Constant Crying: How to Care for Your Child

Since babies can't speak, they need to cry in order to communicate. This can be frustrating, but you can do a few things to comfort your baby.

Newborns cry to show they are uncomfortable or need something. Sometimes they cry because they are overstimulated by the sights and sounds of the world and want to shut it out for a bit. They may cry at any time of day or night, and possibly for long periods. It's common for babies to have a fussy period about the same time every day, generally between early evening and midnight. Crying usually increases over the first 2 months of life, then gradually decreases once the baby reaches 3 or 4 months of age.

When a baby cries, parents can help by staying calm and trying to find out what the baby needs. Responding to crying does not make a baby "spoiled." Rather, it helps the baby learn to trust the parent.

It's not always easy to figure out what a crying baby needs. A parent may try several ways to comfort the baby, but the baby may continue to cry. This can be frustrating and upsetting for parents. Remember that all parents sometimes feel overwhelmed, and that crying isn't the fault of the baby or the parents.

• Never shake, hit, throw, or drop your baby. This can cause injury, including brain damage, or death.

• If your baby is crying, try the following:

  • Check if your baby is hungry.

  • Try burping your baby.

  • Check your baby's diaper.

  • Look for signs of illness, like fever.

  • Check the whole body for changes, including the fingers and toes. Sometimes a hair can get wrapped around one and cause swelling and redness.

  • Sing or talk to your baby.

  • Turn on background noise, such as a fan, vacuum cleaner, a running faucet, or TV or radio on low volume.

  • Rock your baby gently.

  • Offer your baby a pacifier.

  • Swaddle your baby, following the instructions given to you by your health care provider.

  • Take the baby for a ride in a stroller or strapped into a child safety seat in the car.

  • Hold your baby close against your body and breathe calmly and slowly.

• If you become frustrated, you can:

  • Ask a friend or relative to watch the baby for a while.

  • Put your baby down in his or her crib, close the door, and go to the next room. Check on your baby every 10 minutes.

  • Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) to talk to a counselor for free.

• Make sure that everyone who cares for your baby knows never to shake the baby.

• Alcohol and drugs (including many prescription medications) can affect your judgment. Do not drink alcohol or take sedating drugs while caring for your baby.

• Your baby cries a lot more than usual, or the crying seems different.

• Your baby cries non-stop for more than 2 hours.

• You think your baby is sick.

• Your baby has a fever.

• You are frustrated with your baby.

• You're afraid you might hurt your baby.

• You think your baby is injured or that someone might have hurt your baby.

Joining a support group for new parents can help you learn ways to deal with challenges that arise. Ask your health care provider about groups in your area.