There really seems to be only two types of newborns. Those who sleep so much you find yourself constantly peeking into their room, watching their little chests rise and fall, and then sneaking off again while wondering if you’ll ever get to tend to them.
Then there’s the fussers.
Sometimes you can figure out a fusser in just a few seconds. Or so you think. You’ve changed that foul diaper and your fusser has calmed down a bit, gurgled around on your shoulder, even eaten a bit. They look like they are about to visit the sandman and blam! Fusser is back. An hour later you’ve tried everything. Other family members have tried. Everyone is failing. As you feel the frustration building and your mind begins to wonder to all the horrors it can dredge up (sooo manyyy) you’ll find yourself desperate for a fix. Even if just a temporary one.
How to Soothe Your Fussy Newborn
While you can’t expect any single method to work for all babies, you can go through a process of elimination to determine what your unique bundle finds soothing during fussy times. Babies love motion, so check out these remedies first.
Swing Low, Sleep Baby, Please
Many babies can be lulled right to sleep by the to-and-fro of a safe baby swing. The rhythmic motion can almost instantly calm baby down. Just make sure your baby is the right size for the swing. If it is ill-fitted, you may find your baby slumping over.
Good Vibrations

Get Out and About
Get Cozy
Your baby just spent 9 months in a fairly precarious looking position. Pretty much just balled up. Believe it or not, they still do desire that feeling of warm, cozy, comfort they had when they were balled up.
Swaddle Up
Grab a weather and temperature appropriate, but lightweight blanket, place the baby in the center of it and lightly cross your baby’s arms across their chest. Babies swaddled this way often sleep more soundly and for longer periods of time.
Sling that Baby!
Use a sling to bring your baby that warm, dark and close comfort they so desire. If you’re active while wearing, especially repetitive activity (this might be a great time to get your neighborhood walk or stepper time in) the chances of your baby being lulled to sleep are even higher.
Turn it Up! Bring the Noise!
No, don’t blare your favorite pop music, instead, find sources of white noise that will soothe your baby. Turn on a fan or any other machine that is a constant source of noise or vibrations. Vacuum’s, as loud as you’d think they would be, actually do soothe many babies to sleep. If you have a white noise machine or an air cleaner that is audible, these are awesome options to try too.
Nothing is Working!
Don’t panic yet, here are a few more tips you can try before you call your doctor and make an appointment.
Pacifier Cures
Even babies who traditionally do not want a pacifier might find them comforting in times of distress. Worried about it being a bad habit? Don’t. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics there’s nothing wrong with giving a newborn a pacifier.
Cut Down on Stimuli
Turn the lights down, turn the TV off, get others to find another room to occupy for a while. Some babies simply get overstimulated and do not know how to release that tension.
Change of Scenery
Babies do get bored with the same old, same old, too! Change the scenery. Go outside, head to the park where there are children playing and making general ruckus.
Everyone Loves a Massage
Even your baby. Very lightly massage your baby. Some will find the light strokes soothing.
If you’ve tried all of these measures and still have a fussy baby, you’ll probably want to call your pediatrician for medical professional advice.
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