Babies cry. Some more than others and some louder than others but they all cry

Babies cry. That is a fact. They cry when they are wet, cold, and hungry or just need to be cuddled. However, careful research has shown that babies, no matter how much attention is given to them or where in the world they live or in what kind of society they are raised in, will all cry about the same amount of time each day. Thus, it would seem reasonable to believe that crying is actually a part of early infant development. Even though it is normal behavior - crying can be upsetting to parents. Reactions to a crying baby can occasionally  result in serious harm to the child if they are shaken, slapped or spanked.

So, be patient with your baby – they are just expressing his or her normal development.

When assessing concerns about a crying baby

Watch For:

• Vomiting
• Tense or bloated abdomen
• Refusal to feed
• Fever
• Diarrhea

Contact your doctor if your baby is crying and you observe any of the above.

Do:

• Hold or wear your baby - try a variety of holds - you will work out what is best for your baby
• Check her diaper
• Burp your baby
• Sing or talk to your baby
• Give your baby a pacifier
• Take them out for a walk in the stroller
• Rock your baby
• Feed (breast or bottle)
• Cuddle
• Walk away from a crying baby if they will not be consoled, until you are calm.

Babies should not be left to cry alone. It was once believed that picking up a crying baby would spoil her. We now know that babies cry less if their needs are met. They learn to trust that adults will take care of them. As your baby gets older you will learn what your baby's cries mean - you will be able to tell if she is hungry or needs to sleep by the way she crys.

Don’t:

• Shake. Ever, ever, ever.
• Lose your cool.
• Feel you are a bad parent because your baby cries!

So, babies cry. Some more than others and some louder than others but they all cry.  Your job is to soothe, feed, care for and love her when she does. When you need to it is ok to put your baby in a safe place, walk away, take a breath and restore. Whatever you do, don’t get so frustrated that you inflict harm, and don’t ever shake your baby. It is fine to ask for help and to seek relief from a crying baby if you need to do so. That way, you both will be happier and more content in the long run!

Related Tips

• 7 reasons your baby may cry
• Crying is the only way a baby can tell you what they need.
• more

• Colic - Baby
• Of all the characteristics of a new baby, none may be more upsetting to his or her parents than colic.
• more

• Shaken baby syndrome
• Shaken baby injuries usually occur in children younger than 2 years old, but may be seen in children up to the age of 5.
• more

• Swaddling your baby
• For centuries, women have practiced this technique for soothing babies. If you'd like to give it a go, follow the instructions below.
• more