Becoming a parent often means facing a mountain of questions. And when a baby cries without you immediately understanding why, it's easy to feel a little... lost. Is he hungry? In pain somewhere? Why can't he fall asleep? Don't panic: with a little observation, a lot of love, and a few well-chosen positions, you can do a lot to soothe his little aches.
Observing your baby to better understand his discomfort 👀
Before figuring out how to soothe your baby, you need to know what's bothering him. A baby turning his head from side to side, trying to grab your fingers with his mouth? He's probably hungry. The easy test to confirm this? Stimulate his cardinal points by stroking his cheeks; he'll instinctively turn his head towards your touch and open his mouth if he's hungry. A baby pedaling frantically in the air? He's likely bothered by intestinal pain. Stiff, arched like a bow? This is often digestive discomfort, which can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). And if he's all tensed up, even in your arms, he may be expressing a more general discomfort, physiological or emotional.
In any case, these signals are valuable. They allow you to act more appropriately, by offering the most suitable position for his current discomfort.
Relieving colic and abdominal pain 😭
Infant colic is common during the first weeks of life. Its origin? An immature digestive system that slows down digestion, leading to bloating... and thus sometimes discomfort and pain. When babies hurt, they tend to stretch out, which increases their discomfort.
If we have a stomach ache, we'll curl our legs up to relieve ourselves. A newborn doesn't have the musculature to easily stay in a flexed position, so it will be important to help them. Fortunately, several simple positions can help soothe your baby:
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Skin-to-skin, belly-to-belly: Simply holding your baby skin-to-skin on your chest, with their legs tucked against you, can soothe them with warmth, your breathing, and your scent. It's a truly comforting cocoon... for both of you.
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Tummy time under supervision: Lying on their stomach, arms up to allow them to turn their head if they wish, the baby can massage themselves by moving their legs, which stimulates their transit and helps release tension. Practice this for five to ten minutes a day and only under close supervision (and never for sleeping!).
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The Buddha: Seat your baby on your thighs. One hand supports their neck, the other rests on their little tummy. By gently leaning them forward, you apply slight abdominal pressure, like a massage. Ideal for helping a trapped burp come out.
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The Pharaoh: Fold the baby's arms against their chest, gently lift them, and make a slight rocking motion of the pelvis from left to right. This gentle "rocking" relieves cramps and creates a sense of containment.
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The Leopard: Lay your baby on your forearm, on their stomach, with their arms and legs relaxed and dangling on either side of your arm. Their head rests in the crook of your elbow or hand, depending on their size. This enveloping, very reassuring position promotes relaxation and digestion. It allows you to gently rock your baby.
And to enhance the benefits of all these positions, there's nothing like a hot water bottle with natural seeds (like flax seeds, smaller and more comfortable than cherry pits) placed on the baby's belly, lukewarm (never hot!). Gentle warmth relaxes muscles and calms tension.
Positions that promote digestion and limit reflux 🍼
Gastroesophageal reflux, common in toddlers, can make post-meal times complicated. To remedy this, favor semi-vertical positions, where the baby's head is higher than their feet:
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Keep your baby in your arms after feeding, in a semi-upright position, head well supported, belly against your chest. This promotes digestion and reduces the risk of acid reflux.
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Prefer carrying them on their left side, especially after meals: this is where their stomach is located, and this position facilitates gastric emptying and limits reflux.
💡 Bonus tip: physiological carrying (in a wrap or baby carrier) is an excellent option to combine digestion, safety, and closeness.
Relaxation rituals to soothe your baby before bedtime
What position for safe sleep? 😴
This is the question that plagues all new parents: how to put baby to sleep safely? For several years, health authorities have recommended the strict back position for sleeping. It helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome. It is therefore important to teach your baby good sleep habits by having them sleep on their back from the first days, even if it's not a very comforting position for them.
To reassure them safely, consider using an adapted cocoon or bed reducer, which will recreate the enveloping sensations of intrauterine life. This will help define the space around the baby and help them maintain a more flexed and reassuring position.
💡 Another tip: avoid letting your baby systematically sleep with their head turned to the same side. Babies will instinctively turn more easily towards a light source, their bedroom door, or a mobile. This can lead to plagiocephaly (flattening of the skull). Alternate head positions, and if in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a professional (pediatric physical therapist, osteopath, pediatrician...).
These positions that make baby feel good 👶
We mentioned it above. From birth, an awake baby can be placed on their stomach for a few minutes a day, always under supervision. Not only does this help with their transit, but it also allows them to lift their head, strengthen their neck and back, and explore the world differently. This is called tummy time, which is very good for motor development.
Varying your baby's positions not only relieves them but also supports their overall development. Each position has its benefits: digestive, emotional, motor... And most importantly, they strengthen the bond between you and your baby. Always listen, follow your intuition, and if discomfort persists or worries you, never hesitate to consult a professional.
