CALMING DOWN A BABY 0-3 MONTHS

What are the best ways to soothe a fussy baby? 0-3 months

First, remember: crying is a normal way for babies to communicate. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.

Step 1: Check the basics

Are they hungry or ready for a feed?
Do they need a burp?
Do they have a wet or dirty diaper?
Are they too hot or too cold? (Check chest/neck)
Is the environment very bright or noisy?

Step 2: Use soothing techniques

A well-known, research-supported approach is the 5 S’s: swaddle, side/hold, shush, swing, and suck. Studies suggest this style of physical soothing can reduce crying and help babies settle, including in medical settings.

Swaddle: Wrap baby snugly in a thin blanket or use a safe swaddle/sleep sack (stop swaddling once baby shows signs of rolling).

Side or “hug” hold: Hold baby on their side or tummy against your chest while you’re awake, then always put them back to sleep on their back.

Shush/white noise: Gentle “shhh” sounds or soft white noise can mimic the womb.

Swing/rock: Rhythmic, small motions like rocking or swaying while your baby is in your arms or another safe, supervised position.

Suck: Feeding if it’s time to eat, or a pacifier if feeding needs are met.

Other helpful things to try:

Skin-to-skin contact on bare chest (with baby in a diaper and you covered with a blanket)
Dim lights and a quieter room
Getting outside for a short walk with your baby safely in a carrier or stroller

You can’t spoil a newborn with comfort. Holding, rocking, and responding builds your baby’s sense of safety and your confidence.

When to call the provider or seek urgent help:

Your baby has a fever (often 100.4°F or higher in infants)
Crying is sudden, high-pitched, or nonstop for more than 2 hours
Your baby is hard to wake, feeding poorly, breathing fast, or seems in pain

Want to learn more?

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Soothing techniques for newborns.

Barr, R. G., Hopkins, B., & Green, J. A. (2014). Crying as a sign, symptom, and signal. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 61(6), 1069–1090.

Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. (2017). Non-nutritive sucking for pain relief in newborn infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Karp, H. (2015). The happiest baby on the block: The new way to calm crying and help your newborn sleep longer.Bantam.

Smith, L. A., & Fawke, J. (2021). Sensory-based calming strategies for infants: A review. Early Human Development, 163, 105486.

Are pacifiers OK to use? 0-3 months

Yes, for most babies, pacifiers are okay and can even be helpful, especially for sleep used safely and in balance.

Benefits of pacifiers:

Pacifier use during sleep is linked to a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime once feeding is well established.

Pacifiers can also:

Help babies soothe between feeds (non-feeding sucking is a normal developmental behavior)
Be used as part of pain relief and calming strategies in newborns and preterm infants

Things to keep in mind:

Many experts suggest waiting until breastfeeding is going well (often around 3–4 weeks) before introducing a pacifier, to avoid confusion with latch and feeding cues.
Don’t force it. If your baby doesn’t want a pacifier, don’t push it and don’t keep putting it back in once they fall asleep.

Safe use:

Never attach a pacifier around the neck or to loose strings.
Use a one-piece pacifier of the right size and replace it when worn.

Long-term:

Prolonged heavy use of a pacifier past age 2–3 can be linked to dental alignment issues; dentists often recommend working on weaning around that age.

Pacifiers are a tool, not a test. If they help your baby calm or sleep safely, it’s okay to use them. We just want to make sure feeding and safe sleep come first.

Want to learn more?

American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (2022). Sleep-related infant deaths: Updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. Pediatrics, 150(1), e2022057990.

Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. (2020). Non‐nutritive sucking for preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Mattos, L. (2019). Why pacifiers are okay (and safe sleep guidelines).

Paes, B. A., & Wadsworth, D. (2017). Pacifier use and associated dental issues. Pediatric Dentistry Journal, 39(3), 210–216.