8 Ways to Calm a Screaming Infant
By Kristi Patrice Carter

There are so many challenges involved with a newborn baby; the late night feedings, the lack of sleep, and the endless mounds of laundry. When you have a colicky baby that cries incessantly, you become even more fatigued, stressed, and frustrated. In most cases, there is nothing wrong with your baby, and the crying is not a cause for alarm. After all, your little one is probably just not used to life outside of your womb.  The baby is easily startled by new sounds, feels over-stimulated, and is quite unsettled. Luckily, there are some tried and true remedies that you can try to calm your screaming infant.

1. Swaddle Your Baby – Securely wrapping your baby in a cuddly blanket, also known as swaddling, makes them feel protected and comforted. Swaddling is an old remedy for crying babies which wraps the baby tightly in a blanket, preventing the baby from flailing its limbs,  over-stimulating the child.  If you don’t know how to swaddle, you can perfect your technique with a swaddling blanket, such as the Miracle Blanket. 
2. Soothe with White Noise – Many babies just need a reminder of the safety and serenity they felt while being in mommy’s womb. Before your baby was born, s/he was surrounded by the constant comfort of white noise, such as mom’s heartbeat and the sound of blood pumping through the placenta. Compact discs (CD’s) are available that can recreate white noise and are effective at soothing cranking or crying babies.
3. Take a Car Ride – Many parents can attest that taking a car ride is a highly effective way to calm a screaming baby. The hum of the motor coupled with the car movement is comforting to baby and the crying will stop quickly.
4. Run the Vacuum Cleaner – Your dog may run when the vacuum cleaner is switched on, but babies love the sound. The hum of the vacuum provides a constant rhythm to the child which is settling and soothing.
5. Rock Away the Tears – Rocking chairs have been a nursery staple for centuries, and there is a good reason why. Little ones love the steady rocking motion while being close to their mother or father. It helps to make a baby feel safe, secure, and loved. It is also good for you, allowing you to stop your baby’s tears while spending quiet time alone bonding with baby. If the baby is still fussy while rocking, try dimming the lights so it is dark and quiet. Then swaddle the baby to recreate a womb-like environment.
6. Use the Dryer – Babies are soothed by motion. It may sound funny or perhaps a bit ridiculous, but placing your baby’s seat next to the dryer while it is on provides a monotonous soothing experience for baby. This is usually successful in quieting a crying baby.
7. Try a Soft Song – Babies love soothing sounds.  Sometimes it just takes the soothing sound of their mother or father singing a sweet lullaby to stop the crying. It really makes no difference if you can sing or not – it is the soft, hushed sound of a familiar voice that will stop the crying.
8. Invest in a front baby carrier or sling – Babies love to be close to a parent. They feel safe, warm, and secure. This is a very familiar place for them. Many parents have found that wearing a front baby carrier, allows your little one to be bundled close to you.  Their head will rest against your chest so they can feel you breathing and hear your heartbeat.
In conclusion, calming a screaming baby doesn’t have to end with both of you in tears. By swaddling, soothing with white noise, taking a car ride, vacuuming, rocking, using the top of the dryer, singing, you’ll be able to calm baby in no time and relieve the stress of caring for and loving a fussy newborn.