Crying is the only way a baby can tell you what they need.

The art of soothing a fussy baby comes with a series of techniques practiced by moms, dads, grandparents and caretakers world wide. Some fussy babies can be easily comforted by simply being held securely and rocked in a chair - others are not so easily soothed. When a baby is crying they are sending you a message that they are either hungry, sleepy, need their diaper changed, need a hug, or they’re just being a baby. Write down a check list from the ideas below, and the next time your baby cries refer to the list to help identify the need.

If you feel upset or angry because of your baby’s crying, hand your baby to someone else or put your baby down safely and walk out of the room until you feel calmer. Here is a list of some of the reasons babies may cry:

Letting off steam

Remember that sometimes babies just need to cry. Doctors have found that during the first 7 weeks of life babies will cry on average 2 hours each day. Remember – this is the average – some babies cry more some cry less.

Teething

The first teeth normally appear between six and 10 months of age with the rest following over the next two to three years. Of course this is average and your baby’s teeth may emerge earlier or later. Some babies seem bothered by teething and others aren’t.

What can I do for teething?

• Be patient - don’t try to over treat.
• Use teething rings or firm, unbreakable plastic objects, too large to swallow, to allow chewing. These may be soaked in cold water to provide a more soothing feel.
• Don’t use frozen objects for teething. They may damage sensitive tissues in the mouth.
• Use a soft clean cloth or soft tooth brush to cleanse the teeth as they erupt.
• For discomfort not relieved by the teething ring, an occasional dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, in the properly prescribed dose, may be used. However, use these sparingly, especially in the very young child.

Colic

The rule of 3’s:”onset by three months, lasts three months, starts about three in the afternoon and goes on for three hours.”  The baby will be crying or even wailing.  Baby often arches the back, and draws legs up to abdomen. Baby does not seem hungry or thirsty (feeding does not alleviate crying).

What can I do for colic?

• Use a rocking chair liberally.
• Sometimes other rhythmic movements such as a baby swing or, as some parents have done, riding around in the car, with baby securely seated of course.
• A warm towel over the abdomen may occasionally be soothing.
• Avoid sedatives or other medications. Some physicians will prescribe a medicine to diminish gas in the stomach or bowel. In some babies, this may help but is generally short lived.

Over-tired

Babies cry when they become over-tired. In time you will get to know your baby’s tired signs. Common signs are yawning, rubbing eye and ears, pulling hair and just generally getting irritable. Of course the goal is to get your baby to sleep before they are over- tired, but in the reality of life this cannot always happen. If your baby fights sleep or gets over-tired:

• Try simply cradling him or her securely in your arms and rocking them until they have calmed down enough to let them fall asleep in their crib or basket. The repetition of the rocking motion can sooth the fussy baby. More often than not, a baby fights sleep because they do not want to “miss” anything exciting. It is a good idea to calm your baby to sleep in a dark and quiet area.
• Over-tired babies may be calmed by offering a breast or pacifier.
• Swaddling will calm some babies

Sickness

Babies cannot tell you what ails or pains them, so if baby fusses continually, check for fever, and/or a running or congested nose. Other common childhood concerns are constipation, ear ache, and reflux. You know your baby best – if you feel something is not quite right, contact your pediatrician for medical advice.

Wet or dirty diaper

Sometimes a baby will be fussy if they are left in a wet or soiled diaper for an extended length of time. Clean baby’s diaper area thoroughly and apply diaper rash cream to seemingly irritated places. A baby may be fussy if urine burns an already existing rash.

Hunger

As your infant grows, so will their little stomachs. Their bodies will require more food to be considered full. If you think your baby is crying from hunger then maybe you will need to increase the number or amount of feeds, or if on solid food they may need to be offered more. Check with your health professional if you are not sure about the frequency or amounts of food you should be offering your baby.    

Points to Remember

• Some parents report that regular massage can help reduce or prevent crying.
• Wearing your baby in a sling or carrier may also help to reduce or prevent crying.
• Try not to take the crying personally – it is just your baby’s way of telling you what she needs.
• If you feel anxious stop and take a few deep breaths and relax.
• Never shake your baby      
• Try and take turns with your partner and give yourself a break. 
• You are not alone. Seek out other parents of babies, and share the joys and challenges of parenting together.

Next: Calming a crying baby

Related Tips

• Swaddling your baby
• For centuries, women have practiced this technique for soothing babies. If you'd like to give it a go, follow the instructions below.
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• Colic
• Of all the characteristics of a new baby, none may be more upsetting to his or her parents than colic.
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• Diaper rash
• No one need remind a new parent that the skin of his or her baby is quite sensitive.
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• Reflux
• Reflux is when the stomach contents back up though the esophagus.
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