rock a baby

Question

How do you say "to rock a baby"?

or better yet "pretend to rock a baby" (in your arms)

I know abrazar is to hold, but looking specifically for the rocking/swaying motion...

Answer 1

I would definitely use "mecer" - to rock.

There is this poem that I read that says "mezo a mi niño".

This forum unanimously agrees that "mecer" is used for rocking a baby.

Click here for a full conjugation of "mecer".

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"To sway" is balancear.

Good question! I hope I helped you

Thanks i think that should work perfectly :) - toothpastechica, Jul 22, 2011

De nada :) - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 22, 2011

Answer 2

Acunar = rock (to sleep) - Although cuna means cot or cradle, it can be done in your arms too

Mecer = this is like "acunar", but not necessarily to put the baby to sleep.

Arrullar = this is to lull to sleep, regardless of the motion, but I included it just in case

"Balancear" makes me think of a swing where children play, and I personally would not use it for rocking children.

Answer 3

I would also use mecer al niño.

Answer 4

from our dictionary:

to rock a baby to sleep -> mecer a un niño hasta que se quede dormido

I guess we all agree on mecer.

Answer 5

Can't resist link text

If you like blues,...stick around

Answer 6

@Birdland et al: I couldn't resist either!

George McCrae

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Additional terminology:

1) mecedora = rocking chair

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2) arrullo = lullaby