Is peace a crying baby?

It may not seem peaceful to have a crying baby and it can be stressful if it seems nothing you try is soothing the infant. Pause and be grateful that baby is strong enough to cry. Then try the finger count:

1. Is the baby hungry? When you tickle the side of their mouth with your little finger does the baby eagerly turn towards it and try to suckle? That is a sign of hunger. Feeding the baby will likely stop the crying.

2. Does the baby have a wet or dirty diaper? Check and change it if needed.

3. Is the baby too hot or too cold? Newborns don't regulate heat very well and can become dehydrated if sweating is causing significant fluid loss. They need a similar amount of clothing to what is comfortable for everyone else at that room temperature, plus the tiny knit newborn hat for young infants. We lose a large amount of heat from our head because the brain uses a large amount of energy in comparison to the rest of the body. Little socks and sock mittens can also help preserve heat and protect babies from scratching themselves accidentally if their fingernails are a little long and rough.

4. Is the baby tired? Try gently rocking the baby back and forth rather than jiggling up and down, the side to side rhythm replicates what they were used to while inside momma's belly. They tend to like the motion of a car ride or rocking chair or baby rocker. They may like to be nestled close to the body near the left side where they can hear the caregiver's heartbeat.

5. Is it gas? This is trickier. Jiggling up and down might help work a gas bubble up and out. Use a slight bouncy motion while supporting the baby's fragile neck and heavy head (heavy for the baby's underdeveloped muscles). If no gas bubbles are happening but baby does seem gassy turning the baby face down with your hand supporting their neck and head and their abdomen against your forearm may sooth. Rubbing their back while they are on their tummy may also help.

6. Is the baby just wanting some love? Sometimes their is nothing wrong except they like to be near their mother or another caregiver. Having an infant carrier that can be worn can help soothe them. It also helps their digestion and heart rate regulation. The walking motion or rocking can help feedings move through the digestive system and the regular rhythm of an caregiver's heart rate helps them follow along.

That is too many fingers to count on one hand, but it can help when tired and frazzled to have a checklist to help guide attempts to figure out: why is baby crying? did I try everything?

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.