As parents who juggle so much day to day, having a fussy baby can feel defeating. While parents have many superpowers, mind reading isn’t one of them. Knowing how to calm a fussy baby can depend on their needs. With little ones who can’t quite yet communicate what they need, this can be a challenge.

As you learn your baby’s cues, this will get easier in time. In this blog, we will review some things that can make your little one so upset and how you can best remedy the situation to calm your fussy baby. 

How to Calm a Fussy Baby

Table of Contents

• Why is my baby so fussy?
• Ways to Calm a Fussy Baby
• How to calm a fussy baby at night

Why is my baby so fussy?

There are plenty of things that can make your baby uncomfortable, causing them to be fussy and sometimes even hysterical. If you are questioning ‘why is my baby so fussy,’ here are some possible explanations and signs to look out for.

hunger

As adults, we may show our hunger in various ways, with some of us even getting ‘hangry’ if we don’t eat soon enough. Your baby is no different and will start alerting you when they’re hungry and ready to eat. A couple of signs your little one is ready for their next snack can include crying and clenched fists. The Tushbaby Carrier can double as a breastfeeding pillow so that you can be prepared at all times to soothe and feed your baby comfortably. 

wet or dirty diaper

What may be causing your little one so much discomfort could be that they need a diaper change. Stay ready for diaper changes no matter where you go by packing along your Tushbaby portable diaper changing pad. With the ability to fold it small enough to fit in your pocket or Tushbaby carrier, you can stay ready for whenever sh*t happens. 

gas/colic

If your baby is gassy or has colic, they may cry and fuss more than usual. If your little one has colic, this crying and discomfort can become exhausting for parents. If you are breastfeeding, keeping track of what you consume can help to determine if there are things to avoid. 

Also Read: How to Help a Baby With Colic

fatigue

Your baby could be fatigued for various reasons. Whether they are overdue for a nap or coming down with a cold, fatigue can be the cause of your baby’s fussiness. If your baby is showing signs of extreme fatigue, it is best to check with your pediatrician to see if there is a more serious cause than being tired. 

boredom

Your baby may be crying because they are simply looking for a bit of stimulation. You can always try singing to your baby to get them engaged! Depending on their developmental stage, certain toys or activities can help a case of boredom in no time. 

Cold or hot

Babies can’t regulate their temperature like adults can, which means their cries could be because they are hot or cold. Being prepared with extra layers is always crucial for any outing. Stash some additional layers in your Tushbaby Carrier or Totebaby to stay ready no matter the weather. 

overwhelmed

Babies can get overwhelmed by their surroundings, including new places, new people, or too much stimulation. Crying or fussing can be their way of saying it may be time to step away to a quiet or safe place. Sometimes, that safe place is on mom or dad’s hip. Your Tushbaby Carrier can help you keep your little one close, helping them to feel safe in new surroundings. 

sick

If your baby is fussy or crying for long durations, it can signify that they are sick or coming down with something. You can take their temperature to ensure they don’t have a fever, look out for signs of sickness, and check in with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. 

Ways to Calm a Fussy Baby

swaddle

Swaddling your baby can be a way to keep them calm, especially to get them to go to sleep. Swaddling can help your baby calm down because they feel secure, relaxed, and safe. Swaddling can feel like a hug to your little one, which is helpful as no parent can hug and comfort their baby 24 hours a day. 

hold baby in a way that allows for digestion support

One of the many reasons your little one is fussy can be gas or if your baby has colic. The way you hold your baby can be vital to calming their digestive system and allowing them to relax. Here are a few ways that holding your baby can help if they are gassy or have colic: 

Holding your baby upright after feeding: Holding your baby upright after feeding is important to prevent digestion disruption. Use your Tushbaby Carrier to hold your little one upright after feeding. You can also use your Tushbaby in the feeding position by laying your baby across your body. Your body will thank you as your Tushbaby saves your back and provides your arms some much-needed relief during feedings. 

For babies with Colic, bounce while holding: You can hold your baby while bouncing to provide them some much-needed relief using your Tushbaby Carrier. Having a baby with colic can be extremely difficult for parents, but your friends at Tushbaby are here to help. Read our blog on ‘How to Help a Baby With Colic’, which includes a clip on how to use your Tushbaby in the #colichold. 

walk or rock your baby

Whether your baby is tired, bored, or overstimulated, a walk or rocking motions can help put them at ease. 

take baby on a stroll

A brisk stroll can do you and your fussy baby some serious good. Strap on your Tushbaby and head out for a walk around the block. With added support for your arms and back, no walk needs to be cut short, giving your baby enough time to settle and you enough time to enjoy the calmness. 

turn on a calming sound

Soothing sounds can help put a fussy baby to ease. If you aren’t in the mood to hum lullabies, turn on your baby’s favorite noise to help them settle. For some babies, ocean waves can do the trick. For others, it may even mean listening to mom and dad’s favorite band. 

avoid overfeeding

Overfeeding can lead to severe discomfort for babies. Keep an eye on their behavior and track what overfeeding looks like for your little one. Signs of overfeeding can include spitting up and more loose stools than usual. 

encourage a pacifier between feedings

Using a pacifier between feedings is a great way to keep your fussy baby relaxed. When it’s time for a pacifier, the last thing you want to do as a parent is to dig through a bag for a pacifier that will likely be dirty if it’s floating around among the rest of your stuff. Keep a clean pacifier handy at all times by using your Paci Pod, which can clip onto your Tushbaby or purse for convenient access.  

change diet

For Breastfed Babies: Your baby can react to things that you ingest—especially for colic babies, keeping track of things that you consume can be helpful. 

For Bottle-Fed Babies: If you think a particular formula may cause an upset tummy and fussy baby, it may be time to switch. You can speak to a healthcare provider to help determine why a particular formula is causing your baby's digestion troubles. 

How to calm a fussy baby at night

Calming a fussy baby at night can be tough to navigate as parents are half asleep themselves. Keep in mind all the tips we have shared to help prevent a fussy baby at night, from promoting good digestion to having your little one in a swaddle. 

At Tushbaby, we’ve created products that make parenting more manageable, especially when you have a fussy baby on your hands. Keep your baby and all their necessities that ease the fussiness close using your Tushbaby carrier and Totebaby! For babies that like to be held a lot, the Tushbaby Carrier will surely save your back and provide much-needed carrying relief. Not to mention, it’s great for breastfeeding support whether you’re out and about or just at home. 

Happy baby. . . happy parents. Shop Tushbaby today for products that will keep you and your baby happy!