All babies cry some, and some cry a lot. Others have colic and cry for hours straight most evenings. No matter which kind of baby you have, the crying is hard on both of you!<\/p>\n
Figure out why they\u2019re crying<\/strong>. This sounds a bit obvious \u2013 but sometimes it helps to start at the beginning. Wet diaper? Hungry? Cold or hot? Bored or overstimulated? Run through the checklist then move on to other ideas.<\/p>\n Carry them.<\/strong> Babies who are held or carried more during the day may cry less at night. You can try:<\/p>\n Move.<\/strong> Some babies really like movement and fuss when they\u2019re not moving. Pop them in a front carrier or stroller and head out for a walk. Being outdoors is safe for them and good for both of you! Or try sitting in a rocking chair, putting them in a baby swing, or taking them for a drive.<\/p>\n Have a change of scenery or arms<\/strong>. Babies love to be outside. Take a walk or just sit outside in the shade. Sometimes a fussy baby calms when you hand them over to someone else. I have a sister-in-law who could always instantly calm my colicky baby. She was like a magical charm. This was probably because the more he cried, the more stressed and worried I\u2019d get. He sensed her calm and could relax himself.<\/p>\n Change positions<\/strong>. Some babies find it soothing to be:<\/p>\n Swaddle them.<\/strong> Some babies feel secure when they\u2019re wrapped up snugly. Up until 2 months old, swaddling<\/a> with a thin blanket, especially at naptime and at night can help calm them. Please be sure to always have your baby sleep face up on their back \u2013 swaddled or not \u2013 to prevent the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome.)And stop swaddling after they are 2 months old<\/a> or sooner if they show any signs of trying to roll over.<\/p>\n Make soothing sounds.<\/strong> Any kind of \u201cwhite noise\u201d can be soothing. Try soft music, or the hum of a clothes dryer, dishwasher, bathroom fan, or bubbling aquarium. You may also be able to help prevent or decrease crying episodes by trying these tips.<\/p>\n Stay calm and try to relax.\u00a0<\/strong>Hearing your baby cry is stressful, and it\u2019s normal to need a break sometimes. If you start to lose control, take a minute to calm down. Never shake a baby. This can cause permanent brain damage and even death.<\/p>\n Keep a diary to identify when your baby cries most often<\/strong>.\u00a0This might help you figure out possible causes or at least be prepared.<\/p>\n Keep a regular routine<\/strong> for meals, naps, and playtime.\u00a0Babies are calmer when caregivers follow a predictable routine.<\/p>\n Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat.<\/strong> The problem may be hunger, not colic. Check with your pediatrician to be sure growth is on track.<\/p>\n Make sure your baby isn\u2019t swallowing too much air while eating.<\/strong>\u00a0Feed your baby slowly, holding them almost upright. Burp them periodically and prop them up for 15 minutes after feeding.<\/p>\n\n
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