URGENT UPDATE: Parenting experts have just revealed crucial steps to help soothe fussy babies, emphasizing that emotional shifts in infants can occur rapidly due to various factors. Experts like Jordyn Koveleski Gorman, founder of Eat Play Say, stress the importance of understanding these fluctuations, which can be triggered by sleep, hunger, and overstimulation.
As babies grow and learn new skills such as rolling or crawling, they often become fussier or more clingy. “Their brains and bodies are working overtime,” Gorman shared with Newsweek. Parents are urged to regularly check for basic needs—diaper changes, teething discomfort, or temperature adjustments—when their babies become cranky.
The experts highlight techniques for immediate comfort, suggesting that rhythmic movements and containment can mimic the womb environment, providing a calming effect. Marilyn Cross Coleman, a perinatal mental health specialist, points out that swaddling, cuddling, and gentle rocking can significantly help soothe a baby’s distress.
Another effective method is skin-to-skin contact, which releases oxytocin, a hormone that aids bonding and relaxation. Coleman emphasizes that this approach not only calms babies but also strengthens the parent-child bond.
However, parents must differentiate between normal fussiness and signs that require deeper emotional support or medical attention. Gorman warns that if persistent crying occurs despite meeting all needs, it could indicate underlying issues such as reflux or illness. Parents should be vigilant and watch for warning signs like unusual feeding patterns, lethargy, or changes in diaper habits.
Experts note that the so-called “crying curve” peaks around 6 to 8 weeks, often leading parents to seek mental health services due to feelings of inadequacy. “It’s crucial for parents to know they are not alone and that this is a common phase of development,” Coleman stated.
Furthermore, parental anxiety can transfer to babies, causing them to become unsettled. Gorman advises parents to regulate their own emotions first—suggesting deep breathing, playing soft music, or taking quick breaks outside—to create a calmer environment for their babies.
In these challenging moments, parents should also model self-regulation techniques, teaching their infants valuable lessons in emotional management. As Gorman puts it, “Even in tough moments, you’re showing your baby what it looks like to self-regulate, and that’s one of the greatest gifts you can give them.”
As this vital information spreads, parents are urged to implement these techniques immediately, enhancing their ability to support their little ones during these crucial early months. The emotional well-being of both parents and babies is at stake, making these insights not only timely but essential for nurturing healthy development.
