Find tips to soothe your crying infant.
All babies cry. Crying is your baby’s way of communicating and letting you know that they need something. Some babies will cry more than others.
Research has proven that you cannot spoil a baby if you pick them up when they cry. Instead, respond to their cries promptly. Responding to your baby will help them to become emotionally secure. Babies will thrive in an environment where their needs are consistently met through your love, care and devotion.
Between the ages of two weeks and four months old, it is a normal developmental stage for many babies to cry more. Read more about the period of purple crying.
Tips to soothe your crying baby
- Feed your baby if you think they are hungry.
- Cuddle or comfort your baby.
- Change your baby’s diaper if it is wet or dirty.
- Burp your baby. Hold your baby over your shoulder or in a sitting position in your lap. Gently rub or pat your baby’s back.
- Check their temperature. Check that your baby is not too hot or cold. Dress your baby in the same number of layers of clothes that you are wearing to be comfortable. Add one light blanket for sleep.
- Sing softly, play soft music or white noise for your baby.
- Move your baby gently. Go for a walk, try a baby swing or take your baby for a ride in the car.
- Never shake or hit your baby.
Shaken baby syndrome
Shaken baby syndrome is the term used for the injuries that can happen when a baby is shaken. Babies have weak neck muscles and heavy heads, so even a few seconds of hard shaking can cause serious damage.
Shaking can cause brain damage, blindness, paralysis, seizures and death. It often happens when a parent or caregiver loses control because a baby will not stop crying.
Take a break
It can be very difficult to remain calm with a crying baby day after day. It’s OK to ask for help. Find tips to deal with frustration and anger.