Self Soothing: Baby soothing techniques

Are you wondering why your baby sucks her thumb? Worried it might cause more harm than good? Here's what you need to know about this and a few other soothing techniques.

Thumb-sucking

Sucking is an instinctive behaviour for newborns. You may be tempted to discourage thumb-sucking to prevent your baby's teeth from coming in crooked, but it's better to let her indulge in the habit for now. The ability to self-comfort will help your baby fall asleep faster, as well as fall back to sleep if she wakes up at night.

Other baby-soothing techniques that work

Most babies experience crying spells, often in the late afternoon. Don't worry too much if you can't seem to find the reason. Crying can be a normal part of her nervous system maturing. Try gently rocking or swaddling her, singing softly or carrying her in a sling or front carrier.

One or more of these techniques may be more effective than the others, so keep trying to see what will help comfort your baby.