Sensory-Based Ways To Keep Your Baby Calm

Gentle Swinging

Imagine being a newborn baby, coming out of the gentle comfort of your mother’s womb. A baby is immediately brought into the light of a world filled with color and sound and it’s the mother’s duty to ease that process.

Mimic the soothing motion of the womb by gently rocking your baby in your arms or using a baby swing. The rhythmic movement helps recreate the sensation of being in the womb, promoting relaxation and calming the baby.

Soft Music 

Play soft and calming melodies in the nursery. The familiar sound of gentle lullabies can help your baby relax and feel secure, reminiscent of the comforting sounds they heard while in the womb.

Many people play the greats like Beethoven and Mozart to stimulate neural brain development in the fetus. It has been proven to work!

Warm Bath 

Give your baby a warm bath, as the warm water can have a soothing effect on their senses. The sensation of being submerged in water provides a calming experience and helps them relax before bedtime.

It almost feels like being back in the womb for them. It also helps with their skin elasticity and growth.

Massage 

Gently massage your baby’s body using baby-safe oils or lotions. The touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with relaxation and bonding while providing a comforting physical sensation.

Stimulating the muscles help to strengthen the baby’s nervous system. Try to use hypoallergenic products on the baby’s delicate skin, like coconut oil or paraben-free creams.

Soft Fabrics 

Swaddle your baby in soft, breathable fabrics that mimic the feeling of being snug in the womb. This gentle pressure can help your baby feel secure and calm their startle reflex, promoting better sleep.

This also prevents the baby from scratching him/herself as they grow. Babies are prone to pulling and biting things as they learn, so this helps to keep them still.

Familiar Scents 

Introduce familiar scents, such as a mild baby lotion or a piece of your worn clothing, near your baby. These familiar smells can provide a sense of comfort and security, as they remind your baby of the scents they experienced while in the womb.

Keep a t-shirt of yours in the cot when you put the baby down for a nap. Your familiar scent will help keep the baby safely napping without crying for you.

Eye Contact 

Engage in eye contact with your baby during feeding or playtime. Eye contact helps establish a strong emotional connection and fosters a sense of security and trust between you and your baby.

Use your eyes to speak to show your baby’s emotions. This also helps them to understand their own face and makes communication easier with you.

Soft Lights

Create a calming atmosphere in the nursery by using soft, dim lighting. Harsh or bright lights can be overstimulating for a baby, while softer lighting promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation.

It can be a bit pricey to install a dimmer remote. You can try small lamps or lampshades to create softer lighting in the baby’s room.

Nature Sounds

Play recordings of gentle nature sounds, such as ocean waves or rainforest sounds. These soothing sounds can create a peaceful environment and help your baby relax.

These acoustic sounds can also assist in developing your baby’s eardrums. Try different types of music and sounds to teach them about the world around them.

Babywearing

Use a comfortable baby carrier to keep your baby close to your body. The physical closeness and gentle movements as you walk can provide a sense of security and comfort for your baby.

There are various brands of carriers available today. They are popular with dads as they allow for free hand movement, knowing your baby is safely strapped onto your person.

Sucking Reflex

Offer a pacifier or your clean finger for your baby to suck on. Sucking helps babies self-soothe and can provide a sense of comfort and relaxation.

You can also play a game with different flavors on a soft spoon to teach your baby different tastes like sweet, sour, and bitter. Make sure to keep your camera ready!

White Noise

Use a white noise machine or a smartphone app that generates white noise. The continuous, steady sound can mask other noises and create a calming environment that resembles the sounds heard in the womb.

If you live in an apartment complex, this can be especially helpful to drown out noise. White noise machines also help the parents to focus and concentrate in the space they are in.

Soft Touch 

Use a gentle touch and strokes on your baby’s skin, as it can stimulate the release of endorphins and promote a sense of well-being. This can be done during diaper changes, bath time, or simply cuddling.

This helps the baby become aware of their different body parts. Their nerves develop well and they will have a strong sense of touch.

Soft Toys

Provide your baby with soft and cuddly toys that they can hold and explore. These tactile experiences can engage their senses and provide comfort during moments of restlessness.

It’s always a safer option to go for soft, cotton toys. These will prevent your baby from getting hurt as babies have a tendency to put everything in their mouth.

Visual Stimulation

Hang colorful and visually engaging mobiles or wall decorations in the nursery. Visual stimulation can capture your baby’s attention, promoting visual development and providing a soothing environment.

Some parents try to give their baby a head start by putting up the Alphabet or numbers to help them learn. You could even try a chalkboard to boost your child’s creativity, and prevent them from writing on the wall!

Baby Gym

Place your baby on a baby gym mat with dangling toys to encourage reaching and grasping. This not only aids in motor skill development but also distracts and calms your baby.

Even babies need to develop their stomach muscles. It’s a fun game to keep them occupied while their bowel movements work. This helps with digestion and constipation issues.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Practice skin-to-skin contact with your baby, especially during the early days. This intimate contact promotes bonding, regulates body temperature, and helps calm your baby.

This is done from the moment the child exits the womb, the father can also assist with this. The parents should regularly practice this with their child for a few months to ensure close bonding.

Soft Breeze

Use a fan or open a window to create a gentle breeze in the room. The soft airflow can provide a soothing sensation and help regulate your baby’s body temperature.

Create a light cross ventilation so there is always fresh air circulating in the room. Especially if the baby is left alone in the room for long periods, it’s important to keep the space well-ventilated.

Baby Massage Classes

Attend baby massage classes where you can learn specific techniques to calm and relax your baby through touch. These classes provide valuable skills and tips for new mothers.

It’s important to learn from a professional as a baby’s body is very soft. One wrong move could end up in pain or discomfort for your baby.

Calming Essential Oils

Use diluted essential oils such as lavender or chamomile in a diffuser or on a cotton ball placed near the crib. The natural scents can have a calming effect on your baby’s senses.

Natural fragrances are much better than synthetic fragrances. There is also less chance of irritation or rashes on the skin, which can be another side effect of oil clogging skin pores.

Reading Aloud

Read gentle and rhythmic books aloud to your baby. The sound of your voice, combined with the gentle cadence of the story, can create a soothing and comforting experience for your little one.

Use facial expressions and change your tone when you read. This is a great exercise to develop trust in your child. It helps to strengthen the bond between parents and children.

Soft Blankets

Provide your baby with soft and cozy blankets to snuggle with. The tactile sensation of a soft blanket can offer comfort and a sense of security, helping them feel calm and safe.

Ensure you have cotton fabric for summer months and wool or fleece for winter as they conduct heat better. Your child may have their own preference according to comfort.

Baby Massage with Songs

Combine gentle baby massage with soothing songs or rhymes. The combination of touch and melody can create a multisensory experience, promoting relaxation and bonding.

Music is a great way for your baby to learn information quickly. A catchy tune or phrase helps to develop their memory and teaches them to learn particular activities from a young age.

Low-Intensity Light Shows

Install a low-intensity light projector in the nursery that displays gentle colors and shapes on the ceiling. The soft and rhythmic light patterns can captivate your baby’s attention and create a calming ambiance.

Instilling imagination in your child is vital to raise a confident young person. Expand their horizons with technology and gadgets and see where their interest takes them in the world.

Gentle Rocking Chair

Invest in a comfortable rocking chair where you can sit with your baby. The back-and-forth motion creates a soothing sensation that helps calm your baby and encourages relaxation.

This is a classic activity between mother and child. It is also one of the safest, quietest ways to make your baby fall asleep. Throw in a lullaby and its silent sweet dreams till morning.

Soft Background Noise

Play soft background noises, like a recording of a heartbeat or gentle rain, during sleep time. These soothing sounds replicate familiar womb sounds and can help your baby feel more secure.

Sounds like being at the beach or of waves crashing have the highest success rate. Invest in a few meditation tracks and use them every time your baby has a tantrum, it will immediately make them calm down.

Musical Mobiles

Hang a musical mobile above the crib that plays gentle tunes. The combination of soothing music and slow, rotating movements can lull your baby into a state of calmness.

This classic favorite hypnotizes babies to fall asleep immediately. Choose pastel colors and animals, or stars as the toys, to make your baby feel relaxed with no fuss.

Baby Yoga

Engage in gentle baby yoga exercises with your little one. These slow and rhythmic movements can help your baby relax, improve flexibility, and strengthen their bond with you.

Yoga is safe for everyone and adapting the postures for your baby can be quite beneficial. Try to stretch and move your babies’ joints to help in growth and muscle strength. Be slow and gentle when doing inverted positions.

Gentle Humming or Singing

Hum or sing gentle melodies to your baby. The sound of your voice, combined with the rhythmic humming or singing, can have a soothing effect on your baby’s senses. 

Remember, every baby is unique, so it’s essential to observe and respond to your baby’s individual cues and preferences. If you’re lucky, they will pick up the tune and join in the song!

Cuddle Time

Set aside dedicated moments for cuddling and close physical contact with your baby. These moments of warmth and closeness help nurture a sense of security, promoting calmness and well-being.

These sensory-based activities can create a calming and nurturing environment, making it easier for your baby to adapt to the world while offering helpful hints to new mothers in their journey of caring for their little ones.

Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblances to actual events, places, or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.