23 Ways to Soothe a Fussy Newborn

The first time you hear your baby cry is a thrilling experience; it's a sign she's entered the world healthy with a great set of lungs! But as the weeks go by, the thrill may quickly give way to concern and frustration.

As you will inevitably learn, babies cry a lot. Sometimes, the reason is obvious: Baby is hungry, wet, or tired, and wants you to address her needs. Other times, getting the tears to stop is not such a simple process. That's why figuring out how to soothe and calm a baby when nothing else seems to do the trick is so important.

While no single method works for all babies, you'll soon develop a repertoire of techniques that's perfect for your child. In the meantime, read on for some time-tested ideas to help your little fusser feel better.

For baby, spending nine months inside Mom's belly is literally like living in a mobile home. Even when you sleep, your body is moving, so when baby enters the world, lying quietly in a bassinet may seem oddly still and unfamiliar. Shaking things up a bit may make her more comfortable.

1. Rock-a-bye baby: Place baby in your arms, stand with your feet slightly more than hip-width apart, and swivel back and forth at the hips. Your movement can be fairly vigorous as long as you're holding baby close. When you get tired, use the rocking chair.

2. Swing, swing, swing: Baby swings offer soothing, rhythmic motion that helps calm baby down. Just make sure the swing is designed for a small baby, as little ones may slump over in a large one.

3. Get some good vibrations going: The vibrating motion of a washing machine or dryer has saved the sanity of many a frustrated parent. Place baby in an infant seat, put it on top of the appliance, and hold on to it firmly so the seat stays in place.

4. Tool around the block: The smooth, consistent motion of a car or stroller ride, in addition to the snug comfort of a car seat or stroller, lulls many fussy babies to sleep.

5. Dad is king: Or so say many moms, when it comes to soothing. Maybe it's because his strong arms can rock her more quickly. Maybe it's because he swaddles her more tightly. Or maybe he's just bigger and warmer. But who cares what the reason is? Get him to help and give yourself a break.