Identify and describe useful techniques for soothing a crying baby

What will be an ideal response?

• Talk softly or play rhythmic sounds. Continuous, monotonous, rhythmic sound (such as a clock ticking, a fan whirring, or peaceful music) are more effective than intermittent sounds.
• Offer a pacifier. Sucking helps babies control their own level of arousal.
• Massage the baby's body. Stroking the baby's torso and limbs with continuous, gentle motions relaxes the baby's muscles.
• Swaddle the baby. Restricting movement and increasing warmth often soothe a young infant.
• Lift the baby to the shoulder and rock or walk. This combination of physical contact, upright posture, and motion is an effective soothing technique, causing young infants to become quietly alert.
• Take the baby for a short car ride or walk in a baby carriage; swing the baby in a cradle. Gentle, rhythmic motion of any kind helps lull the baby to sleep.
• Combine several of the listed methods. Stimulating several of the baby's senses at once is often more effective than stimulating only one.
If these methods do not work, let the baby cry for a short period. Occasionally, a baby responds well to just being put down and will, after a few minutes, fall asleep.