Baby wouldn’t stop crying—and this mom found a way to stay present through the noise

The image is striking in its simplicity: a mother cradling her newborn, gently rocking him, headphones snug over her ears. The baby’s cries fill the air, yet she remains grounded. This is Cassidy Frizzell, a 30-year-old mom from Atlantic Canada, demonstrating a quiet but powerful form of survival.

In a viral TikTok video with over 194.8K views, Frizzell explains, “His basic needs are always met, and having a happy, calm, and regulated mama is beneficial to him. Remember babies co-regulate, so if their parent is in an elevated state, they are likely to stay in that state longer as well.”

Onscreen text adds context: “This is what people of TikTok are calling neglect, because I sometimes choose to wear headphones when my little squishy is in a long-lasting period of crying.”

@cassidy.frizzell His basic needs are always met, and having a happy, calm and regulated Mama is beneficial to him. Remember babies co-regulate, so if their parent is in an elevated state, they are likely to stay in that state longer as well. #witchinghour #colic #purplecrying #mamasboy #mylittlelove ♬ I Don't Want to Miss a Thing – Madison Malone

Finding calm amid the chaos

Frizzell’s choice reflects a larger truth about early motherhood: the sensory overload of newborn care can be intense, especially during the PURPLE crying phase—a developmental period marked by prolonged, unpredictable, and sometimes painful crying.

 Experts often advise parents to step away for a few minutes if they feel overwhelmed. Frizzell adapts this advice in a modern way: by wearing headphones, she remains physically present with her baby while protecting her own emotional and sensory well-being.

Related: This viral TikTok captures what it’s like to parent through exhaustion and mental health struggles

Why regulating sensory overload matters

Experts confirm that strategies like using headphones to manage sensory overload are not only safe but beneficial. According to Dr. Caroline Boyd, a perinatal clinical psychologist, ‘Using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help parents manage auditory overwhelm while still being present with their baby. It’s a practical tool for maintaining emotional regulation during stressful moments.

Postpartum doula Ellen Haines, founder of Calm Mama, echoed similar sentiments in a previous Newsweek interview: “When your children are in the care of safe people they love and trust, taking time away—or creating a sensory buffer—is absolutely good for them and for you. It doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your child; it helps you return more centered and grateful for your family.”

Related: New mom’s viral shower hack is giving parents a game-changing idea

A conversation every parent can relate to

• The TikTok sparked thousands of comments from parents resonating with Frizzell’s approach. Some shared their own coping strategies, while others expressed relief at seeing maternal regulation normalized. “The best thing you can do for your baby is to take care of yourself too.” — @wxyz860
• “The baby doesn’t know you’re wearing headphones lol. How is that neglect?” — @nikki.drafts
• “There’s a reason why airplane safety instructions tell you to put the mask on yourself first. You need to take care of yourself to be able to take care of others.” — @sparklysamuraicat

The conversation underscores a broader cultural shift: modern motherhood increasingly embraces self-preservation and emotional honesty, challenging the myth that a good mom must erase herself to meet every need.

Redefining what calm looks like in motherhood

In a world quick to judge, Frizzell’s video is a reminder that calm, regulated parenting isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Mothers are finding creative, safe ways to remain present without sacrificing their own well-being, reshaping what it means to parent thoughtfully in an era of constant scrutiny.

Source:

1. Storsak. 2022. “Coping With Sensory Overload.”

source https://www.mother.ly/parenting/mom-stays-calm-baby-cries/