Midwife's 14-Year Secret: How to Settle a Newborn Baby in a Cot Without Tears
A midwife with 14 years of experience has shared a practical tip for new parents struggling to stop their babies from crying when placed in a cot or moses basket during the first few hours, days, or weeks of life. Claire Wilson Metcalfe, known as The Proud Midwife on TikTok with 167,000 followers, explained that this common issue stems from newborns' natural desire for closeness after spending nine months in the warm, confined space of the uterus.
The Challenge of Newborn Comfort
The initial weeks of parenthood are filled with love but can also be terrifying and overwhelming, as parents suddenly become responsible for an entire life. One of the main problems new mums and dads face is getting their baby to feel comfortable when put down, as infants often just want to be held. Claire highlighted that in utero, babies are in a compact ball, but after birth, they flail about, making the transition to a cot unsettling.
Step-by-Step Technique for Settling Babies
Claire demonstrated her method using a real-life example where a mother asked her to put a newborn back in the crib. When the baby started crying upon being placed down, she picked it up to comfort it first. She then gently put the baby down again while keeping her hand firmly on its chest to provide reassurance.
Key steps include:
- Pick the baby up to comfort it if it cries when initially placed in the cot.
- Hold your hand firmly on the baby's chest as you gently lower them back down.
- Apply a little pressure and rock the crib slightly, as many cots have a rocking feature, to mimic the secure feeling of being in the womb.
- If the baby continues to scream, pick them up for a reassuring cuddle or a gentle pat on the bum, as sometimes babies just need that extra comfort.
Claire noted that during this process, the baby's grandma observed and understood why the technique worked, saying, "oh look that's why she's doing that." She emphasised that this might be one little tip to try, but it's not a guaranteed solution for every baby.
Parental Feedback and Real-World Success
Multiple people have reported that this tip helped them settle their babies. One mum commented, "Wish someone told me that 7 weeks ago. Then again she still doesn’t like being in a crib, and just wants to be scrunched up on mummy, and not a big fan of swaddling." Another midwife added, "I did this as a student midwife, as well as gently tapping the chest whilst rocking in the crib. I'm also a mum and it calms any baby I come across. Great tip!" A second parent shared, "This came up for me as I'm sat with my 4 week old, hand on her chest, gentle pressure."
This advice underscores the importance of understanding newborn behaviour and adapting techniques to provide security, helping parents navigate the early challenges of childcare with more confidence and less stress.
