How to Soothe a Crying Baby

I have several friends from church and MOPS that have little babies. They are so sweet when you see them at church, but I remember quite well the struggle of getting those wee ones to sleep. I recall the night that my infant son woke up crying, had a slight fever, and I tried to get him to nurse. He wouldn't nurse! After listening to him crying off and on for more than an hour, not being able to soothe him, we took him to the E.R. He had an ear infection! We were glad we took him in, but it's not always that easy or convenient. My oldest daughter Rebekah was colicky too, so we got used to a fussy baby every evening and were so thankful when that went away around 3 months. Those were tough times, it is important to have support and a break when and if you can...
I wrote this list from several books that I had read. I hope it helps!

NORMAL CRYING PERIODS

1. Just before feeding

2. When baby is put down for a nap

3. During the late afternoon/ early evening (fussy) period

My youngest baby all dressed up and kinda sad...
~6 weeks old

WHAT TO DO WHEN BABY CRIES

1. THINK about baby’s routine and circumstances.

2. PRAY that God will give you wisdom as His Word promises. Pray that you will determine why your child is crying and then respond as God would have you respond.

3. TAKE ACTION based on what you have heard and concluded. SOMETIMES NO ACTION IS THE BEST ACTION to take. Take note of how long the baby has cried. Check on them in their crib to be sure that they are not hurt, etc., Special time in Mommy’s arms may be all that is needed.

OTHER IDEAS

-Allow others to comfort the child (spouse, Grandma, friends)

-Hold and sing to baby--song ideas:  -Jesus Loves Me

-God is so good                         -Kum Ba Yah   

-You are my sunshine                 -Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star 

-Bye-Low my baby                    -I Love you ...       ETC.!

-Place them near soothing music, --EX: Kenny G, Piano, Praise Music

-Rock them, walk or rock with baby in your arms, place in cradle to rock.

-Allow baby to relax in baby swing.

-Take them for a stroller ride. (gives you fresh air & different scenery)

-Place in an infant seat (near a window?)

-Put baby in a front carrier pack and “work” with them there.

-Hold baby up against your chest-- so they can hear your heartbeat & smell you.

-Swaddle them in a blanket.

-Give them a warm bath to relax them.

-Place in crib with musical mobile turned on for a few minutes.

-Allow home “noise” to put them to sleep--dryer, dishwasher, sewing machine, static on radio..  

-Take them for a ride in the car.

-Burp him or her, because a crying baby will swallow air.

-Does baby have gas? Possibly try mylecon drops.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS...

If your baby is warm, clean, dry, fed & changed, then sometimes you need to let them cry. It is exercise for them & their lungs, and it will not hurt them.They will eventually tire of it. (We hope!) It may help you to take your baby monitor, a book, and go outside. Put on headphones, get music going, and check on him or her now & then. Sometimes nothing can help! :(

REMEMBER...

This too shall pass! This stage will not last forever.
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Verses that relate:
Isaiah 49:15
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

"Instead, we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,  so we cared for you..." 

Psalm 22:9
"Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast."

I hope this helps some of you moms with young babies!