Family Birth Center > Postpartum Care > Infant Care > Caring for a Fussy Baby

Caring for a fussy baby

Crying is your baby’s way of communicating. It is normal for your baby to cry for several hours each day, and it is normal for parents to feel concerned and sometimes frustrated. Pay close attention to the sound of his or her crying, and you will learn to recognize what different cries mean. Check for the common problems listed below.

Common reasons for babies to cry

• Hunger
• Wet or dirty diapers
• Tiredness
• Anxiety or fear
• Teething
• Pain
• Overstimulation
• Being too hot or cold
• Illness

Fortunately, excessive crying starts to taper off when babies are about 6 weeks old. In the meantime, make sure your baby is warm, dry and well-fed. If crying persists, try the following.

Soothing techniques
Rock baby in a chair or infant swing Sing or speak in a low, soft voice Give baby a warm bath Hold baby and walk around, bounce or sway back and forth Play a music box, radio or CD Take baby for a walk	Take baby for a drive in the car Cuddle baby close to you Gently rub baby’s back Put baby in a vibrating infant seat Swaddle baby in a blanket Put a warm cloth on baby’s abdomen	Change baby’s position (hold baby face down, lying over your forearm; or hold baby seated in your hand with its back to your chest Turn on a dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer, washing machine or fan

If you have tried several of these soothing techniques and nothing seems to make a difference, place your baby in the crib for a few minutes and see if he or she quiets alone. Sometimes babies need a little time alone, and you may need to calm yourself if you have been coping with a crying baby for a while. If your baby continues to cry for more than 10 minutes, pick up your baby and try some more comforting techniques.

If your baby seems to cry constantly, schedule a visit with your baby’s doctor to make sure the crying isn’t caused by illness.