Have A Fussy Little One? Try This 7 Techniques
Let’s face it; babies can be quite fussy at times. Whether it’s due to hunger, discomfort, or simply a call for some extra attention, fussy episodes are a normal part of a baby’s development. However, constant fussiness can take a heavy toll on overly tired parents, making them feel stressed out and frustrated.
To make it easier, here we’ve shared some essential strategies to help calm and comfort your little one during these challenging moments.
Identify the Cause:
The first and foremost step in calming a fussy baby is to identify the underlying cause of their distress. Is your baby hungry, tired, or in need of a diaper change? Are they too hot or too cold? By addressing their basic needs first, you can often quickly alleviate their discomfort and restore their sense of calm.
Create a Soothing Environment:
Babies are sensitive to their surroundings, so creating a calm and soothing environment can help ease their fussiness. Dim the lights, play soft music or white noise, and gently rock or sway your baby in your arms. Swaddling can also provide a sense of security and comfort, mimicking the feeling of being in the womb.
Offer Comforting Touch:
A gentle touch can work wonders in soothing a fussy baby. Try holding your baby close to your chest, skin-to-skin, to provide warmth and reassurance. You can also try gentle massage techniques to help relax their muscles and release tension. Use a natural massage oil like CITTA’s Nourishing Baby Massage Oil for newborns, formulated with a unique blend of 12 oils like coconut oil, ashwagandha oil and olive oil, to nourish and hydrate your little one’s delicate skin while promoting relaxation.
Use Pacifiers or Comfort Objects:
Pacifiers can provide comfort and distraction for a fussy baby, helping to satisfy their natural instinct to suck. Offer a clean pacifier to your baby to see if it helps to soothe them. Additionally, some babies may find comfort in a special blanket, stuffed animal or other comfort object that they can hold onto while they calm down.
Warm Bath for Sound Sleep:
A soothing, warm bath can help your infant fall asleep more easily as it cools down the body temperature. Make sure the water is warm and not hot. Support your baby’s head and back with one hand and use a gentle baby wash like CITTA’s Tender Foaming Baby Wash for babies and newborns to cleanse. Speak to your pediatrician about the most appropriate type of sponge bath for your baby. If the umbilical cord hasn’t fallen off, avoid putting your little one in a tub.
Practice Kangaroo Care:
Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin contact, involves holding your baby against your bare chest. This practice has been shown to regulate a baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, as well as promote bonding between parent and child. Kangaroo care can be particularly effective in calming a fussy baby, especially premature infants or those experiencing colic.
Offer Feeding or Comfort Nursing:
If your baby is crying due to hunger or seeking comfort, offering a feeding or comfort nursing session can help calm them down. Breastfeeding provides not only nourishment but also comfort and emotional bonding between parent and child. If you’re bottle-feeding, hold your baby close and make eye contact while offering the bottle to help them feel secure and loved.
Pro-tip
Remember to stay calm and patient when dealing with a fussy baby. Babies can pick up on their parents’ stress and anxiety easily, which can escalate their fussiness. Take deep breaths, practice mindfulness techniques, and remind yourself that this phase is temporary. Reach out to your partner, family members, or friends for support if you need a break or some extra help.
The Bottom Line
Calming a fussy baby requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to try different soothing techniques until you find what works best for your little one. Despite the challenges, it’s the journey that holds the beauty of parenthood, shaping experiences. Try to create a nurturing environment at home to make your baby feel safe and loved, just like CITTA’s gently formulated baby care range, curated to nurture your baby’s delicate skin with care and compassion.
If you have any suggestions or concerns, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy Parenting!
References:
Also Read
Lexicon Lifestyle
-
Is Sunscreen Really Good for Kids? What Every P...
Introduction Children's skin is delicate. Their skin is about 30% thinner than adult skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the sun in India. Yet, many parents think sunscreen for...
Read moreIs Sunscreen Really Good for Kids? What Every Parent Should Know
Introduction Children's skin is delicate. Their skin is about 30% thinner than adult skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the sun in India. Yet, many parents think sunscreen for kids is an extra burden instead of considering it a daily essential. Sun protection is absolutely necessary, yet it falls to the bottom of parenting priorities. Now, it is indeed important to explore the following questions: Is sunscreen really necessary and safe for our little ones? Why Kids Need Sunscreen More Than Adults Children’s skin needs extra protection than adults. Because their skin is much thinner, it absorbs UV radiation more readily, leading to immediate and long-term damage. Children often seem to spend their hours on playground breaks, school sports, or maybe a family outing, which all happen under significant sun exposure. According to research, during childhood years, substantial sun damage occurs. As per the Skin Cancer Foundation, before age 20, five severe sunburns increase melanoma risk by 80%. Therefore, early protection is about preventing temporary sunburns as well as safeguarding against future issues like premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and more serious conditions. What Makes a Sunscreen Kid-Friendly? All the sunscreens we see contain different components, particularly when it comes to children's sensitive skin. The best sunscreen for kids offers: These broad-spectrum covers come with both UVA and UVB protective factors. High SPF ratings, such as SPF 70 sunscreen, provide the best protection. Sunscreen, holding a PA++++ rating, provides intense protection in India's hot and humid conditions Formulations that have zero harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, and others. Unscented, gentle formulas that won’t irritate sensitive skin Try CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70 – specially formulated for baby-soft, sensitive skin. What to Look for in a Baby Sunscreen Lotion Things parents should prioritize while buying a baby sunscreen lotion Products that have gone through extensive dermatological testing Tear-free formulations that do not trouble the eyes Water-resistance properties are included, especially when kids are sweating or swimming The product is lightweight and has non-greasy textures that kids will not resist wearing All these features ensure your child will receive the best protection from the sun with no discomfort, which will eventually make the daily application much easier for everyone involved. When and How to Apply Sunscreen on Kids Timing and technique are both extremely important to know when it comes to effective sun protection. Apply sunscreen for kids 20 minutes prior to going out as it gives the product some time to form a protective barrier on the skin. While applying, we have to be really generous, as most parents use too little. Apply all the exposed areas, including often forgotten ones: ears, neck, and feet. Putting an alarm on in your phone for the reapplication of your preferred sunscreen every two hours is essential, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration. Do not forget to make sunscreen a year-round habit. It is just not for sunny days, but it is necessary to apply sunscreen on cloudy days too. Harmful UV rays penetrate cloud cover, reaching your child's skin. Common Myths About Sunscreen for Kids Let's go through some common misconceptions: ❌ "Children don't need sunscreen if they stay in the shade." Reality: Reflection of UV radiation from surfaces like sand, water, and concrete reaches the skin even in shaded areas. ❌ "Sunscreen is only necessary during summer or beach outings." Reality: UV radiation affects skin year-round, no matter what the temperature is. ❌ "Dark-skinned children have natural protection." Reality: It is true that melanin offers some protection, but it is essential to have dedicated sun protection for children. ✅ Truth: Every child benefits from daily sun protection irrespective of the nature of the weather, location, or skin tone. Also Read: Sunscreen for Kids: Debunking Myths and Determining the Right Age to Start The CITTA Advantage: Why Parents Trust Our SPF 70 Sunscreen When choosing the best sunscreen for kids, parents trust in CITTA's SPF 70 protection. Let’s take you through what sets it apart: Specifically formulated to protect children's delicate skin from the sun Doesn't leave a chalky white residue that kids will not like Contains no harsh chemicals that might cause sensitivity Works effectively and efficiently across all skin types and tones Pediatric skin specialists do recommend this to parents. As per parents’ honest reviews, children prefer CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70, its pleasant, non-sticky feel, which is less of a battle and has turned into a routine of protection for their children’s skin. Final Thoughts Sun protection isn't just about preventing today's sunburn, but it is also an investment towards your child's lifelong skin health. When applying baby sunscreen becomes a habit of daily skincare routine as brushing teeth, it establishes a discipline, a healthy habit that will benefit them for decades. With the right child-safe sunscreen in India, children get the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities while you are also ensuring that their precious skin is protected. Remember: healthy skin begins with early protection, and the responsibility of keeping the skin protected begins with you. Also Read: How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin FAQ Section: 1. Is sunscreen safe for babies and toddlers? Yes, for children over 6 months, it is absolutely okay to apply sunscreen, which is a mineral-based formula with zinc oxide for sensitive baby skin. For younger babies, rely on shade and be picky about clothing instead. 2. Can I use adult sunscreen on my child? It's better to use dedicated baby sunscreen products as children's skin is more sensitive. Therefore, kid-friendly formulas have fewer irritating ingredients. 3. How often should I reapply sunscreen on my child? Every 2 hours during sun exposure, and repeat the application more frequently (every 80 minutes). Do the same while swimming or sweating heavily. 4. Is SPF 70 sunscreen too much for kids? No, SPF 70 sunscreen provides appropriate protection for children and is perfect for dealing with India's climate. Most parents are not aware of the right quantity of the product to use, so higher SPF offers better safety. 5. Can sunscreen cause skin irritation in kids? Some children may be sensitive to certain ingredients. Before picking a sunscreen, perform a patch test first. Choose mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin and consult a doctor if irritation occurs. Also Read: The Best Sunscreen for Newborn: Protecting Your Baby’s Delicate Skin
Read More -
How to Take Care of Your Baby During Summer in ...
Summer is almost here and your newborn baby needs a little extra care this hot season! Keep reading for some essential summer newborn care tips to keep your little one...
Read moreHow to Take Care of Your Baby During Summer in India: Essential Tips for Hot Weather
Summer is almost here and your newborn baby needs a little extra care this hot season! Keep reading for some essential summer newborn care tips to keep your little one safe and comfortable.
Read More