Gentle Soothing: Tips for Comforting Your Newborn Naturally
Hey there, mom! If youāre here, you probably just delivered or are preparing for your lovely bundle of joy, and exploring how to comfort a newborn.
Is that right?
Well, those little bundles of joy can bring immense happiness into our lives, but they also come with their fair share of struggles. From inconsolable crying to trouble sleeping, our precious little ones can sometimes feel overwhelmed and in need of some extra TLC.
As parents, we want to provide the best for our babies, and finding gentle and natural ways to soothe and calm them is a top priority. That's where the power of natural calming methods comes in!
These natural calming techniques not only provide comfort to our babies but also protect them from harsh chemicals that can harm their sensitive, precious health.
Iād say thatās the best start in life, surrounded by love and care!
How to Comfort a Newborn Naturally
Whether your little one is struggling with colic, sleep troubles, or simply needs some extra comforting, these natural calming methods Iām sharing with you in this blog can be a game-changer.
From gentle baby massages with natural oils to creating a serene environment with soothing sounds and soft lighting, these natural tips on how to comfort a newborn are must-know.
Whenever youāre ready, letās dive in!
Tip #1: Create a Soothing Environment
As new parents, we all want our little ones to feel safe, calm, and loved in their surroundings. Creating a soothing environment is a crucial step in helping our newborns find comfort and relaxation.
A calm and peaceful atmosphere is essential for newborns as it helps regulate their emotions, promotes better sleep, and encourages overall well-being.
By minimizing noise and distractions, we create an environment that nurtures their developing senses and allows them to feel secure.
Here are a few tips to create a soothing environment for your newborn:
Keep it Quiet: Newborns are sensitive to sounds, so try to minimize loud noises or sudden bursts of sound. Consider using white noise machines or soft background music to help drown out any disruptive noises and create a consistent and soothing auditory environment.
Dim the Lights: Bright lights can be overstimulating for newborns, especially during nighttime. Opt for soft, warm lighting in the nursery or bedroom to create a cozy and calming atmosphere. Consider using blackout curtains or blinds to control natural light and promote better sleep.
Declutter the Space: A clutter-free environment not only looks serene but also helps create a sense of calmness. Keep the nursery or sleeping area tidy and organized, focusing on essentials such as a comfortable crib, changing station, and a few soothing elements like a mobile or soft toys.
Soft Textures and Fabrics: Choose soft and gentle fabrics for your baby's bedding and clothing. Opt for materials that are cozy, hypoallergenic, and breathable to provide maximum comfort for your little one.
Comfortable Temperature: Maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room is crucial for your baby's well-being. Keep the room neither too hot nor too cold, aiming for a temperature that feels pleasant and soothing. Use a room thermometer to ensure the optimal temperature for your little one.
Creating a soothing space for your little one is a nurturing gesture that helps them feel secure and content as they explore the world around them.
Tip #2: Gentle Touch and Massage
Next up is one of my favorites: gentle touch and comforting massage!
I love it so much as gentle touch not only strengthens the bond between parent and child but also offers numerous benefits for our little ones' well-being.
Baby massage, in particular, is a beautiful practice that promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and enhances overall development.
It fosters deep parent-baby connection, promoting a sense of security and love. Gentle massage can also help calm your baby's nervous system, promoting relaxation and better sleep patterns.
It stimulates the release of
oxytocin, the "love hormone," which induces feelings of comfort and well-being, and stimulates your baby's muscles, joints, and sensory systems, supporting their overall development.
Isnāt that awesome?
So, help you boost your mom-baby bonding experience, here are some effective techniques for safe and soothing baby massage you can try:
- Find a quiet, warm, and comfortable space for your baby's massage. Dim the lights, play soft music, and ensure the room temperature is suitable for your little one.
- Start with gentle, slow strokes using your hands or fingertips, moving from the center of your baby's body outward. Use light pressure and follow your baby's cues to ensure they are comfortable and enjoying the massage.
- Opt for natural oils or baby-safe lotions to provide a smooth glide for your hands during the massage. Fractionated Coconut Oil or Baby Lotion are great options that are gentle and nourishing for your baby's delicate skin.
And hereās a calming essential oil baby blend you can whip yourself for your next massage session with your little one!
Calming Lavender and Roman Chamomile Massage Blend
To create the blend, combine the following oils in a 5ml roller bottle:
Roll the blend onto your palms and gently warm it before starting the massage. Remember to perform a patch test prior to use and discontinue if any signs of irritation occur.
Embrace the power of touch, love, and connection as you embark on this joyful journey of baby massage with your precious bundle of joy!
Tip #3: Babywearing and Kangaroo Care
Next up is babywearing. Carrying your baby close to your body in a carrier or wrap promotes a deep bond between parent and child. It allows for constant physical contact and closeness, creating a sense of security and attachment.
I personally love it too because it frees up your hands, allowing you to go about your daily activities while keeping your baby close.
My favorite part? My baby can hear and feel the gentle motion and rhythmic heartbeat sounds while being carried which mimic the womb environment, relaxing the baby and reducing fussiness.
There are many brands out there to try, but here are my top picks:
Ergobaby: Known for their ergonomic design and comfort, Ergobaby carriers provide excellent support for both parent and baby. They offer various options suitable for newborns, including carriers with infant inserts.
Boba Wrap: The Boba Wrap is a soft and stretchy wrap that provides a snug and secure hold for newborns. It allows for multiple carrying positions and promotes a close and intimate bond.
Baby K'tan: The Baby K'tan is a versatile carrier made of soft fabric that offers a combination of a wrap and a structured carrier. It provides a cozy and secure fit for newborns, making it easy to use for parents.
Just be sure that your baby's head and neck are well-supported by placing a hand behind their neck or using a rolled-up cloth for extra support when babywearing.
Choose a carrier or wrap that suits your needs, practice kangaroo care, and relish these precious moments of closeness!
Tip #4: Swaddling and Comforting Techniques
Swaddling has been practiced for centuries, and for good reason!
This age-old technique involves snugly wrapping your newborn in a blanket, creating a cozy cocoon that mimics the secure feeling of the womb.
The calm and comfort it brings soothe babies by reducing the startle reflex and creating a familiar environment like that in the womb.
It can aid in promoting better sleep for both baby and parents and reduce crying and colicky babies. The gentle pressure and containment provided by the swaddle can bring comfort, reduce crying, and provide relief from discomfort.
If youāre a brand new mom and trying to figure out how to swaddle your baby, watch this step-by-step
tutorial video from the UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital!
Remember, swaddling is most suitable for newborns up to about 2-3 months old or until they show signs of rolling over.
Always monitor your baby while swaddled to ensure they don't overheat, and discontinue swaddling once they start showing signs of trying to roll!
Tip #5: Natural Remedies for Common Discomforts
I guess the hardest challenge as parents is when our little ones get sick, and they donāt know how to communicate yet. As parents, we want nothing more than to provide comfort and relief to our little ones when they experience common discomforts.
From colic and gas to diaper rash and teething discomfort, these challenges can be tough on both baby and parent. Thankfully, there are natural products that can provide gentle and soothing relief.
Here are ways and some dÅTERRA products that can offer relief to your little oneās discomforts:
Colic and Gas Relief
DigestZenĀ®: This blend of essential oils, including ginger, peppermint, and fennel, can be diluted and applied topically to your baby's tummy in a clockwise motion. It may help alleviate gas and digestive discomfort.
Pro-Tip: Gentle tummy massages using a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, can provide relief. Bicycle leg movements and placing a warm compress on your baby's tummy may also help.
Diaper Rash and Skin Irritations
Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender oil is known for its soothing properties and can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, and applied to your baby's irritated skin. It may help reduce redness and promote healing.
Diaper Rash Cream: It is a blend of
Lavender, Carrot Seed, and
Tea Tree essential oils that helps soothe my babyās skin. Whatās great about it is it has been tested for sensitive skin and gives off a light, clean scent! I love this one!
Pro-Tip: Allow your baby to have diaper-free time to let the skin breathe. Use natural and gentle diaper creams containing zinc oxide or coconut oil to protect and soothe the skin.
Teething Discomfort
Offer your baby chilled teething toys or a clean, cold washcloth for them to chew on. You can also try massaging their gums with a clean finger or providing safe, natural teething rings made from rubber or wood.
Remember, essential oils should always be used with caution and in appropriate dilutions for babies. Perform patch tests to ensure your baby doesn't have any adverse reactions.
Always trust your instincts and closely monitor your baby's responses to any remedies or products used. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult with your pediatrician for further guidance.
Tip #6: Establish Consistent Routines
Establishing a daily routine for your newborn is super essential so your baby knows what to expect, when to eat, take a bath, sleep, and so on. Itās the ultimate basic life skill!
And itās for your own sanity too, you know.
Itās difficult at first, so here are some practical tips you can do to help your newborn understand your routine:
- Set regular times for waking up, feeding, napping, and bedtime. While newborns' schedules can be flexible, maintaining consistency helps create a sense of predictability for your little one.
- Incorporate a gentle and soothing bath time into your routine. Use warm water, soft washcloths, and gentle baby-friendly cleansers. The warm water and loving touch during bath time can help relax your baby before bedtime.
- Create a calming bedtime routine to signal that it's time for sleep. This could include activities like a gentle massage, reading a bedtime story, or singing lullabies. Consistency is key, as these rituals become familiar cues for your baby to settle down for the night.
- Create a serene atmosphere in the evening by dimming the lights and playing soft, soothing music or white noise. This signals to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepares them for a restful sleep.
- Pay attention to your baby's signals and adjust your routine accordingly. They may have preferences for certain activities or specific times of day. Flexibility within the routine allows you to meet your baby's individual needs.
Remember, what works for one may not work for another. Be flexible and adapt your routine as your baby grows and develops.
Embrace the power of routines, cherish the precious moments shared with your little one, and watch as they thrive in the comforting embrace of your daily rituals!
Tip #7: Natural Sounds and Soothing Music
We all know the enchanting effect that music has on our own minds and emotions. Did you know that music and soothing sounds can work wonders for your baby's relaxation too?
From gentle lullabies to calming white noise or nature sounds, these auditory experiences can create a serene and peaceful environment for your little one.
Have you heard of white noise?
White noise refers to a constant, gentle sound that mimics the comforting environment of the womb. As
WebMD defines it, āa mix of sound frequencies to create a static-like sound. It can be intense and high-pitched, like a fan, air conditioner, or a vacuum.ā
There are white noise machines or phone apps specifically designed for babies that are readily available and can be a valuable addition to your soothing repertoire.
On the other hand, the gentle sounds of nature, such as ocean waves, rainfall, or birdsong, can create a serene and calming environment for your baby.
There are numerous resources available, including apps and online platforms, where you can find recordings of natural sounds to play for your little one.
Here are my top picks for Spotify baby channels you can tune in for better baby sleep:
Just be mindful and adjust the volume to a comfortable level and always monitor your baby's response to the music or sounds.
Shower Your Baby with TLC!
In conclusion, the journey of comforting our newborns is a beautiful and rewarding one.
By embracing the power of gentle and natural approaches, we can create a world of comfort and tranquility for our newborns.
Whether it's through the soothing touch of a massage, the calming aroma of essential oils, the gentle melodies of music, or the predictable rhythm of a daily routine, we can provide a nurturing environment that promotes relaxation and well-being!
Do you have other favorite ways to comfort your little one? Leave them in the comments and letās enjoy this wonderful mommy-baby journey!
If you have any comments, suggestions, questions, or additional tips for baby comfort, please feel free to reach out to me
here.
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