How to Calm a Crying Baby

Full Playlist:    • New Parents Survival Kit   - - Watch more New Parents Survival Kit videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/260-How... There's nothing more heart-wrenching—and, let's face it, sometimes nerve-wracking—than a wailing infant. Here are a few ways to soothe your sweet little crybaby. Warning No matter how frustrated you get, NEVER, EVER shake a crying baby--just a few seconds of jostling can cause serious brain damage. If you can't take anymore, put baby down in a safe place, leave the room, and let her scream while you calm yourself down. Step 1: Try to find reason Check all the obvious reasons the baby might be crying. In babies under 3 months old, crying is almost always a sign of physical need--she may be hungry or gassy or wet or hot or just plain uncomfortable. So offer a breast or bottle, burp her, check her diaper, make sure her clothes aren't pinching, and so on. Step 2: Offer pacifier or thumb Offer the baby a pacifier, help her find her thumb, or slip your own clean pinkie into her mouth, nail side down. Step 3: Make soothing noises Make some soothing noises. Sing, hum, or gently shush her. Some babies may also be calmed by the sound of a running faucet, a radio set on static, a recording of nature sounds or white noise--even the steady hum of the vacuum cleaner. Step 4: Try movement Try movement. Take her outside for a walk or a car ride, gently dance with her in your arms or a sling, rock her side-to-side, or just walk around the room. Tip If you just can't make another lap around the room, try sitting on an exercise ball and gently bouncing while holding your baby. Step 5: Try massage or bath Try massaging her or putting her in a warm, soothing bath. Tip For babies who become invigorated by a massage or bath, it's best not to use these methods to try to soothe them while crying. Step 6: Change scenery Change the scenery. Give her something new to look at, by turning on the ceiling fan or showing her a toy. And remember to stay calm and patient--after all, she can't cry forever. Did You Know? The average newborn cries 2 hours per day--an infant who cries inconsolably at least 3 hours a day for at least 3 days a week probably has colic and will outgrow it by 3 months.