10 Tips For How To Soothe A Newborn Baby by Detroit Newborn Photographer
Hello New Parent! You’ve landed here likely because it is 2:00 am, you have a three week old baby and you’re desperately trying to figure out HOW to soothe your new little bundle of joy.
A quick introduction: I’m Chelsie and I’m a Newborn Photographer in Detroit, Michigan. I’ve photographed hundreds of babies throughout the years and I can confirm what many clients have told me - yes, I do believe that I have the best job!
Photographing newborns through the years has given me a LOT of hands on experience with babies, but in general, I’ve learned so many tips and tricks for how to sooth newborn babies with varying temperaments.
Today, I’m spilling my newborn soothing secrets with YOU!
1. Are baby’s basic needs met?
First things first, is baby hungry? Is baby’s diaper dirty? Is baby a comfortable temperature? If all the basic needs are meet, then it’s time to get onto soothing the baby.
2. Swaddle the baby
Babies LOVE to be swaddled. The newborn stage is also called the “fourth trimester” where baby wants to feel like they’re still in the womb. It’s a transitional stage for baby to adapt to life outside of the womb, hence why they still love to be swaddled and cozy. Baby might fuss while getting them swaddled, but then they’ll calm right down for you.
3. Gentle motion
Give baby a gentle motion either up and down or side to side. In the studio, I’ve used the Lulla-vibe that you can hold to baby’s bottom or put it under baby’s bouncer or crib mattress for a gentle vibe that calms baby.
4. Rub baby’s forehead
When I’m soothing a baby and you can tell their eyelids are getting heavy, I softly rub baby’s forehead from top of the forehead in a downward motion to between their eyebrows. It encourages baby to close and rest those eyes.
5. Hum or Shush
Most people know that white noise comforts babies (again, back to the “fourth trimester” and womb-like environment), so a white noise machine or a shusher is helpful. My secret weapon during a newborn photoshoot? Humming. You sound stupid doing it, but it’s effective, so I do it! A nice hhuuummmmm repeatedly does the trick.
6. Sing to baby
Singing works wonders and gives a calming, soothing sound for baby. It may help you relax more, too!
7. Go for a car ride
Babies love to be in motion, so put baby in their infant seat and go for a car ride. While you’re at it, stop at the Starbucks drive through for yourself because you deserve a little coffee treat!
8. Bath time!
Give baby a bath. This works wonders for babies, toddlers and little kids in general.
9. Baby massage
After you’ve given baby a bath, get some lavender lotion and give baby a gentle massage.
10. Solve gas problems
After you’ve met basic needs and tried all the soothing methods, does baby still seem unhappy or in pain? Gas pains is common for newborns, so try unswaddling baby and doing bicycle legs with them to try and help relieve the discomfort, or try lifting their feet up towards their belly. Baby might also be more comfortable if you’re holding them in the belly hold position - baby’s belly is laying along your forearm and hand supports their head, with your other hand on baby’s back.
There you have it! I hope you find these tips helpful while in your woes of an unhappy baby. Let me know which ones you’ve tried and what works best for your babe!
xo,
Chelsie
Chelsie Maurer is a professional photographer specializing in Maternity, Newborn, Child and Family sessions in Metro Detroit and surrounding areas. Her photography studio is located Downtown Utica, Michigan.