Describe at least three ways parents and caregivers can soothe a crying baby, and explain how or why each technique works.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There are many ways to soothe a crying baby when feeding and diaper changing do not work:
- Talk softly or play rhythmic sounds. Continuous, monotonous, rhythmic sounds (such as a clock ticking, a fan whirring, or peaceful music) are more effective than intermittent sounds.
- Offer a pacifier. Sucking helps babies control their own level of arousal.
- Massage the baby's body. Stroking the baby's torso and limbs with continuous, gentle motions relaxes the baby's muscles.
- Swaddle the baby. Restricting movement and increasing warmth often soothe a young infant.
- Lift the baby to the shoulder and rock or walk. This combination of physical contact, upright posture, and motion is an effective soothing technique, causing the baby to become quietly alert.
- Take the baby for a short car ride or a walk in a baby carriage; swing the baby in a cradle. Gentle, rhythmic motion of any kind helps lull the baby to sleep.
- Combine several methods. Stimulating several of the baby's senses at once is often more effective than stimulating only one.
- If these methods do not work, let the baby cry for a short period. Occasionally, a baby responds well to just being put down and will, after a few minutes, fall asleep.