5 Tips to Keep Your Newborn Happy and Calm
Welcoming a newborn into your life is a beautiful experience, but it also comes with the challenge of understanding your baby’s needs.
Every cry, coo, and gesture can be a form of communication, and figuring out how to keep your little one content may feel overwhelming at times.
Here are five tried-and-true tips to help keep your newborn happy and calm.
Establish a Soothing Routine
Newborns thrive on routine. Establishing a soothing and consistent daily routine can provide your baby with a sense of security, which helps them remain calm.
Try creating a simple routine that includes feeding, changing, cuddling, and sleep times. By sticking to predictable patterns, your baby will start recognizing what’s coming next, reducing their stress.
Gentle cues like dimming the lights or using soft music before bedtime can signal that it’s time to sleep.
Swaddle for Comfort
Swaddling is a centuries-old practice that can work wonders for calming newborns.
Wrapping your baby snugly in a soft, breathable swaddle mimics the cozy feeling they had in the womb, which can help soothe them when they’re fussy or overstimulated.
Baby swaddles, designed to be safe and comfortable, also prevent the startle reflex, which often wakes infants during sleep.
Just make sure to swaddle them securely but not too tightly, allowing their hips and legs some room to move.
Use Gentle Motions
Newborns love gentle movements, especially when they’re feeling unsettled. Rocking, swinging, or gentle bouncing can remind them of the motion they felt while in the womb, providing instant comfort.
You can use a rocking chair or simply hold your baby close and sway back and forth. A baby swing can also be a handy tool for some downtime during the day.
Ensure the movements are slow and soothing rather than fast or jerky, which might overstimulate your baby.
Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact
Nothing quite compares to the power of skin-to-skin contact.
Holding your newborn close to your chest, with their skin touching yours, can help regulate their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, keeping them calm and relaxed.
This connection also releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which is beneficial for both you and your baby.
Skin-to-skin contact can be especially helpful when your newborn is upset or having trouble settling down for sleep.
Respond Quickly to Cues
Newborns can’t express their needs verbally, so they rely on crying or other cues to communicate with you.
One of the most effective ways to keep your baby calm is to respond promptly to their signals.
Whether they’re hungry, wet, or simply need some comfort, quickly attending to your baby’s needs will help them feel secure. Over time, this responsiveness helps build trust and strengthens your bond.
Keeping your newborn calm and content isn’t always easy, but with these simple tips, you can create a soothing environment that helps your little one feel secure.
Whether it’s through the snug comfort of baby swaddles, a calming routine, or the warmth of skin-to-skin contact, you can ensure that your baby remains peaceful and happy during those early months.
