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6 Tips to Comfort Your Crying Baby

Parenting doesn't always turn out the way you expected. Unfortunately, your baby doesn't come with a manual. So what do you do when the crying doesn't stop? We collected the best tips and practices from our BABYmatters team.

1. Crying usually has a reason

Crying is one of the few ways your baby can communicate with you. So it's their way of telling you something's up. In most cases, there is no physical cause for the crying.

Did you know that every baby goes through a number of growth stages? You can see these growth stages as a phase in which your baby is having a hard time dealing with the amount of things they're learning. For example, your little one may want to roll over for the first time, but might get frustrated because they don't succeed straight away. When they can suddenly roll over, they'll feel better again and the crying may stop.

2. Calmness begins with you

Babies can be very sensitive to changes in mum or dad's mood. If you are restless or nervous, this will also reflect on your baby. Take some deep breaths, relax your shoulders, close your eyes and take a little time for yourself.

Mum Valérie: "Twice a week I plan a moment to go jogging or walking by myself. This doesn't have to be long, half an hour often works wonders. I really look forward to these moments and it gives me inner peace and new energy to get going again!

3. Swaying in the baby carrier is soothing

Babies are constantly swayed in the womb when you walk. This feeling is mimicked when you carry your baby in the baby carrier. Very young babies look for signals in their surroundings that they aren't in danger and that everything is okay. Your baby receives your signals better when they are close to you. In addition, skin-to-skin contact is ideal for satisfying your baby's skin hunger. An ergonomic baby carrier allows you to bond with your child while keeping your hands free to do other things.

Mum Caro: "My son cries every day between 6 pm and 8 pm for no reason. We can almost set our watch by it. As soon as he starts crying, I take him outside in the baby carrier and he falls asleep after a few minutes."

4. Get some fresh air

Try to go outside with your baby every day. A fussy baby will calm down more quickly in the open air. Walking is good for your family and is perfect for de-stressing. Choose a cute baby carrier that's comfortable for you and your baby, or head out the door with a compact stroller. Exercise AND an excellent soothing aid for your baby, win-win!

Mum Eline: "My husband often goes for a walk with our son at the weekend. He's always up early and that way I can catch up on some sleep."

5. Don't be afraid to ask for help

It's okay if you don't know what to do (anymore). You certainly don't have to raise a baby alone. If you need help, do ask your partner, a family member or a friend, or perhaps getting some help around the house would help you out? So you can get some rest yourself or pop to the shop. A little bit of time for yourself calms the body and mind. And once you're back home, you can give your baby your full attention again.

Happy parent = happy baby!

6. Swaddling

Does your baby often sleep restlessly, or do they startle themselves by jerking their arms? This is not uncommon, babies often move violently in their sleep, but unfortunately this keeps them (and you!) awake. You can reduce this by swaddling them safely. Many babies benefit from swaddling because it reminds them of being nice and snug in your womb. Their arms are folded next to each other across their chest, and their legs are free to kick. The ergonomic swaddling position calms many small children, allowing them to sleep longer and more comfortably!

Did you know you can swaddle babies with a big muslin cloth or a cotton blanket? The incredibly soft muslin cloths by Elodie are perfect for this!

swaddling muslin cloths Elodie

Whatever you do... Follow your father's or mother's intuition! You know your child best. And remember... The fact that you sometimes wonder if you are a good mum or dad already makes you the best parent your baby could wish for!

 

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