As a busy new mom, you might consider it a nightmare to run errands with your fussy baby in tow. You’re trying to pay for your purchases while he’s reaching to grab (and consequently throw) items from the shelves, or you are at the receptionist’s window scheduling an appointment or making your copayment and baby is tugging, pulling and whining.

Or you’re trying to navigate through rush-hour traffic while he screams at the top of his lungs. All parents have been in these situations and you are likely not immune. The source of baby’s frustration is that he is not having his own way, right? Not necessarily.

Dealing with Fussiness

Although there are definitely different triggers for a fussy baby, it is important to remember that babies become emotionally, mentally and physically tired at a much faster rate than adults or even older children do.

Babies lack the coping mechanism that is needed in situations that occur outside his familiar surroundings. Determining why baby is cranky, hard to please, or unreasonable is sometimes difficult. Aside from obvious things that may be fueling his fire, like hunger, being too cold or too hot, or having a dirty diaper, baby may feel insecure, extraordinarily curious, or even bored – and expresses these feelings in the only way he knows how to at his age – by being fussy.

It is important to note as well that baby may be mirroring you. If you are nervous, impatient, or anxious, he may be picking up on those emotions and modeling your behavior. Inversely, baby will also mirror your patient and calm stance in many instances. Unlike his familiar and somewhat leisurely time that is customarily spent at home, babies and toddlers out with mom or dad running errands will spend a significant amount of time trapped in an infant seat, completely aware that they are not in their comfort zone.

You can combat this fussiness, however, with the tips that follow:

• While waiting in line, nip fussiness in the bud by talking to your baby, or gently humming a familiar tune in the baby’s ear as you hold him close.

• Take baby out of his carrier at regular intervals to allow him to stretch his legs and arms.

• Attempt to keep baby on his nap and feeding schedule as much as possible, even while out running errands; a few hours away from home can seem like an eternity to your little one – a nap and a bottle may be all that are needed to get him back on track.

• Speak directly to the baby when he becomes fussy. Oftentimes fussiness is just a cry for attention, so when baby is tossing items out of your shopping cart, acknowledge his actions and speak to him in a soothing tone, saying things like “I know you are so tired” or “Look at what a wonderful helper you are”. This lends baby support and may soothe his frustration.

• Babies thrive on direct eye contact and intimacy. When you’re waiting in a long line, or in the doctor’s waiting room, hold your baby close and speak softly to him. Look him in the eye with love and compassion, and keep a comforting hand on his arm or cheek to remind him that you are there.

• Don’t forget baby’s pacifier, blankets, and toys. These come in handy when baby becomes restless, so don’t offer them to him until he starts to fuss. Baby uses familiar items to comfort and calm himself.

• Invite your mother or a close friend to come along when you plan to be on an all day outing running errands or going to a doctor’s appointment. This gives you an extra person to entertain, soothe and comfort baby if you get tired.

Above all, never feel like your baby’s fussiness or irritability is indicative of your skills as a parent. All babies (and all people for that matter) experience bouts of unpleasant emotions and moods. Experimenting with different ways of comforting your baby will see the two of you happy companions (even when running errands) in no time.