Why is my baby crying?

A crying baby can be stressful and concerning for parents. When a baby cries, it is their way of telling you they may be hungry, cold, they need a diaper change or just plain bored. It’s important to remember that if your baby is well cared for, loved, warm, comfortable and not hungry, you can be reassured that you are providing excellent care to your child.

As you get to know your baby, you will begin to understand what is causing your baby to cry and how to soothe them and eventually be able to tell the difference between a hungry, bored, hurt, or even an angry cry.

Common Causes of Crying

• Boredom
• Clothing too tight
• Hunger
• Overstimulation
• Signs of illness
• Soiled diaper
• Temperature too hot or cold

How to Comfort Your Baby

• Burp your baby
• Change the diaper – if soiled
• Check room temperature
• Check the diaper/clothing – make sure they aren’t too tight
• Cuddle your baby
• Feed your baby – if the last feeding was more than two hours ago
• Offer a pacifier
• Place baby in swing, crib rocker, sling, or front pack
• Put baby in crib and allow crying/fussing for a brief period to self-soothe
• Swaddle baby in a blanket
• Take a car/stroller ride
• Talk, sing, or read to your baby
• Turn off all lights/sounds
• Turn on music or heartbeat simulator
• Walk your baby in your arms

If you find yourself becoming increasingly frustrated and anxious, pass the baby to another caregiver or place the baby in a safe place on his/her back and take a break. Never, ever shake a baby.