13 Mar 6 Ways to Soothe Your Crying Baby in Public
Posted at 08:15h
in Babies, Child Care, New Mom, New Parents, Newborn Care, Pediatrics, Sleep, Stress
3 min. read
Any parent knows this scenario-you are out in public, going about your day when all of a sudden your baby starts crying uncontrollably. This is extremely common, even for the calmest of babies. Most babies love a good cry and don’t care where they are when they need to express themselves. Plus, when your little one is in a new environment and surrounded by unfamiliar surroundings, it can be more difficult to keep them calm, even with tactics that work inside the home.
Dealing with a crying baby in public can be stressful, overwhelming and sometimes quite embarrassing. However, if you stop, take a few deep breaths and remember these strategies, you can not only soothe and comfort your baby but handle your meltdown without having to run out of the grocery store.
- Start With the Temperature– If you are in a new environment outside the home, one of the things that may set your baby off is their temperature. Babies can be very sensitive to a change in temperature. If your baby is in a carrier, wrap or sling, they may overheat. If your baby is in a cold aisle at the grocery store, they may be uncomfortably cold. Eliminating a temperature issue right off the bat can be a great place to start.
- Put Your Baby On– Wearing your baby is an easy way to calm down a fussy child. Take a wrap or baby sling with you when you are out and put your child on your body if they are fussy. The closeness and your smell can help them stay calm.
- Stay Calm While Comforting Them– Most parents know some of the main things that can calm their baby down, and need to go through the process of elimination to determine what really irritated their baby. Whether it’s having a pacifier, eating or anything in between-chances are you know your baby better than anyone. However, the key is to make sure that you stay calm while you are going through these options. If you are stressed or irritated, it will only make things worse. A calm, soothing energy will help your baby calm down as well.
- Start Moving– If your baby has been wrapped up in a car carrier sitting still all day while you run errands, they may just want a change of scenery. Hold your baby and sway or jiggle them until they start to calm down-this is also a great alternative if you don’t have a pacifier with you.
- Use White Noise– This is one way that parents can get creative as they try to calm their soothing baby. Sometimes, finding something that will create white noise can do wonders. If your baby is overwhelmed by the noise of the busy department store, take them to the bathroom and turn on the hand dryer, it may just do the trick!
- Be Realistic– Sure. All new moms would love to be able to take their newborns with them to dinner and a movie, while their baby sleeps calmly the entire time-but that isn’t always an option. Babies have limits. You need to know when it’s best to try to calm your baby, and when it’s best to leave. However, that doesn’t mean you necessarily have to be home for good. A trip to the car or a break outside can help your baby reset when they are crying.