Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
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Tips for Safely Soothing a Crying Baby
Babies cry for many reasons and■ Sing or talk to the baby inBabies cry for many reasons and it canit can be stressful on a parent orsoothing tones
caregiver when your baby doesn’t■ Create “white” or backgroundbe stressful on a parent or caregiverrespond to attempts at soothing and/noise with a fan or soundwhen your baby doesn’t respond toor crying becomes prolonged. This ismachine
attempts at soothing and/or crying
referred to as inconsolable crying. This
■ Swaddle the baby; before
type of crying usually peaks aroundbecomes prolonged.
attempting this, discuss safe
two months of age. It is unpredictable,
swaddling techniques with youroften happening for no apparent
healthcare provider
reason. There is typically a pain-like expression on the■ Hold the baby and breathe slowly and calmly; the baby
baby’s face. Crying bouts are often long, lasting 30 to 40
may feel your calmness and become quiet
minutes or more, and commonly occur in the evening.
■ Take the baby for a walk outside in a stroller or for a
Being a first time parent or caregiver, transitions back toride in the car seatwork and other factors can leave parents feeling increased
worry or stress about inconsolable crying in their baby.
Additional Helpful Tips:
For a parent or caregiver, the most important thing isstaying calm and aware that your baby needs your care and■ Increasing the amount of carrying, comforting, walking,support, even if you may be feeling stress or frustration. Itand talking can reduce crying by 50%
is important to take care of yourself and manage your own■ Be patient, take a deep breath and count to 10;
stress so you are able to care for your baby. It can be helpful
remember, when you are calm, it helps the baby to feelto have friends or family members who are available to givecalm and helps you to make safer decisions
assistance if your baby’s crying becomes too upsetting for■ If you are beginning to feel stressed, call a friend oryou; consider planning in advance so you have someone torelative to talk with or whom you can trust to take overcall for help if this occurs. It is critical that you DO NOT
for a while, then get away, get some rest, and take care of
shake a baby to manage crying or for any other reason
yourself; getting help before you become overwhelmed
because this can lead to severe injury or death. Fortunately,is caretaking of you and your baby
planning in advance and understanding techniques tomanage crying can help reduce stress for both you and your ■ If the crying is too upsetting, put the baby down ina safe place, and take a break from the crying; it isbaby. Below is information that can help you care for yourbetter to leave the baby crying in a safe place and allow
baby and yourself when managing inconsolable crying:yourself to calm down than become so upset that youlose control
Meet the Baby’s Basic Needs First:■ Remember… NEVER SHAKE A BABY!
■ Feed the baby
■ Burp the baby
■ Change the diaper■ Make sure clothing isn’t too tight■ Make sure the baby isn’t too hot or too cold
■ If you suspect the baby is ill, call a doctor

Additional Techniques for Soothing a Baby:■ Sit and rock with the baby
■ Offer the baby a pacifier■ Lower any surrounding noise and lights■ Offer the baby a rattle toy and gently shake it

Adapted from the USACHPPM “Tips for Soothing a Crying Baby”
Resources:
Crying Baby Hotline 1-866-243-BABY (2229), Available 24/7
Military OneSource call 1-800-342-9647, Available 24/7
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/Local Army Community Service or visit 			https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/
Federal-Benefits/Army-Community-Service(ACS)?serv=120
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome: 		https://dontshake.org/