Baby Crying

Crying

Crying is one way babies communicate. All babies cry—some cry more than others. It is common for babies to have a fussy time in the evening. Babies often cry the most around six weeks old. If your baby seems to be in pain, call your doctor or nurse. Never shake your baby. Holding your baby will not spoil her. Your baby will learn that someone cares about her. The following things may help calm your baby.

• Cuddle, comfort, or rock her
• Talk and sing to your baby
• Feed her
• Burp your baby
• Carry her in a baby carrier—the kind you wear in front
• Change her diaper 
• Take her for a ride in the stroller or car
• Walk with your baby
• Play soothing music 
• Swaddle or wrap her in a blanket
• Swing or bounce her gently 
• Let her suck on a pacifier or finger

It is normal to feel stressed when a baby is crying. Know when you are beginning to feel anxious. Have some ideas planned for when this happens.

Coping with Crying

Most of the time holding your baby or speaking to him will comfort him. If nothing works and you start to feel out of control — take a break, even if it means leaving the baby to cry for a few minutes. Put the baby in a safe place, like the crib, and go to another room. Put on some music, turn on the television, or take a shower. Check your baby every five minutes.

Shaking a baby will NOT stop the crying. Babies’ brains are very fragile. Shaking can cause brain damage, blindness, and death. Whatever you do, never hit or shake your baby.

If your baby cries a lot, try to get help from friends and family. Ask them to watch the baby while you take a break. You can ask your baby’s doctor or nurse about crying. They will have other helpful ideas. Do not feel guilty about asking for help. You and your baby will be glad you did. Your baby will cry less as he gets older — it will not last forever.