As a baby sleep consultant in Edinburgh, I always encourage parents to look beyond the surface when their baby seems unsettled. While it’s natural to want a quick fix, the first—and most important—step is to ask:
Why is my baby unsettled in the first place?
Understanding the root cause can make settling much easier and more sustainable for both you and your baby.
🧐 Why Is My Baby Unsettled?
Before reaching for a dummy, or rocking for hours, take a moment to consider what’s going on beneath the surface. Here are some key areas to explore:
For Newborns:
- Feeding: Is your baby feeding effectively and frequently enough?
- Winding: Are you winding them thoroughly after feeds? Trapped wind can cause major discomfort.
- Time of day: Are they consistently unsettled at a certain point in the day or night? This can be a clue!
For Older Babies:
- Solids: Have you recently introduced any new foods that might not be agreeing with them?
- Teething: Are there any signs of teeth cutting through?
- Daytime sleep: Are their naps timed appropriately for their age? Too much or too little day sleep can impact settling.
🌬️ Winding Tips for Gassy or Refluxy Babies
For newborns, wind is one of the most common causes of unsettled behaviour. Every baby is different, so it’s important to find what works best for yours.
Expert Tips:
- Best burping position? Try sitting your baby upright with their back straight, rather than slumped.
- Rub, don’t pat if reflux is suspected. Patting can move milk around in the stomach, worsening discomfort.
- Try this trick: Lay your baby flat for 20 seconds, then lift them back up—this can help shift stubborn wind.
- Tummy pressure helps. Some babies find comfort when held high on your shoulder with light pressure on their tummy.
🤱 Settling an Upset Baby in the Moment
If your baby is overtired, overstimulated, or simply having a rough patch, calming them in your arms is always a good place to start.
Here’s what to try:
- Use slow, gentle movements while holding them close.
- Once calm, lay them down still slightly awake if possible.
- Place your hand on their chest or tummy for comfort before gradually removing it.
This builds trust and helps them associate their sleep space with safety and security.
🍼 Swaddling: A Comfort Tool That’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Many babies love the feeling of being swaddled—it mimics the womb and can prevent startle reflex from waking them. But not every baby enjoys it the same way.
Try different options:
- Both arms down
- One arm up, one arm down
- Arms completely out
Follow your baby’s lead, and as long as it’s safe and sustainable, go with what works for them.
🔊 White Noise: Helpful or Habit?
White noise can be incredibly effective for calming an unsettled baby—especially in noisy environments like hospitals or busy households. It mimics the constant sounds of the womb and blocks out sudden environmental noise.
My advice:
- Use continuous white noise rather than one that switches off mid-sleep.
- Once your baby is sleeping more comfortably, gradually reduce volume and usage until it’s no longer needed.
- Avoid becoming reliant on it long-term if it means you’re getting up in the night to switch it back on.
⚠️ Could It Be Something Else?
Sometimes persistent unsettled behaviour points to something more.
Conditions to watch for:
- Silent reflux: This doesn’t always involve vomiting. Look for signs like back arching, hiccups, or fussiness after feeds.
- Food intolerances: These may emerge when introducing formula or solids and can impact sleep and comfort.
If you suspect either of these, it’s worth speaking with a healthcare provider or seeking tailored support for silent reflux.
💬 Final Thoughts
Settling an unsettled baby isn’t just about finding the right technique—it’s about understanding your baby’s unique needs and responding with patience, consistency, and calm.
You’re not doing anything wrong if your baby needs more help right now. Trust your instincts, seek newborn support when needed, and know that this is just one phase of your baby’s development.
Need 1:1 Support?
If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. I offer personalised sleep consultations to help you get to the root of your baby’s sleep challenges with practical, gentle solutions.
📲 Book a free 15min call to discuss your concerns, or follow me on Instagram @thehappybabyexpert for daily tips, encouragement, and expert baby sleep support.