How to Comfort a Crying Baby
Crying is one of Baby’s main ways to communicate in the first year, and understanding their cues gets easier with time.
When Baby’s basic needs are met but the tears continue, techniques like rocking, swaddling, or white noise can help soothe Baby.
It’s ok to take a break or ask for help when crying feels overwhelming—and always reach out to Baby’s healthcare provider with concerns.
Baby won’t stop crying? Wondering how to comfort a crying baby?
In the first year of life, crying is one of Baby’s main ways of communicating. But decoding those cries? That’s the tricky part. The good news is that by the end of the first month, you’ll start picking up on Baby’s cues, and their cries may even begin to sound a little different based on what they need.
Some common reasons why babies cry include feeling tired or hungry, having a dirty diaper, teething, gas pain, or overstimulation (here are a few ways to help with these things!).
If addressing Baby’s basic needs doesn’t ease their cries, try one of these calming techniques.
Use Smooth Motion
Babies are big fans of rhythmic motions! The swaying movement reminds them of what it was like in that nice, cozy womb. Try to gently rock Baby in your arms or in a rocking chair. Or, take them for a few laps around the neighborhood in a stroller or car. Before they learn how to self-soothe, repetitive motion is one of the most reliable ways to calm a fussy baby—and sometimes, the secret to sneaking in a nap! Just remember: if Baby falls asleep, always place them in their crib on their back.
Give Baby Close Comfort
Swaddle your baby to help soothe their cries. While it may feel odd bundling Baby when their arms are flailing about in a fuss, the security and comfort of a swaddle may be just what Baby is craving. Another way to create that close comfort is through kangaroo care. Kangaroo care is when you are skin to skin with Baby with a blanket covering the two of you (like being in a kangaroo pouch!). This close physical contact helps regulate Baby’s heart rate, breathing, and temperature, which all work to slow down the waterworks.
Try White Noise
In the womb, Baby got used to hearing a symphony of heartbeats, swishing amniotic fluid, and muffled noises from the outside. White noise machines can replicate the steady rhythm of these sounds and help Baby calm down. If you don’t have one, no problem! Household items like fans or vacuums make good stand-ins. (Bonus: you can clean your carpet and get Baby to sleep at the same time!) Just make sure the noise isn’t too loud that it frightens Baby instead!
Hold Baby on Their Side or Stomach
Some babies settle more easily when they’re held on their side, on their tummy, or upright against your shoulder. These positions can be especially soothing for newborns, offering a different type of comfort than lying flat.
Note: these positions are just for soothing Baby while you’re holding them. If Baby falls asleep, always place them on their back in their crib to sleep safely.
Baby Still Won’t Stop Crying? What to Do Next
In the first 2 months especially, it can feel like Baby just won’t stop crying, no matter what you try. While Baby’s crying is healthy and typical, it can be difficult to cope with at times. Know that you are not alone, and that Baby will cry less and less after the newborn phase.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s ok to step away from Baby (once they’re in a safe place) so you can take a break. If you can, ask a trusted caregiver to look after Baby so you can get some rest or quiet time to yourself (Remember, taking care of yourself helps you take care of Baby, too!). And as always, reach out to Baby’s healthcare provider with any concerns or for extra guidance.
