An aunt has figured out a way to stop her nephew from screaming, and it isn't as soothing as you might think.
The 19-year-old woman has shared her technique on TikTok (@yadadondadaa), gathering over 605,000 views. The footage shows a tearful baby boy sitting in his car seat while holding an iPhone. But it isn't a kid-friendly cartoon he is watching; instead, it's clips of himself crying—presumably moments before.
The video appears to have left him speechless as he silently fixates on the screen. The text layered over says that she recorded it to "show him how crazy he is."
The clip, captioned, "he was really quiet watching it over [and] over," has more than 113,000 likes.
Newsweek is waiting for @yadadondadaa to provide a comment.
According to the comments, the method behind the madness has worked for others, too.
"My son! Sometimes he'll smile [and] laugh a little like he's proud of his work," shared one mother. Another person posted: "They used to show me myself in the mirror when I was a baby/kid. And I'd stop [because] it wasn't cute."
Other users have shared what they believe the baby is thinking.
"He's like damn maybe I overreacted a [little]," read one comment with 14,900 likes.
A fourth user wrote: "He lookin[g] like 'nah ain't no way this is me [for real].'"
How to Soothe a Crying Baby
During their first year of life, babies primarily communicate their needs through crying, though deciphering the meaning behind each cry can be challenging. By the end of the first month, you'll start recognizing cues in your baby's cries.
Pathways.org, an organization that provides information about child development, says that the top reasons for tears include hunger, fatigue, a dirty diaper, teething discomfort, feeling too hot or cold, digestive issues, or overstimulation.
The online platform for caregivers has suggested the following ways to help soothe a crying baby. Unsurprisingly, recording them and playing it back isn't on the list—even though it seemingly works.
- Smooth Motion—Rock your baby in your arms, a chair, or take them for a stroller or car ride. The rhythmic movement mimics the womb and can be very soothing. Always place them on their back to sleep.
- Close Comfort—Swaddle your baby to provide a sense of security. Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) can also help regulate their heartbeat and breathing, easing their distress.
- White Noise—The womb is a noisy place, so a white-noise machine, fan, or vacuum can create a familiar, calming background sound. Keep the volume gentle.
- Side or Stomach Holding—Holding your baby on their side, stomach, or against your shoulder can be comforting, but always place them on their back for sleep.
If crying persists despite these efforts, consult your baby's health-care provider.
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