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Crying baby: What to do when your newborn cries
Newborn crying jags are inevitable, but a crying baby can test your patience all the same. Here's help soothing a crying baby — and renewing your ability to handle the tears.
By Mayo Clinic staffThe dream: Your baby sleeps through the night after just a few weeks, gurgles happily while you run errands and only fusses when hunger strikes.
The reality: Your baby's favorite playtime is after the 2 a.m. feeding. Crankiness peaks when you're out and about. You had no idea a crying baby could keep the tears flowing for so long.
Sound familiar?
In any given day, the average newborn cries for two to three hours. Find out why babies cry — and how to handle a crying baby.
Decoding the tears
A crying baby is trying to tell you something. Your job is to figure out why your baby is crying and what — if anything — you can do about it. Consider what your crying baby may be thinking:
- I'm hungry. Most newborns eat every few hours round-the-clock. Some babies become frantic when hunger strikes. They may get so worked up by the time the feeding begins that they gulp air with the milk, which may cause spitting up, trapped gas and more crying. To avoid such frenzy, respond to early signs of hunger. If your baby begins to gulp during the feeding, take a break.
- I need to burp. During and after each feeding, take time to burp your baby. But don't stop there. Your baby may need to burp between feedings as well.
- I'm wet. For some babies, a wet or soiled diaper is a surefire way to trigger tears. Gas or indigestion may have the same effect. Check your baby's diaper often to make sure it's clean and dry.
- I'm tired. Tired babies are often fussy — and your baby may need more sleep than you think. Newborns often sleep up to 16 hours every day. Some newborns sleep even more.
- I'd rather be bundled. Some babies feel most secure in a swaddle wrap. Snugly wrap your baby in a receiving blanket or other small, lightweight blanket.
- I want to move. Sometimes a rocking session or walk through the house is enough to soothe a crying baby. In other cases, a change of position is all that's needed. Keeping safety precautions in mind, try a baby swing or vibrating infant seat. Weather permitting, head outdoors with the stroller. You may even want to buckle up for a ride in the car.
- I'm lonely. Sometimes simply seeing you, hearing your voice or being cuddled may stop the tears. Gentle massage or light pats on the back may soothe a crying baby, too.
- I'm hot. A baby who's too hot is likely to be uncomfortable. The same goes for a baby who's too cold. Add or remove a layer of clothing as needed.
- I want to suck on something. Sucking is a natural reflex. For many babies, it's a comforting, soothing activity. If your baby isn't hungry, try a clean finger or pacifier.
- I've had enough. Too much noise, movement or visual stimulation may drive your baby to tears. Move to a calmer environment or place your baby in the crib. White noise — such as a recording of ocean waves or the monotonous sound of an electric fan or vacuum cleaner — may help your crying baby relax.
- It's just that time of day. Many babies have predictable periods of fussiness during the day, often in the late afternoon and early evening. There may be little you can do but comfort your baby as the crying runs its course.
- My tummy hurts. If you're breast-feeding your baby, the flavor of the milk may change in response to what you eat and drink. If you suspect that a certain food or drink is making your baby fussier than usual, avoid it for several days to see if it makes a difference.
(1 of 2)
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- Basic baby care. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/parentingbooks/MC-Chapter%201.pdf. Accessed Jan. 16, 2009.
- Turner TL, et al. Evaluation and management of colic. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 16, 2009.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 26, 2009.
- Policy statement: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 2005;115:496.
- Children's sleep habits. National Sleep Foundation. http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2419295/k.5AAB/Childrens_Sleep_Habits.htm. Accessed Jan. 16, 2009.
- Nicklaus S. Development of food variety in children. Appetite. 2009;52:253.
- St. James-Roberts I. Infant crying and sleeping: Helping parents to prevent and manage problems. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2008;35:547.
