With the holidays approaching - tomorrow - the amount of added stress on everyone can make the easiest baby crazy. Here are some tried and true methods of calming almost any baby for at least a while. One tidbit to keep in mind is that some babies accomodate to calming tactics meaning something that worked for a while no longer works. Usually trying a new method will work but it may take some trial and error to figure out which one works best.

The Happiest Baby on the Block, by Dr. Harvey Karp recommends:

Swaddling - There are many versions of the technique but the key is to keep the arms and legs swaddled as well.

Shushing - "SHhhh" - Loudly and constantly

Swinging - while cradled in your arms not necessarily gently but not violently

Sidelying - sometimes on their stomachs or in the football carry or facing out rather than nestled in to your body

Sucking - pacifier, bottle, breast, finger (usually a clean pinky with nail resting on the tongue)

These require you to exercise - not bad if you are trying to shed some pregnancy weight...

Deep knee beds

Walking

Bjorn

Sling

stroller outside

bouncing on a therapy ball

bouncing genlty on a trampoline

Some ideas that require more effort from you

Driving in the car

Swinging on a swing

warm bath

Music/noise:

Anything with a base thump

White noise machine

The dryer or washer

The vacuum

Baby Einstein

News radio

Recording of woumb sounds

Baby heart beat recording

Watching tv (golf - because they whisper)

Ceiling fan/bathroom fan

Watching:

Traffic

Fireplace

TV

Mirror

Rain

Shower

Each child is different so if you have a tried and true way you have used please share it with all of us!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!