How to Calm a Newborn

The postpartum period is a time when we can feel a rollercoaster of emotions. We are balancing maternal physical recovery, close relationships, nurturing a new bond, trying to sleep - the list could go on. A baby crying (especially a fresh one) is overwhelming. As a Newborn Care Specialist, Postpartum Doula, and mom of (almost) 2 children, I hope this research-based blog is a resource for anyone trying to make it through one (or many) of these stressful moments.

Try to Stay Calm

I know… It’s easier said than done. Having a baby cry is already stressful enough, but having YOUR baby cry can feel like a casual panic attack. Multiple studies show babies can sense unease. According to this study in San Franscisco, babies can show physical correspondence changes to anxiety.

Check for Basic Needs

Hunger

Most newborns need 8-12 feedings a day, spread out every 2-3 hours.

Diaper Change
Burping
Temperature

Make sure the baby is not too hot or too cold.

3. Try the 5 S’s (Dr. Harvey Karp’s Method)

The 5 S’s for soothing a newborn are a set of techniques developed by Dr. Harvey Karp to help calm fussy babies. They mimic the womb's environment and are my personal favorite for soothing during those night wakings.

Swaddle – One of the first things I go over with parents is how to swaddle properly.

Always place baby on their back to sleep.
Ensure the swaddle is snug around the arms but loose around the hips to prevent hip dysplasia.
Stop swaddling when your baby starts showing signs of rolling over. This typically happens anywhere between 2-4mo.

Side/Stomach Position – Hold baby on their side or stomach (only when awake and supervised).
Shushing – Use white noise, a fan, or gently shush near the baby’s ear.
Swinging – Rock, bounce or use rhythmic movement.
Sucking – Offer a pacifier, bottle, or breast for soothing.

4. Use Skin-to-Skin Contact

Not only does skin-to-skin promote bonding, but it helps regulate your baby’s breathing, heartbeat, and body temperature.

5. Create a Calm Environment

Ideal for if your baby is losing it during loud or large gatherings! Chances are, your baby is overstimulated!

Dim the lights and reduce noise.
Try a warm bath—water can be very soothing.
Use white noise—fans, heartbeat sounds, or gentle lullabies can calm a baby.

6. Change the Scenery

Take the baby for a walk in a stroller or baby carrier. This does wonders for mom AND baby.
Go for a car ride.
Gently rock or sway while holding the baby.

7. Try Different Holding Positions

A lot of babies have a favorite hold.

Football hold – Baby’s stomach down along your forearm.
Over-the-shoulder – Good for burping and comfort.
Cradle hold – Classic hold with head supported in your arms.

8. Offer a Gentle Massage

A light infant massage on the baby’s back, arms, and legs can promote relaxation. This is also a great tool for a baby with tummy issues!

9. Rule Out Medical Issues

If your baby is crying for hours and nothing is working, check for:

Gas or colic (crying for 3+ hours daily, often at the same time each day).
Reflux (spitting up frequently, discomfort after feeding).
Illness (fever, ear pulling, unusual crying).
If any of these seems to be happening, consult your pediatrician

Final Thoughts/Conclusion

There are so many ways to soothe a newborn. This step-by-step guide teaches how to calm a baby and how to learn their cues. Understanding a child’s cues could help nannies, parents, and other family members gain a deeper bond. If you need help implementing this guide, feel free to reach out to Harmony! We have an amazing network of Newborn Care Specialists, Night Nurses, and Doulas who can help!

Harmony Baby Concierge is a full-service Newborn Care + Postpartum Support Agency based in Dallas, Austin and Houston, Texas.. We have a well-rounded team of Newborn Care Specialists, Night Nurses, Postpartum Doulas, Newborn Night Nannies and Baby Nurses. We provide lactation support, newborn care, night nursing, gentle sleep training and parent education to families of newborns. We serve all families with love, warmth and care. Serving: Dallas, Austin, Houston, Highland Park, University Park, Kessler Park, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Plano, Frisco, Celina, Prosper, Fort Worth, Southlake, Westlake, Irving, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Houston, Manvel, Galveston, West University, Austin, Barton Creek, Round Rock, Houston, Denver, New York City, Greenwich CT, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Englewood Colorado, Cherry Hills Village CO, and Surrounding Areas.