Calm a Crying Baby

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How to Soothe the Baby

  1. Check physical needs first:

    • Is the baby hungry?

    • Thirsty?

    • Need to be burped?

    • Too hot or cold?

    • Diaper dirty?

  2. Check for signs of illness or fever.

    If you think the baby may be sick, seek medical attention immediately.

  3. Rock the baby,

    hold the baby close, or walk with the baby.

  4. Stand up,

    hold the baby close, and repeatedly bend your knees.

  5. Sing or talk

    to the baby in a soothing voice.

  6. Gently rub or stroke

    the baby's back, chest or tummy.

  7. Offer a pacifier

    or try to distract the baby with a rattle or toy.

  8. Swaddle the baby

    with a soft blanket.

  9. Take the baby for a ride

    in a stroller or in a car seat in the car

  10. Turn on some music

    or noise, such as a vacuum cleaner or clothes dryer

Try each of the above for a few minutes before trying something else, or try a few together.

If nothing seems to work, it is okay to leave the baby in a safe place (like a crib or infant seat) and take time to calm down. Leave the room. Shut the door. Take a few deep breaths. Call a friend or family member.

KOHL'S SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME
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