Anyone who's ever had a baby knows that the sound of crying can be incredibly overwhelming. For some, the constant wails are a daily challenge, while others might experience brief crying spells. But for many, those cries can feel like torture.
For some babies, the reason behind the crying is easy to identify—maybe they're hungry, need a diaper change, or are overtired. While these problems are usually simple to fix, other times, the cause of the crying is a mystery. It could be gas, a need for comfort, or frustration from being unable to do things that the adults around them are doing.
In these tough moments, the typical advice—feeding, changing, and rocking—often doesn't help. The crying can quickly feel unbearable, and if someone figures out a trick to calm the baby, it feels like a miracle.
That's why a TikTok video of a dad calming his 2-month-old baby in 18 seconds has captured so much attention. Jonathan, known as “Tuque Daddy,” demonstrates how he holds his son with one hand while using the other to gently wrap the baby’s arms across his body in a “self-hug.” He then cradles him under the diaper with one hand and places the other over the baby's arms and torso. A little gentle rocking, and within seconds, the baby stops crying.
The video has gone viral, with viewers amazed at how quickly the baby calms down. The soothing effect of this technique is undeniable, as some commenters have humorously remarked, “Maybe I need to rethink having a baby.” But then the baby's adorable face appears, and it's impossible not to feel a wave of tenderness.
Jonathan’s patience and reassurance are the perfect final touch, as he gently asks, “You alright, my boy?”
The technique he demonstrates isn’t just a random trick—it’s an established method. Dr. Robert Hamilton, a pediatrician from Santa Monica, California, has been using this calming hold with babies for over 30 years. His video explaining the technique has been viewed more than 53 million times on YouTube, and he's known worldwide for his ability to calm crying babies almost instantly.
So, the next time a baby in your life is crying, give “the hold” a try—you might just witness the magic for yourself.