Every newborn baby cries. It’s a natural way for them to communicate their needs, such as hunger, a wet diaper, or discomfort. But when the crying becomes excessive or inconsolable, it can be frustrating and overwhelming for parents.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborn babies cry an average of 2 hours per day in the first 3 months of life. By 6 months, most babies cry less than 1 hour per day. However, some babies cry more than average, and this can be a sign of a underlying medical condition.
If your newborn is crying excessively, it’s important to consult with your doctor to rule out any medical causes. Once medical causes have been ruled out, you can try the following techniques to help stop your baby from crying:
1. Check for Basic Needs
The first step in stopping a newborn from crying is to check for their basic needs. Are they hungry? Do they need a diaper change? Are they too hot or cold? Once you’ve ruled out these basic needs, you can try the following techniques:
- Swaddle your baby. Swaddling can help to create a sense of security and warmth for your baby. It can also help to reduce their startle reflex, which can trigger crying.
- Rock your baby. Rocking can be a soothing motion for babies. You can rock them in your arms, in a rocking chair, or in a swing.
- Sing to your baby. Singing can help to calm and relax your baby. You can sing them a lullaby, or simply hum a tune.
- Talk to your baby. Even though your baby doesn’t understand what you’re saying, they can still be comforted by the sound of your voice. Talk to them in a soothing tone and tell them that you’re there for them.
- Give your baby a massage. A gentle massage can help to relax your baby and relieve any discomfort.
- Take a bath with your baby. The warm water can be soothing for both of you.
- Go for a walk with your baby. The fresh air and movement can help to calm your baby.
2. Comforting Techniques
If your baby is still crying, you can try some more comforting techniques, such as:
- Hold your baby close to you. Skin-to-skin contact can be very calming for babies. Hold your baby close to you, chest-to-chest, and let them feel your warmth and heartbeat.
- Use a white noise machine. The sound of white noise can help to block out other noises and create a more calming environment for your baby.
- Play calming music for your baby. Listening to calming music can help to soothe your baby and promote relaxation.
- Give your baby a pacifier. Sucking on a pacifier can help to satisfy your baby’s need to suck and can also help to calm them down.
3. Medical Interventions
If you’ve tried all of the above techniques and your baby is still crying excessively, you may need to consult with your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your baby to cry. Your doctor can perform a physical exam and order tests to rule out any medical causes.
Some medical conditions that can cause excessive crying in newborns include:
- Colic
- Reflux
- Allergies
- Infections
- Neurological disorders
If your doctor finds an underlying medical condition, they will recommend the appropriate treatment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When trying to stop a newborn from crying, there are some common mistakes to avoid, such as:
- Overfeeding your baby. Overfeeding can cause your baby to spit up or vomit, which can make them uncomfortable and cry.
- Underfeeding your baby. Underfeeding can cause your baby to be hungry and cry.
- Not changing your baby’s diaper often enough. A wet or dirty diaper can make your baby uncomfortable and cry.
- Swaddling your baby too tightly. Swaddling your baby too tightly can restrict their movement and make them uncomfortable.
- Rocking your baby too vigorously. Rocking your baby too vigorously can make them dizzy and cry.
- Ignoring your baby’s cries. Ignoring your baby’s cries will only make them cry more.
How to Approach Step-by-Step
Here is a step-by-step approach to stopping a newborn from crying:
- Check for basic needs.
- Try comforting techniques.
- Consult with your doctor.
- Avoid common mistakes.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to stop a newborn from crying:
- How long will my baby cry?
Most newborns cry an average of 2 hours per day in the first 3 months of life. By 6 months, most babies cry less than 1 hour per day. However, some babies cry more than average, and this can be a sign of a underlying medical condition.
- What is the best way to comfort a crying baby?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some babies may be comforted by being held close, while others may prefer to be rocked or sung to. Try different techniques and see what works best for your baby.
- When should I consult with my doctor?
You should consult with your doctor if your baby is crying excessively or inconsolably. This may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to stop a baby from crying?
Some common mistakes to avoid include overfeeding, underfeeding, not changing your baby’s diaper often enough, swaddling your baby too tightly, rocking your baby too vigorously, and ignoring your baby’s cries.
- What is the best way to approach stopping a baby from crying?
The best way to approach stopping a baby from crying is to check for basic needs, try comforting techniques, consult with your doctor, and avoid common mistakes.
- Is it okay to let a baby cry it out?
Letting a baby cry it out is a controversial topic. Some experts believe that it can help babies to learn how to self-soothe, while others believe that it can be harmful. If you’re considering letting your baby cry it out, it’s important to talk to your doctor first.
- What are some other ways to help a baby sleep?
Some other ways to help a baby sleep include creating a regular sleep schedule, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, and creating a soothing sleep environment.
- What are some resources for parents of newborns?
There are many resources available for parents of newborns, such as books, websites, and support groups. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a great resource for information on newborn care.
