How to Settle a Fussy Baby to Sleep

As a parent or caregiver, there's nothing quite as frustrating as a fussy baby who just won't fall asleep. I know first-hand (it’s actually how Snug Co came to be…) how draining, depleting and downright sh*t settling a fussy baby can be. Now that I’m a Certified Baby Sleep Consultant, I have so many more tools in my toolkit to settle fussy children that I wish I had when my little boy was a young one.

I’ve been there.

When my son was 4 months old and I had just failed to settle him in his cot for the millionth time because all he wanted to do was scream.

So, let my experience help you. Here are some tips for getting a fussy baby to sleep:

1 - Create a soothing environment:

Make sure your baby's sleep environment is quiet, dark, and cool. Consider using a white noise machine or playing soft music to create a calming atmosphere. It doubles as your best friend when you accidentally close the door too loudly and your baby can’t hear it.

2 - USE your soothing environment:

Okay, hear me out. I see so many parents who have awesome sleep environments, but they don’t fully utilise the sleep environment to calm their little ones. Instead, they only go into the environment when it’s time for sleep. However, if your baby is particularly fussy, you may want to consider allowing them to spend 5-10+ minutes in a calm environment before settling them for sleep. By doing this, their body can relax and disengage from potential stimulating factors which can make them more responsive to your settling efforts.

3 - Establish a consistent bedtime routine:

We’ve heard it a million times before, but babies thrive on routine. I don’t mean you have to establish regular sleeping times when your little one is super young (although it can help!), BUT, a regular and predictable routine in the lead-up to sleep is a game changer. At bedtime, it might include a warm bath, getting them into their pyjamas and a swaddle or sleep suit, a bedtime story, and some cuddle time. Before naps, you may just do the pyjamas, story and a cuddle.

4 - Make sure your baby isn't hungry:

It's not uncommon for parents to struggle with settling their baby to sleep for an extended period of time, and in the process, they may overlook the fact that their baby has become hungry. You want to ensure that their belly is full before bed, but it’s also important to consider that if you’ve been settling your baby for a while, they may need a top-up feed.

5 - When all else failed, check your baby's nappy or diaper:

This one can be obvious, but if you’ve exhausted all other options, a nappy change can’t hurt! A wet or dirty diaper can cause discomfort and make it difficult for a baby to sleep. Make sure your baby's diaper is clean and dry before putting them to bed. Additionally, if you’ve been settling your baby for a while, consider checking if they need a diaper change.

6 - Consider swaddling:

Swaddling can help calm a fussy baby by providing a sense of security and comfort. They also prevent your baby from knocking their hands on their face repeatedly, which can keep them awake for ages. It also stops their startle reflex from waking them up, which can be so annoying once they’ve FINALLY settled to sleep. P.s. follow safe sleep guidelines around swaddling and only swaddle your newborn if your baby is not yet rolling. Check out our favourite swaddles here.

7 - Use gentle motion:

Rocking, bouncing, or swaying can help soothe a fussy baby and lull them to sleep. Consider using a baby wrap, rocking chair or birthing ball to help calm your baby.

8 - Try naps on-the-go:

It can feel like you need to settle your baby to sleep in the cot, but I encourage parents of fussy babies to do day sleep (even just 1 or 2) out of the house. You get the fresh air, maybe a coffee and pastry and they get the motion and natural white noise to settle to sleep.

9 - Try a dummy or pacifier:

A dummy can be a great tool for calming a fussy baby and helping them fall asleep. If you’re nervous to use one for it may become a “crutch”, don’t! They are magical for the babies they work for and you can easily ditch it down the track. Our favourite dummy is the Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light.

10 - Be patient:

Sometimes, all a fussy baby needs is time to settle down without intervention. Be patient and allow your baby to fuss for a few minutes before stepping in. They may surprise you by settling down on their own without the stimulation of a caregiver.

In conclusion, getting a fussy baby to sleep can be challenging, but there are a number of things you can do to help calm your baby. By following these tips and being patient, you can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits and get the rest they need, but more importantly - the rest you need!