Understanding Newborn Crying: How to Soothe Your Baby and Stay Calm

A comprehensive guide to help new parents decode their baby's cries, implement effective soothing techniques, and maintain their own emotional well-being during challenging moments.

Why Do Babies Cry?

Crying is your newborn's primary form of communication. Understanding that crying is normal and necessary can help you approach your baby's tears with patience and confidence. Newborns typically cry for 2-3 hours daily, with peaks occurring around 6-8 weeks of age.

Types of Baby Cries and What They Mean

1. Hunger Cries

   • Rhythmic, repetitive sounds

   • Starts softly and gradually increases in volume

   • Often accompanied by rooting reflex (newborn's instinctive action to find your breast or a bottle)

   • May include sucking motions

   • Usually stops immediately when feeding begins
     

2. Tired Cries

   • Whiny, nasal tone

   • Accompanied by eye rubbing

   • Yawning and decreased activity

   • May include looking away from stimulation

   • Often builds in intensity
     

3. Pain or Discomfort Cries

   • Sudden, high-pitched screams

   • More intense and urgent

   • May be accompanied by body tension

   • Different from normal cries

   • Often occurs with specific triggers
     

4. Overstimulation Cries

   • Frantic, overwhelming sounds

   • May include turning away from stimuli

   • Body tension and jerky movements

   • Difficulty focusing

   • Common in busy environments

The 5 S's Method for Soothing

1. Swaddle

   Babies love to be swaddled because it creates womb-like security and helps prevent startle reflex. Use a lightweight swaddle like muslin swaddles and keep them in well-ventilated areas. If you're putting them in an air-conditioned room, remember to put on a hat on your baby and a baby blanket to keep them from losing too much heat.
   

2. Side/Stomach Position

   Hold your baby positioned on the side or stomach, or even over your shoulder (a favourite of many babies). This position provides a sense of security and supports digestive comfort, but it is NOT a safe position for sleeping. The back is the only safe position for sleeping. Remember: "Back to sleep, side to soothe".
   

3. Shush

   Make a "shh" sound or use white noise to mimic womb sounds, and match the volume to your baby's crying. Our babies spent months listening to the sound of blood flow that was louder than a vacuum cleaner, so consistent, rumbly sounds are soothing for them (even if it is not the case for most of us, adults). You can fade out as your baby calms.

   
   

4. Swing

   Making sure you support your baby's head and neck, swing or gently bounce your baby with tiny movements (1-inch range). You can ease off as your baby calms. Small movements work for keeping quiet babies calm but only faster, tiny motions can calm a crying baby.
   

5. Suck

   Sucking is the ultimate thing for babies, even very fussy babies. It supports their natural calming reflex. Breastfeed your baby if hunger cues are present. Otherwise, offer a pacifier or clean finger. The pacifier is a lifesaver when it comes to soothing babies, especially at bedtime.

   
   

When to Seek Medical Help

Babies cry a lot and most times it is part-and-parcel of the day with a newborn. However, you should know when the crying begets a visit to the paediatrician or other healthcare professional. These red flags are:

• Excessive crying (>3 hours daily)

• Fever in newborns

• Changes in eating patterns

• Unusual cry sounds

• Signs of illness

If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and bring your baby to the paediatrician to set everyone at ease. There have been times when I've brought my kids into the clinic and it turns out nothing was wrong, but it alleviated my mom anxiety. Perhaps the joke is that I bring them to the paediatrician not for them, but for me!

FAQs About Baby Crying

Q: Is it possible to spoil a newborn by responding to every cry? A: No, responding consistently builds trust and security.

Q: How long should I try one soothing method? A: Give each method 2-3 minutes before switching to another.

Q: When will crying peak and decrease? A: Crying typically peaks at 6-8 weeks and decreases by 3-4 months.

For more on this topic, check out these other relevant posts too:

• 10 Tips to Build a Great Daily Routine for Your Newborn

• Set Your Baby Up for Success by Creating the Right Environment

• My Baby is Impossible: What to Do When Parenting Theories Don't Work

Remember that crying is a normal part of newborn development. Your consistent, loving response helps build trust and security. While challenging, this phase is temporary. Focus on understanding your baby's needs while maintaining your own well-being through self-care and support systems.

For persistent concerns about your baby's crying, always consult your healthcare provider.