This Post Is All About 17 Genius Ways to Soothe A Fussy Newborn!
Do you have a fussy newborn baby that you would do anything to soothe? A newborn that is fussy for no apparent reason is one of the worst things to experience as a sleep-deprived new parent.
When this happened to me as a first time parent, I would have given my right leg to have someone take the baby from me and calm him. Or at least show me how!
Luckily for you, I now have 3 kids and 10 years of experience as a newborn photographer so I have soothed 1,000+ fussy newborns so they fall asleep peacefully!
In this post, I will tell you my top tips to try the next time your baby is fussy!
PS: Use your common sense! If your baby is beyond “just fussy,” call your pediatrician! Do what you feel is safe and best for your baby!
(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you).
Fussy Newborn? Try The Obvious First
Pick them up. This is simple. Sometimes all a baby needs is to be held, especially by mom. They know you instinctively. They may just need your warmth, your touch, and your comfort. (It is amazing to me how many sleepy newborn smiles I catch on camera when their mom is holding them!)
This may seem impossible when you have stuff to get done at home. In my first month post-partum, I liked to use a wrap carrier to keep baby from being fussy while still being able to use my arms.
Order a Wrap Carrier on Amazon
Feed the baby more. One of the main reasons a baby cries is because they are hungry. You may have *just* fed them. But remember, newborn babies have growth spurt days and sometimes want to cluster feed. They also like to suck for comfort (which is when a pacifier comes in handy.)
If you are exclusively breast feeding, you may not be producing as much milk as the baby wants or the baby may be allergic or sensitive to something you have eaten. Do not feel bad about giving the baby formula! It may be what’s best to keep the baby fed and nourished and to keep you sane!
I prefer these ready-to-feed bottles for the first month that are easy to grab in a mad rush to soothe baby. (Doesn’t have to be this brand).
Order here on Amazon.
Burp the baby. If baby is fussy just after a feed, he/she probably needs to get a burp out. Try some different burping techniques if what you’ve been trying isn’t working. (Have a burp-cloth on your hand/shoulder to catch any spit up that may come up.)
Change their diaper. Newborns can poop a lot. While some babies don’t seem to mind a dirty diaper, most don’t like it and more importantly, sitting in their own poo can cause a painful diaper rash for them. So when in doubt, check their diaper.
Pictured, below, I’ve linked the brands that I use in my studio.
Ok, if those didn’t work, now try these!
Check to see if baby is hot or cold. Remember, newborns have basically no body fat on them. So they may get colder than you would be when you have the AC on or are outside on a not-so-hot day. Especially their little toes and fingers- so bring socks or booties!
Alternately, they may be overheated if they are under a blanket and it’s hot out or are in their stroller/carseat on a sunny day. If they seem to be turning red and feel warm to the touch, remove some layers and add a clip on fan.
(These are the best booties for actually staying on a teeny tiny foot! Way better than socks!!)
Order them on Amazon
Check for hairs, fuzz, bugs, etc. There may be something on your newborn that is causing them to be fussy. Check to make sure nothing is itching or tickling them and make sure to check that nothing is wrapped around their fingers and toes, like a hair, which could actually be very dangerous and cut off circulation.
Related, if their whole body rashy and irritated, it may be that they are allergic to what their clothes are washed in. First call the doctor. And also switch to a free and gentle detergents and soaps.
Move their legs. I find that one of the 2 main reasons that babies keep fussing is because they have reflux and/or gas. If this is the case, a baby may fall asleep or stop fussing and then suddenly start again for no apparent reason. If you are holding baby, you may even be able to feel or hear the reflux/gas, even if there is no spit up.
In this case, try moving the baby’s legs in a little bicycle motion to help with the gas. If it’s reflux, that’s going to be more complicated and may require a change in diet (if breastfeeding), switching to formula, trying a Gentlease or other kind, or even medication from the pediatrician.) *Your pediatrician may have formula samples for you to try.
Order Gentlease Formula on Amazon
Next Try My Tips (I use these when photographing fussy newborn babies in my studio)
Shushing loudly in their ear. It seems to simple and too good to be true, but it surprises me how often this works. I will make the “shhhh” sound pretty loudly (get close to their ear if you are the parent) and I usually pat their bum as I do so.
They actually make a little machine for this if you want to keep up with the noise but be able to walk away. I use it in my studio.
Order the Baby Shusher on Amazon
Give them a pacifier. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH- babies like to suck for comfort. Your nipples will be soooo sore if your child is using you to pacify when they aren’t actually hungry. Pacifier are called pacifiers because, guess what- they pacify babies! Imagine that!!!
I highly recommend having a few different kinds (types of nipples) to try. Some babies really like one over another. However, I do find that most like the circle ones that I’ve linked first, below.
Change the position you are holding them in. If you are doing everything else and baby is still fussy, change their position. Some babies really prefer to face out, away from your body *Just be sure that you are still giving them the proper neck and head support.* Bounce a little and walk around like this. If they have reflux, this position will be more comfortable for them.
Scrunch their legs and bounce and rock. You can also try scrunching their legs in close to their belly to see if that helps with gas or a belly ache. Bounce with this (and make the shuushing sound) to help get any gas out.
Swaddle them. A newborn baby is used to being all scrunched up in your belly. Sometimes, they startle themselves (or even scratch themselves) with their own arms and fingers. Try a swaddle to give baby that safe womb-like feel.)
If All Else Fails
Try Gripewater. I believe gripe water helped my own babies but I have not used it on a baby in my studio since I think it’s something you should just double check with your pediatrician about. If you get the go ahead from them, I definitely thing it’s worth trying and could really help with a belly ache.
Make a doctors appointment. If none of the above tips helped, you need to call the pediatrician asap. She/he will help you figure out what may be causing baby to fuss. It could be that they are actually sick and need medication, maybe they are collicky or allergic to something etc. But, do not hesitate to call them for any reason, especially when your baby is so fresh, new, and delicate!
Change your diet. If you are breastfeeding and want to continue breastfeeding, the baby may be sensitive to something you are eating or drinking, like dairy, for example. A doctor or lactation consultant can help you with a process of elimination type system to see if it helps baby.
Change formulas. If you are using formula, baby can also be sensitive or allergic to something there. Try a gentle-ease or even a soy based kind if the doctor advises.
Ask for help! If baby is fussing and it leads to all out screaming/crying non-stop, not only should you call the pediatrician, you need to take a breather for yourself. That may mean laying baby down safely in their crib for a few minutes or handing baby off to another trusted adult, like your partner, mom, friend, etc. You have to take care of your own sanity too… and nothing will drive you crazy like a crying baby!
PS: Newborns like gentle motion and soft noise, basically what they are used to from being in the womb. Here are some other tools that may help.
This Post Was All About 17 Genius Ways to Soothe A Fussy Newborn!
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