Crying & soothing
Why babies cry, ways to calm them, and caring for yourself
When to get help: fever, breathing, feeding and other warning signs. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
What’s normal
- All babies cry, often more in the late afternoon and evening. Crying usually increases from about 2 weeks, peaks around 6 to 8 weeks, and eases by 3 to 4 months.
Things to try
- Check the basics: hungry, wet, too hot or cold, tired, needs a burp.
- Hold your baby close, skin to skin. Rock, sway or walk. Gentle shushing or steady background sound.
- A warm bath, a pacifier, a ride in the pram or a baby carrier.
- Swaddling can help young babies; stop once your baby shows signs of rolling, and keep the hips loose.
Look after yourself
- If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down safely on their back in the crib, step out of the room for a few minutes, and breathe. Call someone you trust.
- Never shake a baby. Shaking can cause serious brain injury.
- Call your doctor if the crying sounds different, comes with a fever, vomiting or poor feeding, or you are worried.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- NHS (UK National Health Service)
- Canadian Paediatric Society (Caring for Kids)
General information for most babies, not medical advice. Your doctor, nurse or midwife knows your baby: always ask them, and call your local emergency number in an emergency.