Final answer:
To calm a crying infant, diverting their attention by engaging their sense of touch or visual interest in human faces and contrasting patterns can be soothing, as can taking advantage of their rooting reflex.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crying infants can often be quieted by diverting their attention. Infants have a well-developed sense of touch and are usually soothed by soft stroking, cuddling, and gentle rocking. Additionally, they have a preference for human faces, and staring at objects with sharp contrasting colors or complex patterns can catch an infant's eye, which may help in calming them. The newborn's rooting reflex also aids in seeking out comfort by turning their head towards anything that strokes their cheek, in search of a nipple to suckle. Engaging these senses and reflexes can often provide comfort and stop the crying.