10 Ways to Calm a Baby in the Womb

Co-authored by Jennifer Butt, MD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: May 9, 2024 Fact Checked

Feeling your baby kick is a wonderful thing—in fact, your baby kicking is a sign that they’re healthy and developing normally. But when you lay down to go to sleep, you might notice that your baby kicks more than usual—which isn’t the best way to get a great night’s sleep yourself. In this article, we’ll tell you all the tactics you can use to calm your baby in the womb and feel closer to them at the same time.

1

Rub your belly.

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By 26 weeks, your baby will be able to sense your touch. Sit down in a comfortable position and gently rub your belly slowly with both hands. Use soft, circular motions to soothe your baby and calm them down. You can also ask your partner or a loved one to gently rub your belly, as long as you’re comfortable with it. ^{[1]
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- Want to indulge in some relaxation as you calm your baby down? Book a prenatal massage to comfort your baby and soothe your muscles at the same time.

2

Talk to your baby.

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As your baby develops, they’ll start to react to the sound of your voice. Talk to your baby and tell them how much you love them, or tell them a story about yourself. The more you chat and talk to your baby, the more they’ll recognize you and be soothed by the sound of your voice. ^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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- You could also read your baby a book or tell them the plot of your favorite TV show. As long as you’re talking, your baby will love it.

3

Have your partner talk to your baby.

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Your partner can bond with your baby and calm them at the same time. If you have a partner, invite them to talk to your baby and rub your belly to help soothe them. After about 26 weeks, your baby will be able to recognize and react to voices, so they can start learning who their parents are. ^{[3]
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- You can also have a close friend or a relative talk to your baby and calm them down.

4

Sing to your baby.

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A sweet lullaby can help calm your baby down with your voice. Pick your favorite song to sing to your baby, then gently rub your belly as you whisper the words. Don’t worry about sounding perfect—the fact that it’s your voice will be enough to calm your baby down and help them relax. ^{[4]
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- Go for a slow, gentle song with a nice rhythm to it to mimic your heart beat and help your baby fall asleep.
Heidi Murkoff, Pregnancy and Parenting Expert

Soothing your baby in the womb can be a peaceful, bonding time. Gentle motions like rocking or walking mimic the movements your active baby felt before. Soft singing, reading aloud or speaking provides auditory comfort as your baby starts to recognize and react to your voice. This prenatal communication not only calms your baby, but also cultivates an early sense of security and connection between you and your child.

5

Play soothing music.

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Classical music can help relax your baby in the womb. Try turning on a radio or playing music on your phone near your belly. You might just notice that your baby stops moving around as much when you play their favorite song. ^{[5]
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- Studies show that babies can even remember songs played for them in the womb! If you notice your baby reacted particularly well to a song in the womb, try playing the same one for them once they’re born.
- You can even use baby bump headphones on your belly so your baby can listen to music on the go.

6

Rock in a rocking chair.

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Your rocking motion can help lull your baby back to sleep. Invest in a quality rocking chair , both for after your baby is born and while they’re in the womb. When your baby seems restless, sit in the rocking chair and gently rub your belly as you rock back and forth. ^{[6]
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- Combine this method with singing and talking to your baby to give them a lot of comfort and love.

7

Walk around.

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Walking is another great way to gently rock your baby. Stand up and do a few circles around your home, rubbing your belly as you go. You can talk to and sing to your baby as well, just so they hear your voice. Try to do this for about 10 or 15 minutes so your baby has a chance to settle down. ^{[7]
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- If you notice that your baby often kicks when you lay down to go to sleep, they’re probably reacting to your stillness. Since they’re used to you getting up and walking around during the day, they may find it hard to sleep while you’re lying still.

8

Do some gentle exercise.

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Babies tend to move less when you’re active. This is likely because of the gentle rocking motions that you’re making with your body. If you feel up to it, try doing some yoga or pilates to soothe your baby. ^{[8]
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- You could also try swimming or cycling. Light exercise like these are usually fine during pregnancy, as long as your doctor gives you the go-ahead! ^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives
  Go to source}

9

Lower your caffeine intake.

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Caffeine gives your baby energy, which can make them move more. If you notice that your baby moves around a lot after you have coffee or soda, it’s most likely because of the caffeine. ^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Try reducing your intake to see if your baby calms down and moves less.
- Most experts recommend limiting your caffeine intake to 200 mg per day while pregnant. ^{[11]
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10

Relax and reduce stress.

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When you’re stressed, your baby can sense it. If you’ve had a particularly tough day or you’re feeling burnt out, do something relaxing to help you decompress. You could soak in a bubble bath, take a nap, get out into nature, or simply lounge around the house. When you feel calm, your baby will be calmer, too. ^{[12]
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- Long-term stress can affect your health and the health of your baby. ^{[13]
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  Research source} If you’re finding it tough to relax or wind down, talk to your doctor.

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How can I start labor early?

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Talk to your doctor about it — if you're far enough along, they may recommend an induced labor. Otherwise, just be patient and remember that it'll come eventually.

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If you notice that your baby is kicking when you lay down to sleep, try rolling over onto your side instead. This will help promote blood flow and gets the weight of your uterus off your spine and back muscles.

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10 Ways to Calm a Baby in the Womb

Steps

Rub your belly.

Talk to your baby.

Have your partner talk to your baby.

Sing to your baby.

Play soothing music.

Rock in a rocking chair.

Walk around.

Do some gentle exercise.

Lower your caffeine intake.

Relax and reduce stress.

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