New parents are often under a large amount of stress. One thing that can raise this stress level is crying. This is especially true if the baby cannot be comforted. The parents become sleep deprived, which just adds to the existing stress. Most people have ideas of how to calm down a crying baby, but if that doesn’t work, here is some information that may be helpful

There is one school of thought that says if the baby is crying, just leave them alone. Eventually, the baby will learn to sooth itself and quit crying. The problem with this is that baby’s minds aren’t developed enough to sooth themselves. If a baby is left alone to cry, it may quit crying, but only because it feels abandoned and has given up. Babies who are left to cry may think their parents don’t care about them anymore and this can destroy the bond established between the parent and child. It can affect the baby’s self esteem, so seriously consider this option before choosing it.

Of course, the parents themselves have their own psychological issues to deal with. There will probably be times when you simply think you cannot take it anymore. If that is the case, it is okay to take a break from the baby for a few minutes. Take your time to calm down then go back to the baby. This way, you get some times to sooth your nerves and the baby is less likely to feel it has been abandoned.

Understanding your child and its needs is the best way to sooth their crying. Because babies cannot talk and tell you what is wrong, you need to pay close attention to their cries. The baby will have a different cry for different emotions. Its hunger cry will differ from its sick cry. Once you have spent time with the baby and paid attention to the cries, it should give you a clue as to what is going on. Also, take a close look at the baby’s facial expressions and body language when they are crying. By noticing the cries, facial expressions, and body language, you should soon learn what is going on and that will help you satisfy the baby’s needs.

There may be times when your baby cries for no apparent reason. To calm a fussy baby try:

• Playing music or singing to the baby. This may help sooth them.
• Use something with a lavender smell. Lavender has been known to have calming properties, so try giving the baby a bath with lavender soap or rubbing some lavender lotion on them.
• Practicing the 5 S’s. The five S’s are swaddling, laying the baby on the side or stomach, shhing the baby, swinging them, or offering them something to suck on such as a pacifier or breast if they are breastfeeding. Any of these may calm a crying baby.
• Distracting them. Talking quietly to the baby or distract him or her with a favorite toy. This may help the baby forget why he or she is upset.
• Massaging the baby. Just as with adults, a massage can be very relaxing for a baby, but remember to be gentle while giving the massage.

If none of this helps sooth the baby, take them to their pediatrician as a precaution. There may be something physically wrong with the baby such as colic and it is best to have it checked out.