How to Soothe a Crying Baby

An infant may spend 2 to 3 hours a day crying. Sometimes it is difficult to tell what your baby needs and you can become very frustrated, but it is important to remember: never hit or shake a baby.

Meet The Baby's Basic Needs

• Feed the baby
• Burp the baby
• Change the diaper
• Make sure clothing isn't too tight
• Make sure baby isn't too hot, or too cold.
  

Try To Soothe The Baby

Try to stay calm, because your baby can tell if you are upset.

Take the baby for a walk outside in a stroller or for a ride in the car seat.

Hold the baby against your chest and gently massage the baby.

Rock, walk, or dance with the baby.

If you choose, offer a pacifier.

Lower any surrounding noise and lights.

Hold the baby and breathe slowly and calmly.

Sing or talk to the baby using soothing tones.

Offer the baby a noisy toy; shake or rattle it.

Some babies are comforted by external monotonous noises (white noise) such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, or the sound of running water.

Be patient; take a deep breath close your eyes and count to ten.

Get Help

Call a friend, relative, or neighbor to come over for support and/or take care of the baby while you take a break.

If no one is available to help and you need a break, put the baby in his crib. Make sure he is safe, close the door, and check on him every 5 minutes until you have regained your composure.

Prolonged crying may be a sign of illness. If you cannot find a cause for your baby’s crying, and usual methods of soothing your baby do not work, contact a doctor or Call St. Luke's at (208) 381-1200.