Welcoming your baby into your life is an exceptional joy, especially the first time you hear them cry; it’s a sign they are born healthy and with great lungs!  But it also brings a unique share of challenges—particularly the apparent endless bouts of fussiness and crying. As time passes by, the excitement may quickly give way to frustration and concern, especially when you can’t work out why he’s so unsettled in the first place. 

While it’s normal for newborns to be upset and loud, as a new mom or dad, understanding what actually falls within the “normal” isn’t always obvious, making it extremely difficult to soothe a crying newborn. This is especially accurate when you’re overwhelmed, tired, and still trying to get the knack of it. So, how do you calm a crying newborn?

Fortunately, there are various effective techniques to help you soothe your crying newborn, like movement, soothing sounds, and ensuring they are comfortable. The first step is to approach the situation as calmly as possible since being upset doubles the stress for you both.

While no single approach works for all, you’ll soon find a perfect collection of methods that work for your baby, as well as get better at figuring out and responding to your newborn’s cries. In the meantime, here’s a look at some of the tested and most common tips to help comfort your baby so that she—and you— can finally be calm.

Understand the Basics of Why Your Newborn is Crying

The first step to soothing your newborn is always to identify why they are crying.

Since they can’t verbalize their needs, crying is how newborns communicate, and while it’s normal for a baby to cry for one to four hours a day, it can still be distressing for parents to see their little one in tears. Understanding the reasons behind your baby’s cries can be tricky, but as a parent, it’s your job to understand why she may be crying.

Newborns cry for various reasons, including hunger, discomfort, tiredness, and overstimulation. If you figure out the reason for the tears, you can respond fast and alleviate your baby’s distress, calming her down.

Here are some of the most common reasons your baby may cry:

They may require a diaper change

As a newborn, your little one poops and pees quite frequently, and she could be upset because she’s uncomfortable from laying in a wet or dirty diaper. Infants need as many as six or more diaper changes daily, so check the tiny bum frequently. Timely diaper changes help keep your baby comfortable as well as reduce the risk of diaper rash. Here are a few ways you can quickly check if your baby’s diaper needs changing:

• Notice if it’s heavy or saggy
• Touch the inside to check for wetness
• Give it a quick sniff
• Check the wetness indicator

They may be hungry

Newborns often cry as they start to feel hungry. Remember, babies need to be fed constantly, after every two to three hours or eight to 12 times in 24 hours. So even if it feels like she just fed, it might already be time for you to feed her again. Pay attention to hunger cues; for example, she may form a fist while crying, smack her lips, or move her hands to her mouth. And don’t forget to burp them during and after they feed as well.

They may be sleepy

Babies require a lot of sleep. From day one to three months, newborns typically sleep 16-18 hours daily in spurts of two to four hours. Some newborns cry when tired and sleepy, so try putting her down in her crib for the night or a nap if you think she’s due for a snooze. If she’s sleepy or tired, it won’t be long until she stops fussing and falls asleep. Look for sleep cues, such as rubbing their eyes, rubbing their face on your shoulders (or face), yawning, and crying. If you take too long to respond, she might be so worked up and overtired that it becomes difficult for them to settle down.

They may be too cold or hot

Your baby could be fussing because she is uncomfortably underdressed or overdressed. An effective rule of thumb is to dress your newborn in just one layer above your layers of clothes. For instance, if you are only wearing a t-shirt on the upper part of the body, just add a sweater for your baby.

They may be overstimulated

Your baby gets overwhelmed by too much light, noise, and activity.

Try removing her from the action when you have houseguests, turning down the music or TV, dimming the lights, or putting her in a more mellow or subdued environment away from people and noise. Reducing external stimulation could help your baby settle.

They may be bored

While it may not seem like it, newborns also get bored. Try humming, singing, and talking to her to cheer her up. A change of scenery, such as going for a walk, popping her into a front carrier while doing your light chores, swaying her in a rocking chair or a glider, standing by the window, or just strolling from room to room, always works.

It may be gas

Frequent feeding can trap air in your newborn’s belly, causing discomfort and making her irritable. Burp her after every feeding by gently rubbing or patting her back to relieve trapped gas.

They may be teething

Teething time varies quite a bit for babies, but when yours is between 4 and 6 months old, her teeth may erupt, resulting in pain and discomfort. In such cases, gently massage your baby’s sore gums with your finger or find her something safe to chew on, like a rubber teething ring.

It may be colic

Colic affects approximately 10% to 40% of infants worldwide, making some babies cry more than others. The inconsolable, frequent type of crying usually starts around the time your newborn is 4 weeks old and may last until she is 3–4 months old. And the rule of threes is an effective method to determine whether your baby might have colic. A baby who cries for three or more hours a day, for three or more days a week, for at least three weeks may be suffering from colic. Ask your baby’s pediatrician if you aren’t sure whether or not her crying is considered “normal” or excessive.

The crying may be more like an intense wailing or screaming if it’s colic. Although experts aren’t quite sure what causes it, the good news is babies outgrow colic. In the meantime, some of the soothing methods here might help reduce or prevent colicky crying.

They may be sick

If your baby is crying excessively, talk to your pediatrician. You may need to take her in for evaluation to ensure her crying isn’t based on a medical cause. If the pediatrician suspects an illness, they can recommend necessary steps to help.

Crying that comes across like soft whimpering, suspiciously weak-sounding, or too intense could mean your baby is sick. Call your pediatrician and describe your baby’s symptoms, and find out how best to attend to any illness she may have, including bringing your child in for a checkup.

Once you’ve figured out what each type of cry means, it becomes easier to understand that your baby is just a baby and that the fussing is likely normal. Eventually, you’ll get better at understanding your baby’s cries, and you’ll work out how to get your baby to stop crying by quickly responding to her signals.

And if the above methods don’t help soothe your baby, move on and try the rest of the techniques below.

Create a Calming Environment

Newborns are highly sensitive to their environment, and creating a soothing, tranquil atmosphere can help calm a crying baby. So pay attention to your surroundings to make sure it’s peaceful and conducive for relaxation. Here are a few tips to try:

Maintain optimal room temperature

Babies are easily affected by temperature changes, and keeping a comfortable room temperature is crucial for their calm and feel-good state. Create a cozy environment using a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature and make necessary changes to make sure your little one is neither too cold nor hot. Appropriately dressing your baby based on the room temperature contributes to their overall well-being and comfort.

1. Use breathable, lightweight fabrics to prevent overheating.
2. Dress your newborn in layers so you can easily adjust their clothing as needed.
3. Consider a wearable blanket or sleep sack for a safe and comfortable sleep environment.

Use soft and soothing lighting

Soft and dim lighting creates a soothing atmosphere for your baby, especially when trying to put them to sleep or during nighttime feedings. Harsh lighting can be over-stimulating and disruptive, making it more difficult for your baby to stay calm. Use soft nightlight or dimmable lights to create a gentle ambiance in your baby’s room. This not only helps her feel calm and relaxed but also makes nighttime care, like feeding and changing diapers, manageable without fully waking them.

1. Use dimmable light or low-wattage bulbs in bedside lamps.
2. Consider using a nightlight with a soft, warm glow during diaper changes or nighttime feedings
3. Gradually dim lights towards evening to signal to your newborn that it’s time for sleep.

Choose comfortable clothing and blankets

Choosing the right blankets and clothing is important for your baby’s comfort. Babies need soft, breathable fabrics that will not irritate their sensitive and delicate skin. When it’s warm, use lightweight clothing, and in colder seasons, layer them appropriately to ensure a comfortable body temperature. About blankets, choose ones that are warm and cozy yet breathable to keep your tiny one snug without overheating.

1. Feel the fabric against your skin to ensure it’s gentle and soft on your baby’s skin.
2. Dress your newborn in one extra layer than you would wear in the same environment.
3. Use breathable and lightweight swaddle blankets for a comfortable and secure sleep.

Creating and maintaining a comfortable environment for your baby includes various factors, and by checking lighting, room temperature, and clothing choices, you are setting the stage for a content, calm, and relaxed baby. Minor adjustments such as these add to a soothing atmosphere that can significantly influence how peacefully your little one experiences each day.

Get Moving

Your exhaustion and stress levels might mean partying or rhythmic motion isn’t on your to-do list. But why not try it?

Babies are used to frequent movement from their time in the womb, which is why rhythmic motion has a significant effect on a newborn’s nervous system, mirroring the comforting sensations of the uterus. Whether swaying, gently dancing around the living room, rocking, or gently bouncing, these comforting movements can work wonders in soothing a crying baby. The key is to find a gentle motion that your baby enjoys, replicating the assuring and calming sensations they experienced before birth.

Sway, rock, or glide.

The rocking movement while sitting on a glider or rocking chair may remind your newborn of the calming movement they felt inside the womb. You can also place your baby in your arms and simply sway back and forth to replicate the motion. Your movement can be slow or fairly vigorous as long as you are holding her close and securely.

Put her in a baby swing.

Motorized baby swings offer a rhythmic, relaxing motion that helps calm your baby. Be sure the swing is made for a newborn or follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines for weight and age limits. Also, these devices aren’t safe or comfortable for sleeping, so if your baby falls asleep in the swing, transfer them to their bassinet or crib.

Use vibrating motion.

Vibrations from a dryer or washing machine work like magic for some babies. Put her in a baby seat, place it on top of the running washing machine, and ensure you hold it firmly so the seat stays securely in place. But ensure you never leave your baby unattended on top of a running appliance or where they could be injured.

Head outside for a walk or a drive

Going out of the house for a walk or a drive has saved many parents when their babies won’t stop crying. The consistent, smooth motion may be all she needs to relax, plus a change of scenery can work wonders both for fussy babies and their exhausted parents. The temperature, air, light, and new sounds, sights, and smells might improve everyone’s mood and lull a fussy baby to sleep. If you take her for a ride, use an infant seat and ensure you don’t hit the road if you are too tired.

Wear your baby.

In some cultures, babies spend most of their time in slings on the mother’s chests or back. Wearing your baby using a carrier or sling and walking around is an effective way to calm her. The rhythm of your steps and the feeling of closeness may help your baby feel secure and be lulled to sleep. Baby carriers and slings are also convenient since they rest your aching arms and free your hands for multitasking.  Just remember that you shouldn’t be cooking, drinking, or eating anything hot while carrying the baby in such positions.

Make Your Baby Comfortable

Your fussy baby may be missing the comfort within the confines of the womb. Emulating the comforting experiences may help with the tears by ensuring they feel more comfortable even outside the uterus. But ensure you prioritize over comfort. Here are a few ways to make your baby feel more comfortable.

Check your baby’s diaper, again

This is like a rule that’s always at the front of the mind for almost all parents; when dealing with a crying baby, the first thing is to check their diaper. As you now know, these little ones pee and poop a lot within a short period of time. So, just because the diaper was dry a few minutes ago when you checked doesn’t mean it still is. Therefore, as you try other methods, keep checking if they need a diaper change —or if it’s otherwise bothering her for some reason, like being on too tight.

Give her a soothing bath

Most babies feel better from the soothing comfort of a warm bath. Just try bathing your baby in warm water or safely holding her under the warm spray of water while having your shower, a technique that combines skin-to-skin contact with the calming effects of warm water.

Swaddle them

To crying, fussy babies, swaddling might feel like being back in the womb. This cozy, snug wrap in a thin, lightweight blanket with their arms across their chest keeps your tiny bundle feeling secure and has a beautiful, calming effect. Wrap your baby burrito just tight enough so she can’t wriggle her legs and arms free. Many parents find swaddled babies help settle down faster and sleep longer. Be sure always to place them on their back and stop swaddling when you see signs of them trying to roll over on their own.

Try skin-to-skin-contact

Skin-to-skin contact (or kangaroo care) utilizes the magic of having a baby’s skin against your own and can be an effective comfort to your baby. Undress your baby, sit or lie down, bring your baby against your naked skin, and hold them close for some time. If it’s chilly, cover both of you with a soft, warm blanket.

Comfort-feed them

Try putting your crying baby to the breast even if you just fed them and you believe they aren’t hungry. Feeding for comfort, also known as comfort feeding or non-nutritive sucking, is inherently calming and may help soothe your baby. Plus, while your baby continues to suck, the extra breast stimulation will help you build a great milk supply.

Give your baby a burp

Besides feeding time, crying can also make the baby gulp a lot of air. If you suspect your baby is bloated or gassy after feeding or from too much crying, give her a burp. Try one of these positions when burping your baby:

• Hold her against your chest with her chin over your shoulder. Gently pat her back with one hand while supporting her with the other. Remember to place a burping cloth over your shoulder to prevent a trail of spit-up.
• Sit your baby upright on your lap. Support her chest and head with one hand while you gently pat her back with the other hand.
• Lay your baby face down across your lap. Support her head so it’s higher than her chest, and gently pat her back.

Newborns are often gassy after a feeding, so burp them regularly after meals.

Turn on some noise

In the womb, babies are used to the gentle, consistent sounds of their mother’s heartbeat, blood rushing, and stomach gurgling. This is why a little white noise can have a remarkably calming effect on some newborns. Whether it’s the gentle melody of a lullaby or the consistent hum of a white noise machine, these auditory cues can help replicate the familiar sounds of the womb, creating comforting signals for your newborn and helping them feel secure and content.

Vacuum or turn on the fan

White noise machines such as vacuums or fans are designed to provide a constant background noise that masks other sounds and helps soothe your baby into a state of relaxation. The soft whirring or the humming sounds are music to a crying baby’s ears. They seem to be captivated by the combination of vibration and noise. Remember to place the machine a distance away from the baby to avoid direct exposure and adjust the volume to a degree that is soothing but not too loud.

Shh!

Make a shushing sound right in your crying baby’s ear repeatedly. The sound mimics what your newborn was used to hearing in the uterus. Don’t be timid. The uterus isn’t as quiet as parents think. Shush loud enough for her to hear you over their own screams.

Try some white noise

Some babies are soothed by the rhythmic and consistent whooshing sounds, such as rainfall recordings, waves on a beach, or a waterfall. These, too, may remind them of the womb. Studies show that white noise helps reduce crying and prolongs sleep duration. You can try using sound machines like a dishwasher, tuning a radio to static, or finding recorded white noise on platforms such as YouTube. You want a low-level, constant sound.

Sing a song or talk to your baby

Music has a unique power to stir emotions and create a relaxing environment for both infants and adults. Lullabies, with their soft rhythms and gentle melodies, can be particularly good in soothing your fussing baby. Your voice is reassuring to your little one. And your baby has no idea whether your singing voice is or isn’t the best. So the next time she’s cranky, sing or hum a song or classic lullaby with a slow tempo and soft lyrics.

What other tricks can you try?

If you have tried to soothe your crying baby but haven’t quite found relief yet, there are still many other methods you can try to make your little one feel better.

 Give them a pacifier

Babies have a strong sucking instinct, so a pacifier can work wonders to calm your fussy baby. And despite myths about them, studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) show there’s nothing wrong with pacifiers.

Give a baby massage

The soothing effect of your gentle touch might just be what your baby needs to calm down. According to research, baby massage improves sleep, boosts healthy weight gain, and promotes bonding. Simply undress your little bundle, give them a warm bath if possible, hold them firmly or set them down on a changing table or crib, and use soft, slow, and firm strokes on their skin. For a gassy or colicky baby, rub their stomach slowly in a clockwise motion, raise both legs to their stomach to form a happy child pose, and hold for a few seconds or bicycle their tiny legs to relieve pressure.

Check their clothes

Tight, hot, rough, or confining clothes can make your baby fussy. Check to ensure a zipper, button, or any other part isn’t scratching, pinching, or bothering them, causing discomfort.

Examine your feeding practices

If your baby is breastfeeding, ensure she is getting sufficient breast milk or check if something in the breast milk irritates them. The good news is that in most cases, there’s no issue with the breast milk or supply. However, other factors, such as latching or positioning, could be the cause. A lactation consultant or your baby’s doctor can help if you need lactation support or have breastfeeding issues.

Babies who bottle-feed could be suffering from overfeeding or swallowing air during nursing. Get a different bottle to see what works differently.

Shift positions

If your baby is crying inconsolably and you believe it to be colic, she may need some pressure on her tummy. Hold them face-down instead of cradling her face-up, a “colic carry” position to help relieve pressure and gas. Lay your little one with your hand under their tummy and their head on your forearm. You can use your other hand to support and gently rub her back. The pressure on their belly can help relieve uncomfortable gas.

Entertain your baby

Even newborns can get bored, which in turn causes fussiness. To keep your baby engaged, try entertaining her by narrating your activities, replete with animated expressions and weird noises. You can also turn on some music and simply dance as they watch. This will be entertaining for both the baby and yourself.

Take a break

Hours after hours of crying can be incredibly difficult to handle, especially if you’re physically exhausted and mentally tired. It’s normal to begin feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or even desperate. If your soothing efforts don’t seem to work, be graceful to yourself and take a break—just a few minutes (or more) to breathe. This might mean placing your baby in a safe place, such as the crib, or handing her to your partner, friend, or family member while you do something that calms you down. You can walk around the block, take a quick, warm shower, get a snack, watch a clip, listen to music, or even take a few cleansing breaths while counting.

If you haven’t calmed down after 10 to 15 minutes, check on your little one, but do not pick her up until you feel calm enough to try again. Once you feel calm, retry a few soothing techniques. Try to be patient. Be sure not to let your frustration affect the way you react. You should never hit, shake, throw, jerk, or slam your baby as it can cause brain damage or shaken baby syndrome and even death.

When to call the doctor about your baby’s crying

Lastly, calling your pediatrician is always a perfect option if you’ve tried every technique in the book and still can’t seem to soothe your crying baby or figure out why she is crying. Sometimes, it helps to get guidance from a professional and rule out any medical reasons. Odds are you’re doing everything right and just need to hang in there for a bit longer. Remember, it’s not your fault your baby is fussy, and it won’t be like that forever.

The Bottom Line

You can use several methods to soothe a crying newborn, but it might require some trial and error to figure out what works best for your baby. And while sometimes the cause is identifiable, other times babies just may cry for a bit without cause. Still, try some of these techniques next time your baby fusses —and it’s not due to unmet basic needs like a full belly, clean diaper, sleep, good health, and attention. Your baby’s crying spells can be painful, but they will pass shortly. Plus, you can always consult your baby’s pediatrician—and your family and friends—for help and support.