Parents around the world have invented all kinds of variations on the calming womb-like sensations. The practice of letting a baby cry it out, or cry until the child drifts off to sleep, does not cause long-term emotional or behavior harm, according to a new study. However in most cases,  when a parent or caregiver shakes a baby while angry or frustrated when the baby won't stop crying can cause permanent brain damage or death.

5 S for Soothing A Baby:

Swaddling: Swaddling is a simple technique in which you wrap your baby up in a swaddle blanket in order to soothe him. It's a traditional practice of wrapping a baby up gently in a light, breathable blanket to help them feel calm and sleepy. Swaddling your baby reminds them of being in the womb and it's an effective way to calm infants and promote sleep. Use a lightweight cotton or muslin wrap to swaddle your baby. Prevent overheating by making sure your baby is not over-dressed under the wrap. Read: Safety Ways In Handling and Holding Your Newborn Baby

Shush:  While it's considered taboo and pacifying to 'shush' someone when they're older, for babies the 'shush' is the best natural calming method. In combination with a tight, wrapped and swaddled body, a slow or more rapid rocking motion, a pacifier or nipple, the shushing sound really gets your new baby into dreamland. Babies are used to hearing many sound waves all at once, which is what we produce when we say "shh." This form of white noise may help a newborn feel safe, protected and close to mom – just like in the womb.

Swing: Some babies may calm down with a slow, gentle motion-like swinging. Even if they like the swinging motion, do not overdo it. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the motion of being in a swing or bouncing in your arms tends to calm babies. Rock, sway or glide. Hold baby while you sit in a rocking chair or glider, or place her in a motorized baby swing or vibrating bouncy seat. When using a baby swing, the best way to calm down a fussy baby is by performing rapid yet small rocking and jiggling movements. 

Suck: Encourage sucking. Babies often soothe themselves with nonnutritive sucking, which doesn't fill their tummies but does calm their nerves. Sucking's power to calm babies is quite extraordinary. It lowers the heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels. The sucking reflex is probably one of the most important reflexes your newborn has. Sucking at the breast, on a clean finger, or on a pacifier releases natural chemicals within the brain and triggers the calming reflex.

Side-Stomach Position: Placing your baby on her side, especially if she's swaddled, may help to soothe her more easily. Hold your fussy or crying baby in a side or tummy-down position in your arms, on your lap, or place her over your shoulder. Never put her on her side or stomach when she's asleep. While they're awake, position your baby across your forearm or lap with their head resting in your hand. When holding your baby usually in a side/stomach position, allow your hands to relax around his head so it wiggles ever so slightly back and forth.

If your baby doesn't appear sick, you've tried everything, and he or she is still upset, it's OK to let your baby cry. If you need to distract yourself for a few minutes, place your baby safely in the crib and make a cup of tea or call a friend. Normal as it may be, a bawling baby can be distressing for infants and parents alike. Babies sometimes wail for no obvious reason. But other times, they're trying to tell you something with their tears.

Read this related article: Comfort Your Baby With Gentle Settling and How To Survive The First Week With Your Newborn