• Crying Babies
• Tips to Prevent Crying
• Ways to Comfort Your Baby
• What if Your Baby Does Not Settle Easily ...
 

Crying Babies

Crying is the way babies let us know they are hungry or need something, have discomfort or pain, are tired, lonely, or frustrated. Crying does not mean that your baby is angry with you, or being bad. 

Some babies cry a lot, others hardly at all. Crying increases around three weeks of age, and reaches a peak by six weeks. It occurs more often in the late afternoon and evening. Crying decreases by three or four months of age.

Tips to Prevent Crying
 

• Talk gently as you handle your baby; talk about what you are doing, and move slowly, allowing time to adjust to changes in position.  • Carry your baby in an infant sling as much as possible. • Keep late afternoon and evening feeding times peaceful and calm.
• Protect your child from allergies by breastfeeding for the first year, especially if you or your partner have allergies.

Responding quickly to crying will not spoil your baby.  It helps them to feel that their world is safe and predictable.

• Watch for your baby's early feeding cues, such as finger sucking, or sucking movements of the mouth. Offer feedings before your baby is overly hungry. Burp your baby often during feeding. 

• Babies who startle easily can be wrapped in a light blanket; having their arms and legs restrained provides comfort like being in the womb. 

• Watch for signs that your baby has had enough stimulation - hiccups, turning the head to one side, sneezing, or grimaces. 

• Avoid exposing your baby to sudden temperature changes; use a blanket to keep your baby warm while changing diapers, especially if the room is drafty.

It is much more important to stay calm, than to stop the crying.

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Ways to Comfort Your Baby

• Ask yourself if your baby is hungry. The number of times a baby feeds each day can change with growth spurts. 

• Try burping. Babies who cry after feedings may be getting too little or too much milk, or they may be swallowing air. Ask your doctor or a Public Health Nurse for help. 

• Check your baby's diaper; some babies find wet and dirty diapers uncomfortable. Airing a baby's bottom several times a day can help with diaper rash, but seek medical care if the rash does not improve. 

• Maybe your baby is uncomfortable. Try changing positions. 

• Your baby may be too hot or too cold. As a general rule, dress your baby in one more layer of clothing than you would need. Wetness at the back of the neck means your baby is too warm. A drink, or removing a layer of clothing, will help to cool your baby down. 

• Offer something interesting to see and hear. Babies like bright colours, music, faces, and voices. Soothing sounds like soft music, or even the noise of the dishwasher or vacuum may help. 

• Sucking helps to soothe. Breastfeeding mothers can offer the breast more often; bottle feeding mothers can offer a soother. 

• Provide gentle motion. Taking your baby for a walk, a ride in the car or stroller, rocking, or an infant swing may help. NEVER SHAKE YOUR BABY. This can damage your baby's brain. 

• Massage your baby. Use baby oil, gently apply pressure on your baby's back from neck to bottom, and in a clockwise motion on the tummy. 

• Try holding your baby skin-to-skin on your chest. Your body heat and heart sounds provide comfort, and may help your baby to settle. 

• If you are a breastfeeding, consult with a breastfeeding expert. If you have a quick milk let-down, if your baby is getting too much foremilk, or if your baby has a sensitivity to drugs or foods in your diet - all of these can cause gas and fussiness. 

• If you are formula feeding, talk with your doctor about the best formula.

The longer it takes to answer babies' cries, the longer it takes to soothe them.

What If Your Baby Does Not Settle Easily ...

Sometimes your baby will not settle, even after much effort on your part. When this happens, parents may feel like a failure, frustrated, angry, tired, and alone. 

Tell yourself it is not your fault.

Take a break; find another adult to care for your child, or put your crying baby in the crib, and take 15 minutes to calm yourself. 

Find ways to relax. Have a glass of milk, listen to your favourite music, or phone a relative or friend. 

Call your doctor right away if:
• your baby is less than one month old, and acts sick; 
• if there is fever, vomiting, or diarrhea; 
• your baby's cries are unusually shrill or intense; or 
• you are afraid that you might hurt your baby. 

Get help! Asking for help is a sign of strength. It is the best thing you can do for you and your baby. Caring for children is very demanding, and all parents need help and support at times. 
• Attend a parent discussion or play group to talk with other parents. 
• For professional advice and support, ask for the Child Health Program (705) 743-1000