For new parents, there are few things that are as distressing as the sound of their baby crying—and if your baby sobs the second you put him or her down, it can sometimes make you feel like crying too.
Before you burst into tears, take a deep breath and remember that infants have only one way to communicate—through crying. If you've made sure that your baby's tummy is full, their diaper is dry, and they aren't too hot or too cold, it's time to find a new technique to stop the tears.
But how do you give your arms a break and still give your baby the comfort that he or she needs? While nothing can beat being rocked in your arms, a swing can come pretty close for most babies. Learn how to calm a fussy baby with the help of a baby swing (and give yourself a little break, too!).
The Magic of Motion to Calm a Fussy Baby
Why do so many new parents rely on baby swings for the first weeks and months of their baby's lives? In the womb, your baby was in constant motion, moving every time you did—so the gentle, rhythmic motion of a baby swing is a calming and familiar sensation. Pick a baby swing that offers a variety of speeds and motions, like the MamaRoo®4 Infant Seat. It was designed with five unique motions and five unique speeds so you can combine settings 25 different ways to find the just-right motion that your newborn loves.
Make Some Noise While Baby Swings
The womb isn't a quiet place. The beating of your heart, the whooshing of your blood, and the sound of your voice are the background noises your baby heard 24/7 throughout your pregnancy. That's why common household noises like running the vacuum cleaner or a hair dryer can be music to the ears of an upset infant. Many swings are pre-programmed to play soothing sounds, or you can play your own white noise or gentle lullabies while your baby sways.
Keep it Safe and Comfy
Babies like to feel safe and secure, so make the swing a cozy and welcoming space. Adjust the baby swing seat so it reclines to a safe, comfortable position. For smaller babies, you can add a compatible newborn insert that cradles and supports your baby's head and neck for extra comfort. Before starting the swing, make sure your baby is strapped in snuggly with the provided straps.
Then it's time to bring on the fun! Many swings are equipped with mobiles that will keep your baby entertained. Because newborns' vision is still developing, mobiles that are high contrast—think black and white or boldly colored patterns—are the best bet to stimulate baby's brain and encourage sensory development.
Make it Their Happy Place
Swings aren't just for crying babies. Get your baby used to the swing when they're content (think: right after they've eaten) so they associate the swing with good things—and it may become the second set of hands you need to squeeze in a daily shower, grab a bite to eat, or maybe even just sneak a few minutes alone to relax and recharge.
At the end of the day, keep in mind that crying is just something that babies do. Having a swing—and using it the right way—can be a great tool to help you soothe and comfort your baby. And even though it may sometimes seem like the crying won't ever stop…remember that it will.
