9 Tips from Moms to Calm a Fussy Baby

You've fed her, changed her diaper, and tried to put her down for a nap. But your child is still crying. Before you break down in tears yourself, check out these simple -- but altogether brilliant -- ways to soothe your baby fast.

By Beth Turner from Parents Magazine

  • Jupiter Images

    Get Out of the House

    My son always calmed down the instant I took him outside. We would study the wind chimes on the front porch, watch the trees sway in the breeze, and listen to the birds chirping away.

    -Janelle Southard; Wichita Falls, Texas

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • StockDisc

    Shush Her Up

    I'd hold my daughter, Marissa, against my chest as I rocked back and forth. Then I'd whisper "shhh, shhh, shhh" in her ear. She would quiet down as soon as I made that sound.

    -Kelly Alexander; Sharon, Pennsylvania

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • BananaStock/ Jupiter

    Use Your Hands

    I give my son massages. First, I warm some lotion by rubbing it between my hands, then I start at his forehead and gently rub down the bridge of his nose, across his cheeks, and down his chin and neck. Nathan especially likes it when I "knead" his arms and legs.

    -Karla Bennetts; Arvada, Colorado

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • BananaStock/ Jupiter

    Belt Out a Tune

    If I sit in a dark room and softly sing to Claire, she almost always stops crying. I sing a lullaby I made up to the tune of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"-- I substitute "I love my little Claire-Bear" for the chorus.

    -Melanie Cozard; Littleton, Colorado

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • PhotoAlto/ Matton

    Create a Water World

    Whenever my 10-month-old twins get particularly cranky, I put them in the bathtub. The change of scenery lightens their mood, and they relax when I lather them up with lavender body wash.

    -Kelly Jones; Winnemucca, Nevada

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • PhotoAlto/ Matton

    Just Chill

    When my 8-month-old daughter, Olivia, starts crying, I hold her in front of the freezer door as I open it. She's captivated by the cold air that rolls onto her face.

    -Alison Broome; Winston-Salem, North Carolina

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • Image Source/ Veer

    Bring on the Bear

    My secret weapon is a stuffed animal that plays actual recorded sounds from the womb. I got it as a gift at my baby shower, and it really works! Whenever Wyatt is inconsolable, I turn it on, and it soothes him immediately.

    -Bethany Meyer; Anaheim, California

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • Take a Look

    The one trick that worked like magic with all three of my kids was to hold them up in front of a mirror. Their fascination with the "other" baby was usually enough to make them forget what was bothering them.

    -Jennifer Packard; Needham, Massachusetts

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • BananaStock/Jupiter

    Hit the Fan

    Never underestimate the power of a ceiling fan! Whenever Aiden got really worked up and wouldn't stop crying, I would turn the fan on low and stand under it. The moving blades mesmerized him.

    -Vicki Bracken; Skippack, Pennsylvania

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!