Staying calm with a crying baby

These tips support staff to stay calm around a crying baby.

Level of compliance Main audience Other

Recommended

  • All early learning services 
  • Educators, teachers and kaiako
  • Service managers
  • Parents, caregivers and whānau

Sometimes babies cry for no apparent reason. When this happens, you may feel frustrated. It is important to have a strategy in place so that you can calm yourself if this occurs.

Techniques for staying calm around a crying baby

Babies cry to communicate. If a baby is crying, always check their physical needs first and respond as appropriate.

If you think the baby may be unwell, seek immediate medical assistance.

Below are some calming techniques you could use when a baby is crying for no apparent reason. You must ensure that the baby is in a safe place where you can supervise them at all times:

  • Step away.
  • Take some deep breaths.
  • Practice mindful breathing.
  • Count to ten.
  • Have a drink of water or cup of tea.
  • Play some calming music.
  • Go for a walk with the baby and any other children in your care.

If you are still feeling frustrated, contact your supervising person responsible (home-based services) or seek support from another teacher (centre-based services).

Last reviewed: Has this been useful? Give us your feedback