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Crying
It is normal for your baby to cry about 2 1/4 hours each day for the first seven weeks. Crying should not be ignored. Research shows that babies who are carried more cry less than babies who are attended to only when they cry.
There are different reasons for crying. Your baby is trying to tell you that he is hungry, tired, cold, hot, uncomfortable, bored, or lonesome. Crying is your baby's way of telling you that he needs help.
As your baby gets older and learns that you will answer his cries quickly with love and understanding, he will cry less.
You can't spoil your baby by meeting his needs. Everyone wants to feel loved - even babies.
What to do when your baby cries
When your baby cries, try:
- feeding
- changing the diaper
- burping
- adding or taking off clothing.
If your baby still cries, try:
- changing positions (Try the "colic curl" positions pictures at right.)
- rocking in your arms, across your lap, in a chair or in an infant swing (Newborns often prefer the type that swings side-to-side like a rocking cradle, rather than the chair that swings front to back.)
- carrying in a baby sling or front carrier
- swaddling in a cozy blanket
- cuddling
- walking around the room
- "dancing" to music
- taking a walk in a stroller
- taking a drive in the car (in a car seat)
- turning on a constant, droning sound, like a fan, vacuum cleaner, or electric mixer
- playing a music box, radio or CD
- singing
- talking
- offering the breast for "comfort" sucking
- offering a pacifier
- taking your baby to a quiet, relaxing private place where you can rock, nurse, and offer comfort.
What works one time to settle your baby may not work the next. Don't panic. Your baby may sense your mood and only cry harder. If nothing else seems to work, try placing your baby in his crib and see if he can settle himself. Check on your baby at least every 5 to 10 minutes.
What you can do when you try to settle your baby
You need to take care of your emotions if you are trying to calm your crying baby. You can:
- Try to relax. Breathe deeply. Remember that you are learning about each other. What you are learning now can help you next time.
- Give your baby to your partner.
- Alternate 5 to 10 minutes of baby settling alone in the crib with 5 to 10 minutes of you trying to calm him using the methods above.
- Call a friend or relative to come help.
- Listen to music that is calming to you.
If you find yourself getting angry or feeling overwhelmed, put your baby safely in his crib and go to another room 5 to 10 minutes. Ask for help from your partner, a friend, a relative, or a crisis nursery.
Warning!
Don't ever shake your baby to try to quiet crying. Even a slight shake can cause serious, permanent injury or death.
Related Links
Source: Allina Patient Education, Allina Medical Guide for the Care of Children, third edition, ISBN 1-931876-18-5
First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 11/30/2006
Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts