[Submitted Question]

My baby is pretty easy-going. But sometimes, especially when she is overtired, she starts to cry and won’t stop. I need some been-there-done-that advice about the best way to help her calm herself down.

[WombToBloom]

I think some combination of the following things will usually work: swaddling, white noise or whooshing noise, lying the baby on her side, holding her close, swaying or swinging and sucking (on pacifier, breast, bottle, knuckle, whatever you’ve got!).

Little babies usually love being wrapped up tight. It makes them feel secure which should only help your little one calm herself down. Sleeping on her side can help with digestion – check out the little foam wedges they sell at the baby stores to help with this position. (I think these wedges also help with the sense of security issue.) The little machines that mimic your heartbeat can be very soothing. They’re so rhythmic that I find myself nodding off to them.

Some sort of motion may help – a swing or a car ride. Or even the patented parental sway or bounce. You know the one. If you’ve got a newborn and you’re standing up anywhere (even without the baby), you’re probably doing the sway out of habit.

And finally, this may be a dumb question, but have you tried a pacifier? I’m not a pacifier fan and none of my kids really were either. But when they work, there’s no denying it. The sucking reflex, especially for newborns, really helps them relax. Good luck!