All babies cry, for many different reasons—“they’re startled, hungry, cold or hot, tired, wet, bored, annoyed, [or] have gas…” (Jana & Shu, 2005, p. 108). And, they cry an average of 2 to 4 hours a day (Jana & Shu)!

The first thing to do when your baby cries is to respond right away (Shifford, n.d.). You won’t spoil your baby this way. Instead, this builds a trusting, caring relationship.

Try to find out why your baby is crying. She or he may be hungry, tired, or need to be changed. Check for problems such as a pokey pin, or fever and illness.

If you’ve taken care of the basics and your baby isn’t sick, here are some other things you can try:

• Cuddle your baby. Babies need comfort and closeness.
• Take a walk with your baby in a sling or stroller, or a little drive in a car.
• Use some simple sound effects. Turn on the vacuum cleaner, washing machine or shower. Sing or play soft music.
• Provide something safe to suck on, such as a pacifier or your little finger.
• Relax. Babies can pick up on your stress.
• Hand your baby off to someone else until you feel calmer.
• Or, place your baby in a safe place like a crib or car seat for while you calm yourself.
• Never shake your baby.
  

It’s not unusual for new parents to feel like crying from time to time, too. So if you feel stressed, talk to someone about your feelings. And if your baby keeps crying or cries more than usual, make sure to see your baby’s health care provider.

Written by: Suzanna Smith, Associate Professor, Human Development

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References

Centers for Disease Control (n.d.). You’re your baby cries. Retrieved June 20, 2006 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/katrina/pdf/violence_babycries.pdf.

Jana, L. A. & Shu, J. (2005). Heading home with your newborn. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Shifford, D. (n.d.) Crying. A minute for kids (audio file). American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved June 20, 2006 from http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/behavior.cfm.

baby, crying, infant, parenting