Parenting Experts Offer Strategies to Enhance Baby’s Mood
As many parents know, babies experience fluctuations in their moods similar to adults. Factors such as sleep, hunger, overstimulation—whether from excessive light or noise—and the need for connection all play crucial roles. According to Jordyn Koveleski Gorman, a child development expert and founder of Eat Play Say, these mood changes can be particularly pronounced when infants are developing new skills like rolling, crawling, or walking. “Their brains and bodies are working overtime, which can make them fussier or more clingy,” Gorman explained in an interview with Newsweek.
Understanding the reasons behind a baby’s fussiness can help parents respond effectively. Parents often maintain a mental checklist when their baby becomes unsettled. Is the diaper wet? Are they teething? Do they need an extra blanket? Once common causes are ruled out, feelings of stress and overwhelm can set in if the baby does not settle. Fortunately, experts suggest several techniques to quickly soothe a baby’s mood.
Effective Techniques for Calming Babies
Engaging in rhythmic movements and containment can mimic the womb environment, often leading to a calming effect on infants. Marilyn Cross Coleman, a specialist in perinatal mental health treatment, emphasized the importance of methods such as swaddling and gentle rocking. “Holding a baby while rocking or bouncing often has a calming effect on their brains,” Coleman stated. Another effective technique is skin-to-skin contact, which fosters bonding and emotional security. “When a caregiver holds a baby against bare skin, it releases oxytocin—the bonding hormone—in both the baby and the caregiver,” she added.
Despite these techniques, it can sometimes be challenging for parents to differentiate between normal fussiness and potential signs of needing more emotional support or medical attention. Gorman highlighted a few red flags. “If your baby cries but calms with feeding, rocking, or a nap, that’s usually normal regulation,” she explained. Conversely, if the crying is intense, lasts for hours, or persists even after all needs are met, it may indicate conditions such as reflux, discomfort, or illness.
Coleman also noted a developmental pattern known as “the crying curve.” This curve indicates that crying typically increases from birth, peaks at around six to eight weeks, and then gradually declines. During this peak period, new parents often seek support from mental health services. “Many parents feel a sense of failure when they cannot soothe their babies,” Coleman explained, stressing the importance of recognizing this developmental trend. “While it can be frustrating, it’s simply normal development.”
If crying persists, parents are encouraged to observe for unusual feeding patterns, lethargy, fever, or changes in diaper habits as potential signs of serious distress. Coleman advises that parents should trust their instincts. “If something feels off, it never hurts to reach out to a medical provider for guidance,” she said.
The Impact of Parental Emotions
The emotional state of parents can significantly influence a baby’s behavior. If a parent feels anxious, overstimulated, or tense, the baby may respond by becoming fussier. Gorman recommends that parents first focus on regulating their own emotions. “Taking slow, deep breaths before responding can be beneficial. Playing soft music or stepping outside for a quick reset can also help,” she suggested.
Additionally, if parents have a partner or support system, short breaks can be invaluable. “Even in tough moments, when you model deep breaths or soothing tones, you’re showing your baby what it looks like to self-regulate,” Gorman said. “That’s one of the greatest gifts you can give them.”
These insights from experts highlight the complexities of infant care and the emotional dynamics within families. By understanding the factors that influence a baby’s mood, parents can better navigate the challenges of early parenthood while fostering a nurturing environment for their children.
