All babies cry, though some might cry more than others. During the first few months of life, it’s important to respond quickly when your baby cries. Don’t worry about spoiling your newborn baby – that’s not possible. If you respond quickly to your baby’s cries, they may cry less overall. 

If your baby cries often, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. It can be very frustrating when you can’t calm your baby right away, but as you get to know your baby, you’ll learn how much crying is normal for them and you’ll even recognize which kind of cry represents what need. 

Here are some tips to try and help baby when she is crying: 

• Check to make sure she isn’t hungry. 
• Check to make sure she has a clean diaper. If not, change it. 
• Look for signs of illness or pain. Check for a fever over 100.4 degrees. 
• Rock or walk baby. 
• Sing or talk to the baby. 
• Offer a pacifier or a toy. 
• Take baby for a ride in a stroller or car seat. Be sure baby is secured properly.
• Swaddle baby by wrapping her snugly in a receiving blanket. 
• Play soft music. 
• Hold baby close to your body. Breathe calmly and slowly. 
• If nothing else works, put baby in her crib on her back, close the door and check on them in 10 minutes.  

If your baby cries longer than usual and nothing you do soothes them, call your baby’s provider. If your baby pulls up their legs or passes gas often, they may have colic (intense crying for more than three hours a day). 

It can be frustrating and upsetting to hear a crying baby. NEVER shake your baby. Remember, it’s okay to put your baby in a safe space, walk away, and take a break. If you begin to feel very frustrated, call a friend or relative for help. Not only does this give you a break – having a new face can sometimes calm your baby.