How to Settle a Fussy Baby
Every parent—and every baby—has their own unique journey. What works beautifully for one child may not work at all for another, and even the tricks that helped with your first baby might not work with your second. That’s perfectly normal! Parenting is all about learning, experimenting, and following your instincts.
Below are some gentle strategies to help soothe a fussy or unsettled baby. Think of them as tools in your parenting toolkit—you might use some every day, others only occasionally, and that’s okay.
Important note: If your baby is crying for long periods, seems in pain, or you are worried something might be wrong, please contact your healthcare provider (GP, maternity hospital, PHN, or nearest A&E). Your intuition as a parent is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Understanding Your Baby’s Fussiness
Newborns are experiencing a huge transition. Life outside the womb is full of new sensations—sounds, smells, lights, hunger, wet or dirty nappies, gas, and the need for comfort. All of this can be overwhelming for a tiny human.
Common reasons a baby may seem fussy include:
Overstimulation
Hunger
Tiredness or sleepiness
Being too hot or too cold
Wind or gas
Wet or dirty nappies
Feeling lonely, scared, or needing comfort
Parenting a newborn often feels like detective work: a process of elimination guided by your instincts.
Step 1: Check the Basics
Before trying anything else, make sure your baby’s basic needs are met:
Have they had a good feed?
Is their nappy clean?
Are they comfortable in their clothing and the room temperature?
Have they been burped?
If in doubt, hold your baby upright at your chest and gently rock side to side. Feeling your heartbeat can be incredibly soothing, mimicking the rhythms of life in the womb.
Step 2: Reduce Overstimulation
Babies can quickly become overwhelmed, especially later in the day. Reducing sensory input can make a big difference. Try:
Playing white noise or soft music
Closing blinds or dimming lights
Moving to a quieter room away from strong smells or household activity
Limiting the number of people coming in and out
Skin-to-skin contact with gentle rocking
Step 3: Create a Calm Energy
Babies are highly attuned to our emotions—they pick up on stress, tension, and calm. As much as possible, approach your baby with calm, loving energy.
When you’re sleep-deprived or “touched out,” this can feel impossible—but even small practices can help:
Close your eyes and take a few slow breaths
Count to ten
Repeat affirmations or gentle reminders to yourself
Focus on staying present with your baby
For more inspiration, check out our Instagram post on Calm Parenting Affirmations.
Step 4: Try Different Holds
Sometimes, simply changing how you hold your baby can make a huge difference. Upright positions often help with digestion and comfort. Some options include:
Tiger in the tree
Shoulder hold
Baby on your chest
Using a sling or baby carrier
Sitting on your lap, supporting their head and airway
Step 5: Keep Your Baby Close
Babies are born wired to feel vulnerable—they need to know they are safe. Crying is their way of expressing fear or discomfort. Just as you would comfort a loved one who is scared, your presence, touch, and voice help your baby feel secure.
Over time, as they grow, they will need less reassurance—but in the early months, closeness is everything.
Extra Soothing Tricks
Every parent-baby pair is different, but some additional techniques to try include:
Going for a walk in the stroller
Gentle bouncing on a yoga ball
Using a stretchy wrap or sling
Singing softly or humming
Baby massage
Driving or stroller rides
Gentle swaying or rocking
Cuddling in bed, rubbing their head
Walking up and down stairs slowly
A warm bath
Skin-to-skin contact
Remember, there’s no one “correct” way—what matters most is love, presence, and consistency.
If you’re a parent or a doula looking for more hands-on guidance, support, and a toolkit for helping babies and families thrive, I’d love to invite you to join my doula training program. Together, we explore nurturing techniques, baby-led methods, and ways to empower parents with confidence and calm.
