How to Settle a Baby: Tips & Tools for New Parents

Author: The Baby Gift Company | Date: 23/07/2025

Tools, Tips & Support for the First 12 Months

Discover practical ways to settle your baby from newborn to 12 months Welcoming a new baby is magical, but it also comes with sleepless nights, unsettled cries, and lots of trial and error. For new parents, understanding how to settle a newborn can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, you're not alone, and there are practical, gentle ways to help your baby sleep better and feel secure.

At The Baby Gift Company, we support new parents with tried-and-true products, expert tips, and thoughtful new baby gifts that make this journey a little easier. Here's your guide to settling baby from birth to 12 months, complete with sleep tools, advice from experts, and gift ideas to help support parents along the way.

Settling a Newborn (0–3 Months)

In the early weeks, babies are adjusting to life outside the womb. They need closeness, warmth, and calming cues that mimic the security they felt during pregnancy.

0-3 Month Old Tips for Settling:

Use gentle white noise to recreate womb-like sounds.
Swaddle baby snugly to reduce startle reflex.
Hold or wear baby in a wrap or carrier for comfort.
Offer a warm bath, gentle rocking, or skin-to-skin contact.

Recommended Tools:

The Baby Shusher – Sleep Miracle Sound Soother
This portable device uses rhythmic “shh” sounds to calm your baby, mimicking what they heard in the womb. It’s simple, safe, and widely recommended by parents and sleep consultants.

“White noise is one of the easiest and most effective tools to help calm a baby. It reduces external noise and triggers a calming reflex.”
– Cara Dumaplin, Taking Cara Babies

Soft Muslin Wraps for Swaddling
Swaddling helps your newborn feel safe and secure. Our breathable muslin wraps are perfect for wrapping snugly while allowing airflow to prevent overheating.

Settling Baby (3–6 Months)

Parent gently swaddling baby in muslin wrap By this stage, your baby is starting to develop sleep patterns and learning to self-soothe. It's a good time to gently introduce sleep associations and routines.

3-6 Month Old Tips for Settling:

Begin a simple bedtime routine: bath, feed, book, cuddle.
Introduce a comforter or soft toy (once baby can roll).
Keep daytime and nighttime environments distinct.
Try gentle sleep training methods if ready.

Tools to Help:

Soft bedtime books or lullaby music
Dim lighting or night light with red tones
Baby sleeping bags for safe, unswaddled sleep

“Consistency is key. Babies feel more secure when they know what to expect. A short, simple routine every night can be incredibly calming.”
— Jo Ryan, Baby Bliss Sleep Consultant

Settling Baby (6–12 Months)

Introduce a comforter or soft toy for a newborn to sleep As your baby becomes more active, sleep disruptions can arise due to teething, separation anxiety, or developmental milestones like crawling.

Tips for Settling 6-12 Months Old Baby:

Stick with a consistent wind-down routine.
Offer comfort, but encourage baby to settle in their cot.
Try gentle patting or soothing words rather than picking up if baby wakes frequently.
Address teething pain with cold teething toys or soothing balms.

Helpful Tools:

Teething comforters or silicone teething rings
A consistent bedtime comfort toy or lovie
Moisturising nappy balm or calming lotion before bed

“Understanding your baby’s developmental changes is key. Sleep setbacks are normal and often temporary with the right support.”
— The Sleep Store, Sleep Consultant Blog

Gift Ideas to Support New Parents

Gift Ideas to Support New Parents Settling a baby can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Thoughtful gifts can ease the pressure and show your support.

Our Favourite New Parent Gift Ideas:

The Baby Shusher – A brilliant gift for any sleep-deprived parent.
Muslin Wraps or Swaddles – Always useful and versatile.
Moogoo Natural Nappy Balm – Gentle and effective for bedtime prep.
Pamper packs – Herbal teas, sleep masks, or a mini treat box just for mum or dad.
Ready-made Gift Hampers – From The Baby Gift Company, beautifully wrapped and packed with newborn essentials.

Shop our Baby Gift Hampers

Be Gentle With Yourself

Every baby is different, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” method when it comes to settling. Some nights will be harder than others, and that’s okay. With the right tools, a little guidance, and a supportive network, you’ll soon find what works for you and your baby.

Looking for a gift to help parents rest easier?

Explore The Baby Gift Company’s range of sleep-friendly baby gifts, muslin wraps, and support bundles for tired mums and dads, beautifully curated and delivered Australia-wide.