Every parent has been in this situation before. Your baby just ate. His/her diaper is clean. He/she isn’t cold or hot. They aren’t ill or gassy that you’re aware of. But they’re still crying. You’re grasping for a solution to calm things down. Try these methods.

1. First, relax yourself – You aren’t a failure as a parent because your child is being fussy. It happens to all babies. But children pick up on their parents anxiety, so you have to keep yourself calm and relaxed in order to “pass that energy” to your child.

2. Motion, motion, motion! – This will be your go-to trick in the beginning. Your baby spent nine months jumbling around inside your belly, so recreate it whenever you can because laying quietly still can make them uncomfortable. You could…

• Use a baby swing
• Hold baby in your arms and swivel side to side
• Use a vibrating seat
• Take a walk
• Wear your baby around

3. Offer that binky – Some people have strong opinions on this matter, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says there is nothing harmful about a pacifier. The sucking motion can quickly soothe a baby. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t give his/her binky up at a “normal” age (whatever that is). The AAP says they don’t affect development.

4. Reduce the stimulation – Overstimulation is a quick path to fussy town, but a lot of parents overlook it. Just because you can tune out of the lights and television doesn’t mean your child can. Their little nerves and brains are struggling to process the information. Create a dark, quiet, calm environment.

5. Bring on the swaddle – Even if it’s not nap time (and your child doesn’t appear tired), you can calm a cranky baby with the swaddle. It reminds them of the cozy womb. Just use a thin material so they feel pressure and contact, then hold them close to your body. Take deep, even breaths and pass that calmness to your child.

6. Meet the emotional needs – Children have more than physical needs. They have emotional needs that requires a connection with another person. If you’ve met all the physical needs, see how you can meet the emotional ones. Gaze into your baby’s eyes and stroke his/her face or belly. Hold their hands and talk softly, but directly so it’s clear they have your attention.

7. Kill the silence – Like I said, silence can be uncomfortable for children. If your house is perfectly silent, turn on some noise for your child to focus on. This could be a fan, some soft music, or (if you want your child to sleep) a white noise machine is best. Even a “shush”-ing sound helps.

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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