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Everyday Newborn Care: Guide to Soothing & Settling A Crying Baby
The same booklet we give new parents at the clinic, in your inbox.
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Crying is your baby's only language — it's communication, not a failure on your part. Some babies cry more than others, and that's just temperament, not something you did wrong.
How can I swaddle my baby safely to help them settle?
Wrapping baby snugly (arms in, hips loose enough to move) recreates the secure feeling of the womb and can reduce startling.
What's the best way to hold a crying baby?
Holding baby on their side or against your forearm, face supported, while awake and supervised can be calming — always place them back on their back to sleep.
Why does shushing calm a crying baby?
A steady "shhh" sound or white noise mimics the whooshing baby heard in the womb and can drown out startling household noise.
Does rocking or swaying actually help settle a fussy baby?
Gentle, rhythmic motion — rocking, a sway, a walk — is often more effective than stillness for a fussy baby.
Is it okay to let my baby suck on a dummy or their finger to settle?
Sucking (breast, bottle, clean finger, or dummy once feeding is established) has a naturally calming, organising effect.
What's the difference between normal fussiness and colic?
Normal fussiness usually responds to soothing within a reasonable time and happens in bursts, often evenings. Colic — crying more than 3 hours a day, 3+ days a week, for 3+ weeks in an otherwise healthy baby — is exhausting but not dangerous, and worth mentioning to your provider for extra support.
What if I feel overwhelmed by my baby's crying?
It's okay to place your baby safely in their cot and step away for a few minutes if you feel overwhelmed. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of them.
How can City Osteopathy Integrated Health help with a hard-to-settle baby?
Most crying is normal communication, and the techniques above cover the majority of it. If your baby is consistently difficult to settle alongside other signs, such as arching, stiffness, or feeding difficulties, that combination is worth having assessed rather than put down to a fussy phase. Our Paediatric Osteopaths look at how your baby is moving, feeding, and holding themselves as part of a full picture.
When should I see someone about my newborn's crying?
If you've been wondering for a while now whether your baby's crying is tied to something physical rather than just a fussy stretch, an assessment is the direct way to find out.
Book an appointment below or request a callback, and we'll take it from there.
