Understanding and Comforting Your Crying Baby
New Parent Series: Part 4
Hey there, incredible parents!
Let's get real for a minute: crying is one of the earliest and most unforgettable parts of life with a newborn. From tiny grunts to sudden, ear-piercing wails—it's a whole emotional spectrum packed into a 7-pound bundle. If you've ever found yourself staring at your baby like a detective on a mission thinking, "What is it you need?!?"—you're not alone.
In this fourth installment of our New Parent Series, we're talking about baby crying: why it happens, how much is normal, and how you can help soothe your little one (and keep your sanity intact).
The Crying Truth: What's Actually Normal?
"How much crying is normal?"
It's easy to feel like something is wrong when your baby cries a lot, but in those early weeks, crying is their main way of communicating. Most newborns cry 1–3 hours daily, often around 6–8 weeks old. Many babies seem to have their "fussy time" during the late afternoon or early evening, affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) known as the witching hour.
This is entirely normal, even if it doesn't feel that way.
Want to dive deeper into this stage?
Check out The Period of PURPLE Crying—a great resource by Dr. Ronald Barr that explains this phase and offers reassurance that it's temporary (we promise).
The Detective Work: Why Is My Baby Crying?
"Why is my baby crying?"
This question could win a parenting game show. The truth? There are many reasons, sometimes a combination of a few. Here are the most common culprits:
Hunger – Always the first thing to check.
Sleepiness – Overtired babies can become very fussy.
Discomfort – A wet diaper, itchy clothing, or being too hot/cold.
Gas or Colic – Tummy troubles can cause intense crying. Colic is defined as crying more than 3 hours a day, 3+ days a week, for 3+ weeks in an otherwise healthy baby.
Need for Connection – Sometimes they just want snuggles and closeness.
Overstimulation – Too much noise, light, or activity can overwhelm a newborn.
Illness – Call your pediatrician if the crying is paired with fever, vomiting, or lethargy.
💡 Need help decoding your baby's cries?
Check out resources from Zero to Three, which offers tools and checklists to help parents interpret what their baby may be trying to say.The Soothing Arsenal: How Can I Help?
"How can I soothe my crying baby?"
Good news—there are many ways to help comfort your baby, and over time, you'll learn what works best for your little one. Here are some tried-and-true strategies:
Meet Basic Needs: Feed, burp, and check their diaper and temperature.
Swaddle: Wrapping your baby snugly can help them feel secure.
Hold and Rock: Gentle motion, skin-to-skin contact, and a calm voice can work wonders.
Shushing or White Noise: Mimics the sound of the womb and can be very calming.
Movement: Try rocking, gentle bouncing, or a stroller walk.
Reduce Stimulation: Dim the lights, lower the noise, and calm the environment.
Pacifier: Sucking is soothing for many babies.
Tummy Rubs: Gentle, clockwise strokes can relieve gas discomfort.
Want to explore expert-backed calming methods?
Dr. Harvey Karp's "5 S's" method—Swaddle, Side/Stomach position, Shush, Swing, Suck—is a lifesaver for many families. His book, The Happiest Baby on the Block, also has helpful advice.
A Gentle Reminder: You're Doing Great
Caring for a crying baby can be really hard, emotionally and physically. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that taking a break is okay. Place your baby in a safe sleep space, step away for a few minutes, and breathe. Call support when you can—whether it's your partner, a friend, or just someone to talk to.
Important Note: Never shake a baby. If you're ever at your limit, step away and seek help. Talk to your pediatrician or reach out to a support hotline. You're not alone.
Crying is tough, but it's also temporary. As you get to know your baby, you'll start to recognize their cues, patterns, and preferences. You're learning a new language together, and every day, you're becoming more confident.
So give yourself grace, take breaks, celebrate small wins, and know that even in the middle of the hardest cry-fest, you're doing a fantastic job.
In Part 5 of our New Parent Series, we'll tackle another hot topic: "Health and Safety".
