When Your Baby Cries A LOT
Sometimes, we just don’t know why babies are crying! So, what can you do? Think about what it was like when your baby was in the womb, and try to create a similar experience.
- Calmly hold your baby close to your shoulder or chest—inside the womb, it was warm and close.
- Swaddle (wrap) your baby in a blanket— toward the end of pregnancy, it was very crowded.
Quietly sing or talk to your baby, softly play calm music—voices heard through the womb were very comforting.
- Gently rock your baby or go for a quiet walk— before birth, your baby was used to quietly floating.
There will be a few times when babies will continue to cry until either sleep finally arrives or they become quiet yet alert. Comforting babies when they cry does not spoil them. In fact, many babies learn how to calm themselves just by knowing that someone will calm them.
Sometimes, babies will continue to fuss after parents have tried everything! They are crying because they have had all the excitement that they can handle for now. This is when it’s best to quietly hold your baby, or put your baby in a safe place, like the crib, and wait until all is calm.
Crying Babies Upset Parents
All parents get upset when their baby cries. With all this crying, try to stay patient. Your baby can sense when you are upset or tense.
After trying all the ways that usually calm your baby, it’s ok to let your baby cry. It’s ok to place your baby, face up, in the crib to calm down. It’s ok to let your baby cry sometimes and give yourself time to calm down. Do something that you enjoy and find calming—have a cup of tea or coffee, listen to music, call a friend or spouse, read, or meditate. These feelings of stress are natural and will pass.
If your baby’s crying is getting to be too much— and it does get to this point for many parents— reach out for help. Talk with a friend or relative who has been through this, or call your pediatrician.
Last Updated 6/19/2017
Source Connected Kids: Safe, Strong, Secure (Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
