A crying baby is not very pleasant to watch, especially for new parents. Babies cry for so many reasons. This could be hunger, tiredness, discomfort, or simply a need to be close to you. On average, newborn babies cry around 2–3 hours a day. Some evenings may feel endless.

That is why a large number of first-time parents are searching for similar questions. How to stop a baby from crying? Why won't a baby stop crying? And so on. Crying is normal. It’s your baby’s way of communicating. Below are researched, practical, and parent-tested Gentle Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby.

Ways to Make a Baby Stop Crying

Here are methods rooted in research and pediatric advice. Try a few. See what your baby responds to. Every baby is different.

1.     Walk or Carry the Baby

This is also called the Transport Response. It involves holding a baby close. Then walk around the room or house for 5 minutes.

Then sit and hold them for another 5–8 minutes before laying them down.

This is an effective method for soothing a baby's crying. A 2022 study found that this method calms all babies in their trial. Nearly half of them fell asleep within 5 minutes. Movement, along with close contact, simulates what they felt in the womb.

2.     The “5 S’s” Method

This is a well-known set of soothing strategies used in infant care. The 5 S are swaddle, side or stomach hold, shush, swing, and sucking.

• Swaddle: Wrap the baby snugly (but not too tightly) so their arms and legs move less.
• Side or stomach hold: When holding them, lying them slightly on their side or stomach (while you have) can feel comforting.
• Shushing: Make a “shh-shh” sound or use white noise that’s slightly louder than their cry.
• Swinging: Gentle rocking or small, rhythmic movements help.
• Sucking: A pacifier, clean finger, or nursing can calm them.

3.     Swaddling, Draping, and Gentle Pressure

This is another very effective technique to soothe a crying baby. It involves the following.

• Swaddle your baby snugly (arms inside) using a soft cotton or muslin swaddle. This provides a sense of security, akin to being in the womb.
• Drape or “hug hold”: lay the baby face down along your forearm, head supported in your elbow crease. This gentle pressure often calms fussiness.
• Gentle pressure massage. You should give light strokes on the back or belly. This can help ease tension or gas. Use unscented and cold-pressed vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, and fractionated coconut oil. Avoid strong essential oils (lavender, peppermint), especially on babies under 12 months. They can irritate the skin or the respiratory system.

Precautions

• Always test a small patch first (on the inside of your arm) and wait 24 hours to check for irritation.
• Don’t swaddle too tightly. Leave room for the hips to move to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.
• Always keep the baby's face free and clear so Breathing is never obstructed.

4.     Rocking, Bouncing & Motion

This is one of the easiest ways to calm a weeping baby. People have been using it for time immemorial.

• Rocking in a glider or rocking chair with a baby in your arms. Gentle back-and-forth motion. It mimics the movement they felt in the womb.
• Bouncing using your legs or lap. You can sit, support the baby's head, bounce up/down with your knees or core. It should not be jerky. Just create a soothing rhythm.
• “Baby cocktail” motion: Feed in an upright semi-held position and bounce gently 2-3 times/sec in small amplitudes. This has helped many parents calm babies mid-cry.

5.     Sound, Shush & Voice

Another very commonly used tip for stopping a crying baby is this one. It involves the following:

• Gentle shushing near the baby's ear mimics the sounds of the womb.
• Use a white noise machine at a soft volume to mask sudden noises in the house.
• Speak to the baby in low, calm tones or softly sing a lullaby.

Precautions

• Keep the sound machine at least a few feet away from the crib.
• Volume should be no louder than a soft conversation (ideally <50 decibels).
• Please don't rely on loud noise constantly, especially near their ears.

6.     Sucking, Pacifiers & Comfort Objects

This technique to soothe a crying baby often works when the baby is teething or uncomfortable due to some condition. It is not a very common or recommended way to calm a baby.

• Offer a pacifier or let your baby suck their clean finger if they are soothed by sucking.
• If breastfeeding, try non-nutritive sucking (using a pacifier) after feeding is established.
• Sometimes, just placing your finger in their palm allows them to self-soothe.

Precautions

• Before introducing a pacifier, you should wait until breastfeeding is well established.
• Always use age-appropriate pacifiers. Replace them regularly.
• Avoid using items with strings, beads, or any other materials that could pose a choking hazard.

Baby Crying – Things to Watch Out For & When to Seek Help

• If the baby's crying sounds are different, very high-pitched, or accompanied by lethargy, fever, or signs of illness, then call your paediatrician immediately.
• Some crying is part of the PURPLE Crying phenomenon. It is a phase many babies go through. In this phase, crying peaks and is unpredictable.
• Avoid harsh “cry-it-out” methods when the baby is very young. Some experts warn about Stress on infants, whose brains and emotions are still developing.

Learning What Works for Your Baby

When your baby cries, I am sure your heart aches. But you have techniques and patience on your side. With gentle motion, calm sound, safe holding, and caring touch, you can ease their tears.

You might try walking while holding them, wrapping them snugly, or plugging in that white noise machine you bought. Some nights one method works, other nights a mix will do the trick. Over time, you will notice what soothes your baby best. The nights will feel a bit calmer.