5 Ways to Soothe a Fussy Baby at Night

When Baby Just Won’t Sleep...

It’s 2:00 a.m. The house is quiet — except for your baby’s cries. You’ve changed the diaper, offered the breast or bottle, rocked back and forth until your arms are numb… but the crying continues.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and it’s not your fault. Fussiness at night is very common in newborns, especially during the first few weeks.

Here are five gentle, calming strategies you can try tonight to soothe your little one — and maybe even catch a few hours of sleep yourself.

1. Try Skin-to-Skin Contact

One of the most powerful ways to calm a newborn is simply holding them close. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate your baby’s heart rate, breathing, and temperature. It also releases oxytocin — the “love hormone” — for both of you.

What to try: Undress your baby down to the diaper, lie back with your baby on your chest, and cover both of you with a cozy blanket.

2. Use Gentle Motion

Babies are used to the soft movements they felt in the womb. Re-creating that motion helps many babies relax and feel secure.

Try these soothing motions:

• Rocking in a chair or on an exercise ball

• Walking around while gently bouncing

• Using a baby swing (if age-appropriate and supervised)

Even a slow car ride or stroller walk can sometimes help calm things down.

3. Create Womb-Like Sounds

The womb was actually quite loud — full of heartbeat sounds, whooshing blood flow, and muffled voices. Mimicking those familiar noises can help calm a crying baby.

Try one of the following:

• Turn on a white noise machine or a fan

• Play soft nature sounds or low background music

• Make rhythmic “shushing” noises near the baby’s ear

4. Offer Comfort Feeding

Sometimes, babies want to suck for comfort rather than hunger. This is completely normal, especially during growth spurts or when they’re overtired.

If your baby isn’t showing signs of hunger but calms down when nursing or bottle-feeding, let them comfort feed. This can help them feel safe and secure.

Bonus tip: If you’re nursing, use this time to rest, hydrate, and breathe deeply. If bottle-feeding, create a cozy, low-stimulation environment with soft lighting.

5. Adjust the Sleep Environment

Sometimes, small changes in your baby’s room can make a big difference. Take a moment to assess the environment. It should be:

• Dark (a dim nightlight is okay)

• Cool (between 68–72°F / 20–22°C)

• Quiet or filled with consistent background noise

• Safe (baby sleeps on back, in their own crib or bassinet)

If your baby is under 8 weeks old and not yet rolling over, swaddling may also help them feel more secure.

Take Care of Yourself Too

If you’ve tried everything and your baby is still crying — you’re not doing anything wrong. Some babies just need more time and support to adjust to the outside world.

Don’t be afraid to take a break. Lay your baby down in a safe place, take a deep breath, and give yourself permission to step away for a few minutes. You’re doing an amazing job, even on the tough nights.

Final Thoughts

Soothing a fussy baby at night isn’t always easy, but it becomes more manageable with patience, support, and the right tools.

If you’re feeling stretched thin or could use help getting some rest, overnight postpartum support might be just what your family needs.

I offer overnight doula services throughout the Bay Area — so parents can sleep while their babies are gently and lovingly cared for.

Have questions? Want to know more about how overnight doula care works? I’d love to chat.