Health Tips

Most newborns cry a lot. Just ask any new parent! Find out why babies cry — and how to cope with the tears.

The dream: Your baby sleeps through the night after just a few weeks, gurgles happily while you run errands and only fusses when hunger strikes.

The reality: Your baby's favorite playtime is after the 2 a.m. feeding. Crankiness peaks when you're out and about. You had no idea a baby could cry this much.

Sound familiar?

In any given day, the average newborn cries for more than two hours. Find out why babies cry — and how to cope with the tears.

Decoding the tears

Newborn crying jags are inevitable. Your job is to figure out why your baby is crying and what —

and what — if anything — you can do about it. Consider what your baby may be thinking:

• I'm hungry. Most newborns eat every few hours around the clock. Some babies become frantic when hunger strikes. They may get so worked up by the time the feeding begins that they gulp air with the milk, which may cause spitting up, trapped gas or more crying. To avoid such frenzy, respond to early signs of hunger. If your baby begins to gulp during the feeding, take a break.
• I need to burp. During and after each feeding, take time to burp your baby. But don't stop there. Your baby may need to burp between feedings as well.
• I pooped. For some babies, a wet or soiled diaper is a surefire way to trigger tears. Gas or indigestion may have the same effect. Check your baby's diaper often to make sure it's clean and dry.
• I'm tired. Tired babies are often fussy. Make sure your baby is getting enough sleep. For newborns, this often means up to 16 hours — or even more — every day.
• I'd rather be bundled. Some babies feel most secure in a swaddle wrap. Snugly wrap your baby in a receiving blanket or other small, lightweight blanket.
• I want to move. Sometimes a rocking session or walk through the house is enough to soothe a crying baby. In other cases, a change of position is all that's needed. Keeping safety precautions in mind, try a baby swing or vibrating infant seat. Weather permitting, head outdoors with the stroller. You may even want to buckle up for a ride in the car.
• I'm lonely. Sometimes simply seeing you, hearing your voice or being cuddled may stop the tears. Gentle massage or light pats on the back may work, too.
• I'm hot. A baby who's too hot or cold is likely to be uncomfortable. Add or remove a layer of your baby's clothing as needed.
• I want to suck on something. Sucking is a natural reflex. For many babies, it's a comforting, soothing activity. If your baby isn't hungry, try a clean finger or pacifier.
• I've had enough. Too much noise, movement or visual stimulation may drive your baby to tears. Move to a calmer environment or place your baby in the crib. White noise — such as a recording of ocean waves or the monotonous sound of an electric fan or vacuum cleaner — may help your baby relax.
• It's just that time of day. Many babies have predictable periods of fussiness during the day. There may be little you can do but comfort your baby as the crying runs its course.
• My tummy hurts. If you're breast-feeding your baby, he or she may be fussier than usual after you eat spicy or gas-producing foods. Too much caffeine may be an issue as well. If you suspect a certain food is causing trouble, avoid it for several days to see if it makes a difference.

Is it just fussiness, or is it colic?

Some babies have frustrating periods of intense, inconsolable crying known as colic. Colic is often defined as crying more than three hours a day, three days a week for more than three weeks in an otherwise well-fed, healthy baby. Colic episodes are most common in the late afternoon or evening. The crying often begins suddenly and for no apparent reason. During an episode, your baby may be difficult — or even impossible — to comfort.

What causes colic remains a mystery. If you're concerned about colic, consult your baby's doctor. He or she can make sure your baby is otherwise healthy and help you learn how to care for a colicky baby.

Taking care of yourself

It's tough to listen to your baby cry. To take the best care of your baby, it's important to take care of yourself, too.

• Take a break. When you've done what you can, ask your spouse or another loved one to take over for a while. Take advantage of baby-sitting offers from friends or neighbors. Even an hour on your own can help renew your coping strength.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat healthy foods. Make time for exercise, such as a brisk daily walk. If you can, sleep when the baby sleeps — even during the day. Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
• Remember that it's temporary. Crying spells often peak at about six weeks and then gradually decrease.
• Know when to call the doctor. If you're concerned about the crying or your baby isn't eating, sleeping or behaving like usual, call your baby's doctor. He or she can help you tell the difference between normal tears and something more serious.

It's also important to recognize your limits. If your baby's crying is causing you to lose control, put the baby in a safe place — such as a crib — and go to another room to collect yourself. If necessary, contact your doctor, a local crisis intervention service or a mental health help line for additional support.