I am not pretending to be a prize-winning mom.
I only just started a few months ago.
But I read through out my pregnancy, well from when I found out, and decided I would not use a pacifier until I was ready to wean or it became too unbearable.
This can help calm a baby with little to no effort, but instead I decided to learn calming techniques myself and this is what I have found that works.
Assuming, of course, that your baby is not hungry or too cold or hot and that she has clean diapers you can progress to these little tricks.
My daughter could be covered in poop and she would continue to sleep soundly, but that's babies, each one is different and unique and what doesn't work with one, could be the perfect potion for the next.
And since child-rearing methods have transformed and metamorphosed from the 1980's talcum powder bearing and stomach sleeping tots to today's opposite methods so can every technique in the book given the right number of years and the current batch of medical leaders.
So although I did try swaddling and pacifying one frustrated day, the techniques below had much more merit with my little one: 1.
) Singing.
A mother or father singing to their child is like honey to the ears.
Since he heard your voices from in the womb, lifted in song is only a bigger delight for a little one who's qualms are beyond a grown person's understanding.
Try any lullaby you know or simply humming is great, especially when the baby is close to your vocal chords which can produce a nice little vibration.
2.
) Bouncing.
Babies love being in motion and there are a wide variety of ways to do this.
My favorite is taking her on a gym ball or birthing ball.
She giggles the higher I bounce but falls right to sleep with easy rhythmical bounces and it tones mom as well.
If you have a car a ride on a gravel road can replace this or a bus ride.
3.
) Take a walk.
I don't own a stroller but pack her instead in my baby carrier which keeps her close and warm and gives her a bit of number 2 plus fresh air and optionally some indirect sunlight.
4.
) Holding.
Sometimes babies just want to be responded to with love when they vent their unspoken feelings.
Holding them close to your heart especially slightly reclining on a bed or in a rocking chair can put them immediately at ease.
Also, the magic baby hold is great (left arm wrapped under head and right arm between baby's legs and folding hands over baby's tummy).
Couple this with number one or put on some music and move.
5.
) Skin-to-skin.
Get even closer by taking off both of your clothes and holding her right up to you.
You can couple this with a massage, especially after bath-time.
I give my daughter a gentle scalp massage with about a half teaspoon of mustard oil along with a body massage with the same amount of almond oil both purchased cheaply at an Indian market.
6.
) Changing.
Maybe he is simply bored with his surroundings, or, no offense, the person caring for him.
Changing the room or house or simply giving him to dad or grandma for a bit could surprise him enough to put him straight to sleep.
If absolutely nothing seems to be working, don't just let her cry.
Call the pediatrician immediately; there may be a medical problem.