101 Ways to Soothe          a Crying Baby    By J. Peinkofer,   A.C.S.W./L.C.S.W. Order the Book This adorable, hard cover book makes a great gift for new mommy or nanny. Here are 10 tips to help soothe your fussy one.  Watch what foods you eat if breastfeeding.  Your baby may react unfavorably when you eat certain foods. Avoid spicy food or foods known to be a family allergy. Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine. Alcohol should never be consumed. Change a Bottle's Nipple Size or Type A nipple that doesn't keep up with a hungry baby's demands can cause a lot of frustration. Getting too much milk at once can cause a baby distress as well. Check the appropriateness of a nipple's hole, and make sure the nipple does not regularly collapse. Gently "Bicycle" Your Baby's Legs This motion helps your baby relieve gas pain. Change your Baby's Position to Relieve Gas Simply moving your baby into a different position can help him or her relieve excess gas. Check if Your Baby is too Cold Temperature is a very important issue in keeping your baby comfortable and soothed. A baby's skin is very tender. If your baby's skin feels cold to the touch, try warmer clothes. Massage Your Baby A gentle massage on your baby's back, arms, and legs can be comforting. There are many books and workshops on infant massage. Learn what you can, and use these techniques on  your baby. Make Happy Eye Contact Connecting eye-to-eye during a time of crying can distract your baby. Don't get too close or too far away, as young babies have a visual range of around one to two feet. Stay happy - your baby will be happy too! Blow Gently on Your Baby's Forehead Wide-open-mouth crying generally can be lessened through gentle blowing on our baby's forehead. The sensation of breath can cause your baby to stop and take a breath. Hum in Low Tones Against Your Baby's Head Dads have an advantage with this soothing feature. Hum in low, soft tones that resonate through your baby's skull. This humming is very lulling to a baby and makes a great bonding activity. Turn the lights off Babies can be soothed simply by providing some "mood lighting." Dim lights create a soft environment that can help your baby be at peace. Order the Book