self-soothe

[ self-sooth ]

verb (used without object)

1. (of an infant or child) to stop fussing or crying, especially at naptime or bedtime, without receiving comfort from a parent or other caregiver:

   Don’t expect all babies to self-soothe as readily as this little sweetheart.

2. to comfort oneself when experiencing sadness or distress:

   I need to go home and self-soothe with a comfy blanket and a large glass of wine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-soothe¹

First recorded in 1980–85; self- ( def ) + soothe ( def )

Example Sentences

So she finds ways to self-soothe through pleasure and play, and also by figuring out what makes her father happy.

From The Daily Beast