In the early months of life, babies only have a few ways to communicate with us. They smile and giggle when happy but cry when upset or uncomfortable. No parent likes hearing their little one cry, but finding the remedy for their tears isn’t always simple. In this guide, we’ve listed some of the best ways to make a fussy baby happy.
Check Their Needs
This may sound a bit obvious, but it can be easy to overlook when you’re an exhausted parent. When your baby begins crying, the first thing you should do is check their basic needs so you can rule this out. For instance, your infant may cry because they need you to change their diaper. Other basic needs that you should check include the following:
- Hunger and thirst
- Too hot or cold
- Boredom
- Overstimulation
In the early days of parenthood, determining which of these is the reason why your baby feels unhappy is tricky. However, as you get to know your baby discerning their different cries becomes more natural.
A Tip for Parents
Your baby may also cry if they feel gassy. If they become fussiest after eating, try out various tips to soothe a gassy baby, such as moving their legs or swapping formulas.
Keep Your Baby Close
One wonderful way to keep your baby comfy and secure is by carrying them around. Many parents do this by wearing a baby carrier or ring sling to remain hands-free with their little ones pressed against them.
Before buying one of these essentials, there are a few things to know before wearing a ring sling carrier, such as how to wear it properly. Your baby should feel snug when pressed against your chest and always remain upright. Additionally, your back should remain straight whenever you wear your baby, as leaning forward could cause back pain.
Introduce a Teether
During teething, your baby’s gums become incredibly sore, and this milestone moves in several stages. An infant can start teething as early as four months old, though most begin around six months. If your little one is around this age, continuously cries, and tries biting on things, it may be time to invest in some teethers.
Talk to Their Doctor
If nothing seems to soothe your infant, the final way to make a fussy baby happy is to make an appointment with their doctor. Sometimes, when babies have a cold, ear infection, or other medical-related issues, they cry more to vocalize their discomfort. Their doctor can perform a close examination and offer the best remedies based on their professional expertise.
A Final Note
As a parent, it’s easy to be hard on yourself. This is natural; you only want the best for your little one, and all that crying can feel heartbreaking. Remind yourself that you’re an incredible parent who does their best for their bundle of joy. You got this!