CALMING DOWN A BABY 3-6 MONTHS

First, remember: crying is normal. It’s how babies this age communicate. Fussiness does not mean you’re doing something wrong. The American Academy of Pediatrics reassures parents that responding with comfort helps babies feel safe.

Step 1: Check the basics

Before trying soothing techniques, check for common causes of fussiness:

• Are they hungry or ready for a feed?
• Do they need a burp?
• Wet or dirty diaper?
• Too warm or too cold? (Check the chest or the back of the neck)
• Overtired? (Common at this age)
• Is the room overstimulating? (Too bright, loud, or busy)

Research from the CDC notes that identifying simple needs is often the quickest way to help a baby settle.

Use soothing techniques

A well-known, research-supported method is the 5 S’s, which have been shown in clinical studies to reduce crying, calm infants, and support regulation.

Swaddle

Swaddling is only safe if your baby is NOT rolling yet. If your 3–6 month-old is rolling or nearly rolling, use an arms-out sleep sack instead. The AAP recommends stopping traditional swaddling once rolling starts.

Side or “hug” hold

Hold the baby on their side or tummy against your chest while you’re awake. This position can help calm the nervous system. Always place the baby back on their back for sleep.

Shush or white noise

Soft shushing, a fan, or a white-noise machine can soothe babies by mimicking familiar sounds from the womb. The AAP notes white noise can help young infants settle when used safely and at a low volume.

Swing or rock

Gentle rocking, swaying, or rhythmic movement can help calm fussiness. Research has shown that motion-based soothing helps lower crying in infants during medical procedures.

Suck

Offer a feed if it’s time or a pacifier if feeding needs are already met. Pacifiers are supported by the AAP for soothing and even lowering SIDS risk.

Other helpful supports

• Skin-to-skin contact:
  Skin-to-skin helps regulate your baby’s breathing, temperature, and stress levels.
• Dim the lights and reduce stimulation:
  Many 3–6 month-olds get overstimulated easily.
• Go for a walk:
  Fresh air and movement can calm both you and your baby. Use a safe carrier or stroller.
• Match their cues:
  If your baby is turning away, flailing, or crying harder, pause and try a gentler approach.

You can’t spoil a baby with comfort. Responding builds trust, security, and emotional regulation.

When to call your baby’s provider

Reach out urgently if:

• Your baby has a fever (100.4°F or higher—follow your provider’s age-specific guidance)
• Crying suddenly becomes high-pitched, unusual, or nonstop for more than 2 hours
• Baby is hard to wake, feeding poorly, vomiting repeatedly, or seems in pain
• Breathing looks fast, labored, or unusual

Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” it’s okay to call.

Want to learn more?

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Soothing your baby.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Swaddling: Is it safe? 

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). White noise machines and infants.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Pacifiers and infant sleep.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Positive parenting tips for infants. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Widström, A. M., Brimdyr, K., & Svensson, K. (2019). Skin-to-skin contact the first hour after birth and feeding cues. Acta Paediatrica, 108(7), 1192–1200.