How to Soothe Your Fussy Baby

First, it is important to remember that crying/fussing is a normal activity for babies. It is the main way they communicate their wants and needs to their caregivers. During the first few months of life, babies have to adjust to a lot of changes and have limited coping mechanisms. They have just transitioned from the womb where they experience constant warmth, white noise, gentle movements and continuous nutrition. Now, they must learn to find comfort in a world that is a cold, noisy, and more unpredictable. Around 2 months of age, babies become better at self-soothing. Until then, you cannot spoil your baby while helping them through this initial time of transition.
When your baby is crying, go through a mental checklist of possible causes.

Is my baby hungry? Did my baby just eat and need to burp?
Does my baby have a wet or soiled diaper?
Is my baby cold? Or hot?
If all of these needs are met, your baby may just need some additional help soothing herself.

Comfort Techniques

Although crying and fussing can't be completely eliminated, you may be able to comfort your baby and reduce crying and fussing with the following methods:
1. Rhythmic motions. A soothing, rhythmic activity is one of the best ways to help a baby relax. The following techniques may allow you to help your baby settle down and fall asleep:

Rocking your child in a cradle or bassinet.
Cuddling your child in a rocking chair.
Swaying side to side while holding your child.
Placing your child in a windup swing or vibrating chair.
Holding your baby while bouncing on an exercise ball.
Going for a stroller ride (outdoors or indoors).

2. Swaddling or snuggling. This will help your baby feel secure and warm. Swaddling (using a thin blanket or sleep sack) is especially helpful for calming younger babies and can help increase sleep duration. Alternatively, you can place your child in a baby sling or wrap, which keeps her close to you while freeing up your hands. With slings or wraps, be sure your baby’s chin is not buried in their chest and there is good air circulation as there have been some reports of suffocation with these types of carriers.

3. Positioning. After you have swaddled your baby, hold them in a side lying position or on the tummy while gently providing those rhythmic motions.

4. Calming sounds. This can minimize outside stimuli and help soothe the baby by mimicking the environment of the womb. Try a white noise machine, or run a fan, vacuum, or washer/dryer.

5. Using a pacifier. The act of sucking is comforting for babies, and a pacifier may be able to provide instant relief.

Often, babies require a combination of all of the above techniques to calm themselves.

Additional Tips:

Consider a trial (1 week or more) of a probiotic that is formulated for infants and contains Lactobacillus GG or reuteri. Some example brands include Gerber Soothe Probiotic Colic Drops and Baby BioGaia ProTectis drops. A study performed in 2010 showed a reduction in crying and fussiness in 50% of young babies evaluated. Do not use in premature babies or babies with other health problems unless advised by a pediatrician.
It is normal to hear your baby’s tummy gurgling during or apart from feeding. It is normal for your baby to have gas and to pass gas. Your baby will take in air with feeding regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or which bottle you use.
If you are concerned that your baby’s crying or fussiness may be related to a cow’s milk intolerance, please speak with your Pediatrician about these concerns. Check out www.healthychildren.org/english/healthy-living/nutrition/pages/milk-allergy.aspx for more information.
Do not put the baby carrier on the dryer or washer as it runs; it could wiggle its way off and injure your baby.
Despite all of our best efforts to calm a fussy baby, your baby may continue to cry. Your baby may also be crying from overstimulation. If that is the case, it is ok to swaddle the baby and place them in their crib in a dark room. This will give you a chance to take a break and take a breath. It is physically and emotionally hard to care for a fussy baby!
If you feel frustrated or angry and think you may harm or shake your baby, set your baby down in the crib and leave the room. Your baby will be safe in their crib. If possible, call a friend or relative to come over to help.
Swings can be helpful to provide rhythmic movement and white noise to help calm your fussy baby. Swings do not work for every fussy baby.
If crying continues, check your baby’s temperature. Fever is 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) per rectum; call your pediatrician immediately for fever in an infant less than 2 months old.
Get rest when possible and ask for help. Avoid fatigue and extreme exhaustion. Try to nap at least once a day, in case the night goes badly.
Take breaks. Make sure you have opportunities to get out of the house and clear your mind. These breaks are not acts of selfishness—instead, they will allow you to better nurture and care for your baby.
This is a great time to find support from other new parents. Look into new Mom or Dad groups in your neighborhood. It is often helpful to realize you are not alone as a new parent.

Check out the book, The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying, and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer:by Harvey Karp for more details.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Call IMMEDIATELY if:

Your baby cries inconsolably for more than 3 hours.
You are afraid you might hurt your baby.
Your baby is acting very sick.

Call during office hours if:

You are having difficulty finding ways to soothe your baby's crying.
The crying continues after your baby reaches 4 months of age.
You think your baby may be hungry and not gaining weight.