Got a Fussy Baby? These 14 Products Can Bring Peace and Calm

If your baby’s fussiness is caused by gas or colic, try to relieve symptoms at the source, which may be feeding-related. Some baby bottles may not have proper ventilation, which can cause air bubbles to get in—and swallowing air bubbles = gassiness. Vented baby bottles, also called anti-colic bottles, have an extra internal venting system (which does mean extra parts to clean, FYI) to reduce the amount of air intake. “Paired with paced bottle feeding, they can make a noticeable difference for babies prone to gassiness,” Dr. Amin says.

If a bottle or nursing helps soothe your fussy baby, you might consider giving them a pacifier between mealtimes to keep the calming sucking reflex going. But babies can be pretty picky about pacifiers (and your baby is fussy enough as it is), so providing a variety of options like this sample box can make it easier to find what works best for your baby.

Not every fussy baby is gassy, but many gassy babies do get real fussy—and rightfully so. “Their intestines aren't moving as smoothly as they do as they get older,” says Dr. Judith Hoffman, pediatrician and founding partner at Manhattan Valley Pediatrics (and guest star on “Ms. Rachel Visits the Doctor”). “Gas gets stuck and it’s hard for it to come out.”

To help break down all that trapped gas in baby’s stomach, Dr. Amin says, you can give your baby over-the-counter gas drops with simethicone. Just keep in mind that they only provide temporary relief. “They don’t address the root cause of gassiness and may not be effective for all infants,” Dr. Amin says, so if your baby continues to seem uncomfortable due to gassiness, it’s time to talk to your pediatrician.

Here’s one you’ll need to talk to baby’s doctor about first, but if they give the okay, it could make a big difference for baby’s digestion. “Probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus reuteri, support a healthy gut microbiome and may reduce colic symptoms, especially in breastfed infants,” Dr. Amin says.

Gripe water is another common treatment parents use for fussy babies, both Dr. Amin and Dr. Hoffman say. It’s an herbal supplement with tummy-soothing ingredients like ginger and fennel, but keep in mind that “its effectiveness is largely anecdotal,” Dr. Amin says. It may provide temporary relief, but like simethicone gas drops, it may not solve the root issue. And be sure to talk to your pediatrician and read labels carefully before giving any to your baby, since some brands of gripe water can contain extra sweeteners or even small traces of alcohol.

“A more immediate, albeit unconventional, option is the Frida Baby Windi,” Dr. Amin recommends. This funky little device is inserted (gently, with the help of a lubricant) into baby’s rectum, with the hollow shape allowing any trapped gas to pass right on through. It’s a good backup option when techniques like tummy time and bicycle legs aren’t working, but Dr. Amin cautions that you shouldn’t use it too often or rely on it as the only baby de-gassing method.

If you’re breaking out the baby gear, Dr. Amin recommends letting your baby do tummy time on a mat. “Engaging in tummy time can relieve gas and strengthen a baby’s muscles, especially when paired with toys or mirrors to make it enjoyable,” she says. There’s a good chance that a fussy baby might protest doing tummy time at first, so keep it short and simple—even just a couple minutes of wiggling on the mat can help relieve gas or understimulation.

“Warm baths can also have a calming effect, particularly for babies experiencing discomfort from gas or colic,” Dr. Amin says. Just make sure the tub you’re using is appropriate for baby’s age, size and developmental stage (i.e. can baby sit up unsupported or not), and most importantly, be sure to keep the water at a safe temperature of 98 to 100 degrees F (using a bath thermometer can help).

Sometimes babies get fussy because the transition from life inside the womb to the big, outside world can be jarring, and they miss the cramped space. That’s why “swaddles are a timeless tool for soothing newborns,” Dr. Amin says. “They mimic the snug, secure environment of the womb, helping babies feel calm and reducing the startle reflex that often disrupts sleep.” 

You can keep baby feeling safe and snug in traditional blanket swaddles, or you can use pre-shaped wrap swaddles like these to make things easier on yourself (no blanket origami required).

Once your baby is a little older and is starting to roll over (around four months old), you’ll need to transition them to a sleep sack so they can safely adjust themselves if they happen to roll onto their stomach. Even though by this point most babies have outgrown their fussy stage, a sleep sack can be a big help for older babies who still like to be wrapped up.

Speaking of mimicking the womb, white noise machines provide the familiar, soothing sounds baby got used to hearing in utero, like your heartbeat. These gadgets also have the added bonus of blocking out other noises, which can be “a lifesaver” according to Babylist parents, especially if you live in a noisy area, have older kiddos around or are just trying to go about your day while baby naps.

Much like with swaddles, a newborn carrier or wrap carrier like this one keeps baby feeling snug and secure. But while swaddles should be used for sleep, a carrier can help during the day while baby is awake. They also have the added soothing effect of keeping baby close to you, which one Babylist parent said helped to “settle a pretty fussy baby at any time” all while helping them be hands-free.

Ensuring your carrier has the correct fit and positioning is also a must for keeping a fussy baby calm. “A good carrier will support the baby’s hips and spine, and it’s crucial to ensure proper positioning to keep the baby’s airway unobstructed,” Dr. Amin says.

Your baby also got pretty used to movement in the womb—daily activities and just walking around provided baby a gentle rocking for nine months. So if you’ve got a fusspot who seems restless or understimulated, try letting them chill out in a baby swing for a bit. Some swings come with vibration and white noise for even greater soothing effects. One Babylist parent called their swing “a lifeline” for helping settle their fussy baby to sleep. Just remember to only use a swing while baby is awake and supervised, and if they fall asleep (fingers crossed), transfer them to their safe sleep area right away.

A bouncer chair can also help give a restless baby that stimulating motion they miss. And if your baby is fussy due to gas or constipation, we have good news: a bouncer chair might actually help them poop. The gentle bouncing motion plus the semi-reclined position may help baby’s digestive system move a little more smoothly, so don’t be surprised if a fussy baby goes into the bouncer and a poopy baby comes out.