How to Calm a Wailing Baby for Peaceful Sleep

According to Pew Research Center, 66% of mothers and 58% of fathers find parenting harder than expected. One major reason many parents find caring for their little one stressful is a chronic lack of sleep caused by their baby crying at night.

If you have been losing several hours of sleep trying to soothe your crying baby, you may feel frustrated and isolated. You could also think you're doing everything wrong, which is overwhelming.

Here, we help you get better nights by exploring why babies cry at night and how to calm them.

Reasons Your Baby May Cry at Night

Crying is developmentally normal, especially for infants under one year. One common reason your baby may cry is due to overstimulation, change adjustments, and the surrounding environment (brightness, darkness, temperature, ambience in nursery, noise, and so on).

They could also be experiencing sleep regression due to significant developmental milestones. Other common reasons your baby may cry at night are:

• Gas and discomfort
• Hunger
• Need for closeness
• Change of environment
• Temperature discomfort
• Needing a diaper change

Understanding the reasons behind your baby's cries can help you respond more confidently and calmly during late-night wakeups.

How Swaddling Helps Achieve a Restful Night for Babies

A baby swaddle is one of the most effective methods to calm a crying baby. It mimics the snugness of the womb, which can be very comforting, especially if you have a newborn who is still getting used to the world.

Babies have a startle reflex, which makes their arms and legs jerk suddenly. Swaddling keeps their limbs close to their body just like they were in mommy's tummy and prevents them from waking themselves up. It also ensures they don't scratch their faces with their tiny fingernails.

The Benefits of Bamboo Baby Swaddles

Using a baby swaddle or soft swaddle blankets made from bamboo fabric can calm your baby at night and make them feel safe and cozy. The material has the following benefits:

• Breathable
• Hypoallergenic
• Sustainable

Bamboo fabric lets air pass through easily, ensuring your baby doesn't get too hot or sweaty while they sleep. It also lowers the chance of overheating, ensuring a safe sleep.

If your baby has allergies or easily gets rashes, you can protect their skin by getting a bamboo sleep sack. The material is gentle on sensitive skin and won't cause irritation. Additionally, it's one of the fastest-growing plants and doesn't need a lot of water or harmful chemicals.

When you choose baby sleep solutions made from bamboo, you'll also protect the earth for your baby's future.

The Sleep Theory makes baby swaddles and sleep sacks with 100% bamboo. Our products are an eco-friendly solution to help your baby get high-quality and longer sleep.

Other Effective Soothing Techniques for Infants and Babies

After swaddling your baby, they may need further soothing to fall asleep. Fortunately, you can also apply other effective calm crying baby methods for better rest.

White Noise

When your baby was in the womb, they heard lots of sounds like your heartbeat, your breathing, and your voice, which made them feel safe.

Playing white noise reminds them of the womb and blocks out sudden sounds like:

• A dog barking,
• A car door slamming
• Someone talking in the next room

Apply these peaceful baby sleep tips when using white noise:

• Keep the volume low
• Play it during naps and nighttime sleep
• Try different sounds

Gentle Rocking or Swaying

Rocking your baby gently is relaxing since they love movement. You can place them on your arm and sway side to side while walking around the house. Alternately, use a baby swing or rocking chair, but avoid fast or jerky movements because they can make your baby fussier. One thing to warn you on this method though, babies get very used to it very quickly and begin to depend on it. To discourage this dependency, ensure that this is used very minimally only when you have tried other soothing methods and could use a little break.

Warm Baths

Offering a gentle bath before bedtime will make your baby feel safe, clean, and sleepy. It's a simple and peaceful way to wind down after a long day. Use these tips to give your baby a relaxing bath:

• Always support their head and neck
• Use lukewarm water
• Keep the bath long but not too much
• Let them move their feet and arms in the water

After the bath, moisturize your baby's skin and lock in the moisture with non-toxic oil. Then, wrap them with swaddle blankets or a Theta Pouch baby sleep sack from The Sleep Theory, which is cozier.

Baby Massage

A gentle massage can help your baby feel comforted and sleepy, reducing nighttime crying. It may also soothe an upset stomach and relieve discomfort caused by gas.

Before giving your baby a massage, ensure your hands are clean and warm. You may then use baby-safe lotion or oil to help your hands glide smoothly.

Rub your baby's back, legs, arms, and tummy using slow, soft strokes. Additionally, talk or sing to them and stop the massage if they seem uncomfortable.

A Bedtime Routine

Creating a simple bedtime routine is the best way to teach your baby when it's time to sleep. Do the same things each night in the same order, depending on what works for you. For example, you can bathe them, feed them, and swaddle them while reading a bedtime story.

Following each step daily will make it easier to establish good sleep habits and reduce crying over time.

What to Do When Your Baby Doesn't Respond to Infant Sleep Solutions

Sometimes, ongoing sleep challenges may indicate an underlying health concern. If your baby continues crying despite swaddling and using gentle techniques, they could be experiencing the following issues:

• Allergies and sensitivities
• Tongue-tie
• Sleep disorders
• Teething pain
• Silent reflux

In these cases, trust your instincts and speak with your pediatrician. They can assess your baby's symptoms, rule out medical issues, and recommend personalized care.

Calm a Baby Crying at Night With the Best Sleep Solutions

While it's common for babies to cry, it can be overwhelming when you're tired and stressed. Get a breathable bamboo swaddle to snuggle your baby and make them feel safe and comfortable.

Offer reassurance with your touch, kisses, calm voice, and give gentle massages to relax their muscles and ease discomfort. Still, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor if you can't calm a baby crying at night, no matter what you try.

The Sleep Theory has a dedicated team of moms who understand parenting challenges. We make eco-friendly bamboo swaddles and sleep sacks that are toxin-free and hypoallergenic. Shop from our collection now.