may have a reflux that hurts when lying flat
- Their startle reflex wakes them
I suggest warming the sleeping space
first, swaddling before putting it down, and keeping your hand on the baby's
chest for a minute after. The best infant calming strategies for this include
using a pre-warmed crib and very gradually removing your touch.
Conclusion
Finding the best ways to soothe a
newborn takes time and patience. Every baby is different, and what works today
might not work tomorrow. Try different things and watch what helps your baby
most.
I want to encourage you that this
crying phase won't last forever. Soon, your baby will learn new ways to
communicate. Until then, these natural remedies for newborn fussiness can help
both of you get through the tough times.
The most important thing to remember
is that your baby feels safe and loved. Your touch, voice, and presence are
powerful parent hacks for fussy infants all by themselves.
What soothing tricks work best for
your baby? Every little one is unique, so finding your special combination of
these newborn soothing techniques will make you both happier!
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