How to soothe your baby

You may have heard advice from friends and family on how to calm your crying baby, but sometimes it's best to come up with your own comforting techniques. Give the following tricks a try.

1. Make sure that your baby is fed and dry

Of course a wet, hungry baby is going to cry. Once you've changed and fed him, it'll be easier to calm him down.

2. Hold your baby

Sometimes a crying baby just wants to be held. Just as you love your baby, he loves you too and wants to feel your touch.

3. Rock your baby

The back-and-forth motion is comforting for your baby. It may be just the calming action he needs.

4. Walk around the house

A little walk around your house might do the trick. A change in scenery is sometimes all it takes.

5. Put on some music

Some gentle music may help to ease his tears. The soft noise often helps to distract your baby and calm his cries. Singing to him might also help.

6. Rub or pat your baby's back

As you hold your baby, try rubbing his back up and down, in a circular motion. You can also lightly pat his back. The rhythmic patting can mimic your heartbeat, which is a sound that your baby is used to from his time in the womb.

These soothing strategies can do wonders for stopping tears. Learning some good ways to comfort your baby will make you both feel better.