Note
- All babies cry.
- If your baby is crying, check to see if he is sick, injured, or otherwise unwell.
- Singing, rocking, swaddling, patting, massaging, bathing, or walking can help calm a baby’s cry.
- If your baby’s cry is difficult for you, seek support.
Why do babies cry
Babies are born with the ability to cry. Crying is the main way babies tell you what they need. They cry when they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable, sick, or in pain. Sometimes they cry because they want a change of scenery, or comfort, or just want to know you are there.
But sometimes it can be hard to know what a baby is crying for. So when your baby cries, the first thing to do is to check if they are sick or injured. If you are unsure, make an appointment with your doctor or contact your child and home health nurse.
Expected results: Baby cries and fusses
Babies cry a lot in the first three months of life. On average, babies cry for about 2 hours a day, and about 2 in 10 babies cry more than this.
Crying usually peaks at 6-8 weeks of age, decreasing to about an hour a day by 12 weeks of age.
Here are some more tips to help you soothe your baby and reassure him that you are close. Some of these methods are good for crying at any time of the day, while others are best for crying at bedtime. You may want to try different things at different times – just experiment and see what works best for you and your baby.
Move your baby
Gently rock your baby or put your baby in a sling or carrier. Sometimes, physical activity and close contact with the parents can help calm the baby.
If you are not too tired, you can go for a walk or drive. Moving can help you and your baby relax. However, if your baby is sleeping, it is best to move him to a crib or other safe place to sleep and lay him on his back.
Keep your baby calm and relaxed
Bath your baby in warm water.
Try massaging your baby. This can also help you relax. It also strengthens the bond between you and your baby. Your pediatrician and family health nurse can teach you how to massage your baby.
Take care of yourself when your baby cries
If your baby cries a lot, it’s important to take care of yourself. If you’re feeling anxious, worried, or angry, reading a book, taking a walk, or meditating for just 5 minutes can help you relax.
If you and your partner or caregiver work together, it’s easier to find time to take care of yourself. This can help you both stop crying for a while. Or you can ask a friend or relative for help.
Seeking support is an important part of taking care of yourself. This is good for you and your family. If you need support, you can contact your doctor, child and family health nurse. They can also provide counselling over the phone.
You should also see your doctor or nurse if you or your partner are showing signs of postpartum depression (maternal depression), or if the non-birth parent is showing signs of postpartum depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression include feeling sad and crying for no reason, being easily angered, having difficulty coping with problems, and feeling very anxious.
