Surefire ways to calm your baby (that work every time)

With no words yet to tell you what they want, one of your baby’s main ways of communicating with you is through tears.

Which means they’ll cry for any number of reasons: from feeling hungry or tired to just wanting a hug. And while seeing your baby upset can be difficult for parents, there are simple and effective ways to work out what they need … and gently soothe them.

In fact, this ability to be calmed is a really important part of your baby’s development and helps them learn to self-regulate their emotions. That’s why Calming and Soothing is the first Fisher-Price ‘Smilestone’ – milestones with a smile – that your baby will reach.

New to these key developmental stages? Here are the Smilestones every new parent should know, all with an added sprinkle of magic thanks to the experts at Fisher-Price. And check out the brilliant range of Fisher-Price toys that help your baby learn through play.

Here are 4 surefire ways to calm your crying baby…

 The Fisher-Price® Soothe 'n Snuggle Otter mimics breathing motions

1. Play detective

A common Google search for parents is, ‘Why do babies cry?’. And the answer is, there is no one reason. Sorry! Instead, it’s up to you to play detective to figure out what’s wrong.

If they're rubbing their eyes, they could be tired. Not consoled by hugs? They’re probably hungry. Some parents swear by a crying ‘checklist’: going through all the things that could be causing your baby to be upset and striking them off the list until you discover what’s really behind the tears.

If they’re a little overwhelmed, the Fisher-Price® Soothe 'n Snuggle Otter mimics breathing motions. This helps soothe them naturally and they'll get a sensory boost from the soft fur too.

The Fisher-Price® Calming Vibes Elephant Soother gently vibrates

2. Respond when they cry

Your baby likes to know you’re close, so quickly reacting when they cry with a cuddle and kiss will help soothe them.

They’ll also get comfort from your breathing and the feel of your heart beating. The clever team at Fisher-Price Play Lab know this, and have created the Calming Vibes Elephant Soother. The cuddly toy gently vibrates to comfort your baby, and also plays music. 

3. Look at the bigger picture

Discovering the world around them is exciting for your baby, but it can also be overwhelming. And that can often cause them to get upset. 

Which means the first step in how to calm your baby is looking at what is happening around them. Is it too noisy, too bright, too hot or cold? If you think it’s any of these things, make simple changes: from dimming the lights to turning off the TV or radio. You’ll quickly know if you’ve got it right as your baby will be much calmer.

The Fisher-Price® Rainbow Showers Bassinet to Bedside includes a Ready, Steady, Sleep playlist

4. Start singing

Don’t worry if your voice isn’t quite X Factor-worthy. Softly singing to your baby is a brilliant way to soothe them according to experts, and they won’t mind at all if you’re out of tune!

Sing nursery rhymes or your favourite songs. And look for toys that include music like the Fisher-Price® Rainbow Showers Bassinet to Bedside. It features a Ready, Steady, Sleep playlist with gently soothing sounds and music.

Find out more about your baby's Calming and Soothing Smilestone and shop the Fisher-Price range here.

Smilestones by Fisher-Price

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