Five Ways to Stop Baby Crying

As you get used to living a new life with your little bundle of joy, you’ll need to get familiar with techniques to make sure your baby is comfortable all throughout the day with minimal tears.

Rest assured that all babies get fussy, especially in their early weeks, and it is normal for them to cry. Why do babies cry? Crying is one way of communicating their needs; babies would cry to let you know that they:

• need a diaper change,

• are cold,

• are hot,

• are tired,

• are overstimulated

• or are hungry.

Attending to these needs would soothe the baby, and the crying should be over soon after! However, if your baby continues crying or is crying for more than 2-3 hours a day, especially early on in their life, then you might need to take some further steps to dry those tears.

Five Ways to Stop Baby Crying

1. The first way to stop your baby crying might be the most obvious way: Make sure that your baby’s needs are met. Check to see if they are hungry, need a diaper change, or are tired. A room temperature adjustment might even do the trick.

2. The second way to stop your baby crying is to soothe the baby and let them know you are there for them. Parent-baby bonding time is super important to your baby as it provides them comfort and safety; keep your baby near you, hold them close, or put them in a sling. Gently go about, sway and dance, and talk to them or sing.

3. Your baby’s crying may also be a sign of illness. The third way to stop baby crying is to treat any potential illness. Get in touch with your pediatrician if your baby is crying and exhibiting other symptoms, such as a fever.

4. Your baby might need a distraction, too. The fourth way to stop baby crying is to go out on a stroll. Go out for a walk or drive. Nonetheless, do not allow your newborn to nap for more than 30 minutes. You can also find something for them to listen to or to look at, such as some music or a rattle toy.

5. Your fifth way to stop baby crying is to soothe your newborn by massaging them using a baby-friendly lotion or by giving them a piece of clothing or blanket as their comforter.

If crying persists, seek help. Also, keep in mind, your best bet to find a solution for your baby’s crying is to identify the different types of baby cries. For instance, a low-pitched, short cry signifies hunger. A fussy/whiny cry might mean that your baby is overstimulated. However, it is important to know that each baby is different. Monitor your baby’s cries and the effective ways they were soothed in order to better understand what your baby needs. With time, your baby will cry less as you become better at anticipating their needs. Additionally, you will discover what is typical for them and when to be concerned. Remember that this sobbing period will pass just like every other stage.

To sum, when you're both physically and mentally worn out, crying might be difficult to take. Please know that you are not alone. Set the infant down in a secure area and seek assistance from a friend or family member if you begin to feel that you are unable to handle the situation. Remember, your baby’s crying is not indicative of whether you are a good or bad parent, all babies cry.