Settling tips for a calm baby

In the first few months, settling your baby can be challenging and you might feel frazzled more times than not. 

As your bub adjusts to sleeping, feeding and growing there will be moments where settling them may prove difficult, but with a little tenacity and patience, you can establish a routine. 

A good routine in the first three weeks is to feed your baby then spend a time of play and bonding with bub. 

After a while, look out for signs that your baby might be getting tired. They might clench their fists, display jerky movements or start to grimace. 

When you see these signs, it’s time to take them to a quiet place and start to settle them. 

Make sure that they have a clean nappy and that the blinds are drawn and the noise is reduced. 

Next wrap the baby to help them feel safe and secure. If the baby is left to thrash around in their sleep then it’s unlikely they will settle easily. 

Once they are wrapped hold them in your arms for a cuddle and maybe a gentle song and gentle rhythmical patting or soft rocking. 

Then look out for signs of their eyelids closing and general relaxation so you can place them in their cot. 

Some babies might find it hard to settle at home, if so try carrying your baby in a pouch or take them for a walk in the pram outdoors or sometimes a drive round the block can help. 

As your baby gets older at around 6-9 months, they may wake up restless, but you can give them time to resettle themselves and teach them to self soothe as long as they are not left crying for longer than two to four hours a day, according to government guidelines. 

If you are struggling to settle your baby, always seek professional advice from a Child Health Nurse.