Infant Care and Parenting Education

 How much will my baby cry? 

• All babies cry, and sometimes they cry a lot. The amount is different for every baby, but it can be normal for them to cry 1-2 hours a day in the first several weeks. 
• Crying usually peaks between month 2 and 4 (often around 6-8 weeks). 
• Increased crying tends to happen in the late afternoon and evening. 
• Sometimes the crying isn’t easy to soothe and may be part of something known as “The Period of Purple Crying.” 

What should I check for when my baby cries? 

• Check the basics first: Does baby need to be fed, burped, held, or have a diaper change? 
• Check for comfort: Is baby dressed appropriately? Could they have an upset tummy? Are they teething? Could there be a fabric bothering them or a loose hair wrapped around their finger or toe? 
• Check for illness: Does baby have a fever? Does their cry make you feel like “something isn’t right?” Contact your healthcare provider. 
• Check for tiredness: Some babies cry when tired, especially when overtired. 
• Check for overstimulation or under-stimulation: Is the room too loud? Need a change of scenery? 

What are some tips for soothing my baby? 

• Rock your baby in your arms, or a chair and talk softly to them.
• Try holding your baby skin-to-skin (Only if you are awake and alert). 
• Offer your breast, a pacifier, or a finger to suck on. 
• Swaddle safely using a sleep sack with swaddle attachments. Stop swaddling once you see signs of rolling over. Always place a swaddled baby on their back in a crib, bassinet or pack ‘n play. 
• Sing, play music, or use white noise. 
• Get outside: Step outside for some fresh air or take a walk with a stroller. 
• Give baby a bath (check the water temperature and ensure close supervision). 

How can I cope with my crying baby? 

• Ask for help. Share baby duties with your partner or have someone you trust come over. 
• If you get frustrated, gently lay your baby in a crib, bassinet or pack ‘n play. Take a deep breath and collect yourself before trying to soothe baby again. It is important that anyone caring for a crying baby stays calm and never takes frustration out on the baby. 
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you ever have concerns about your baby’s crying. Learn more: The Period of Purple Crying (www.purplecrying.info)