Veronika has been a remarkably mellow baby; she’ll give little cries for milk when hunger strikes, and she isn’t a huge fan of car rides, but other than that, she’s usually quiet as a mouse!

So I haven’t had much need yet to calm down a very fussy baby, but I do sometimes notice that all the noise and bustle in the apartment makes her a touch overwhelmed. This calming pose is the perfect time-out – for baby and busy parent both!

Lie your baby down on a soft surface – we have a great, thick playmat that’s perfect, but a nice soft blanket or bathmat would work too.

Place your forearms and palms on the ground on either side of baby’s head and kneel in close so your faces are near each other.

Sing softly, taking time to slow down each out breath as you do so. Not only will it calm you down – and you’ll feel a great stretch through your spine! – but it should help baby feel calmer too.

Veronika certainly looked zen. If you don’t have time to do the full pose, just take a moment for calm out breaths, as you hum or sing. This can be during chores or a diaper change. Even that little bit goes a long way in calming your baby’s heart rate.

Photo credit in this post goes to my four year old!

Ribbons and shoelaces and… bathrobes, oh my!

My latest creation for Veronika, to enable her to watch interesting toys, uses just the belt of a bathrobe. Tie the belt securely over the bars of the bassinet or the crib at about where your baby’s chest will be when he or she is lying down.

I used clothespins from the craft bin to attach a few soft toys to the belt.

Veronika could then look at these – and swat for them – while lying down quietly in the bassinet.

I think she appreciated the new view! This was a great way to keep her occupied while making dinner.