Sometimes your baby won't stop crying, even after you've tried everything you can think of to calm them down. And sometimes babies cry for no discernable reason, or won't stop crying unless they're held. This can be helpful to remember when you've gone down the list of possible causes of crying and still can't figure out what's upsetting your little one. It's normal to feel frustrated, angry, sad, or anxious when dealing with crying that doesn't stop. If you need a break, put your baby someplace safe, step away for a few minutes, and ask for help. Show It's normal for babies to cry a lot: It's the only way they can communicate. In fact, most newborns cry for 45 minutes to two hours every day during the first six months of life. Babies with colic – which affects about 1 in 10 infants – cry for seemingly no reason at all for at least three hours per day, three or more days per week, for at least three weeks. Babies cry for many reasons, including to tell you that they're tired, or hungry, or have a wet diaper. Sometimes your baby cries because they want to be held or played with – or, sometimes, they're simply overstimulated and need a little quiet time. In some cases, however, babies cry no matter what you do to soothe them. It's possible to rule out all of the usual suspects for crying, and find that none of the usual soothing strategies (such as feeding, swaddling, pacifiers, motion, and white noise) work. Every parent knows that a crying baby is stressful and sometimes exasperating, especially when there's seemingly nothing you can do to help. Here's how to cope. For more helpful suggestions from a top pediatric sleep physician on how to soothe a fussy baby, as well as how to teach your baby to self-soothe when they get a little older, check out our premium course, Baby Sleep 101. Why babies cry for no reasonWhenever your baby cries, start by going through a mental checklist of the most likely causes. These include needing to eat or take a nap, feeling overstimulated, or wanting to you to hold them or play with them. If none of these causes seem to be the problem, consider some of the less common reasons babies cry, which include:
It's possible to check all of the possible causes for crying and come up empty-handed. Sometimes, there simply isn't a clear reason for a baby's tears. There's nothing quite like a crying baby to make a parent feel helpless, anxious, and even angry – especially if the baby is inconsolable for no discernible reason. Know that most every parent goes through this with their child (some more often than others). Although it may not seem like it now, your crying baby still loves you and needs you. Their crying isn't a reflection on you – it doesn't mean you're a bad parent. Here are a few tips if your baby won't stop crying:
Call 911 if your baby won't stop crying and:
Note: Shaken baby syndrome often occurs in response to a baby's crying – their caregiver becomes frustrated, overwhelmed, or angry and shakes them violently. If you or anyone who cares for your baby ever feels close to losing control, they should put your baby someplace safe, step away for a few minutes, and call a friend or relative for help – or the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-427-2736. My baby won't stop crying unless heldBabies love to be held – some of them so much that they won't stop crying unless they're in an adult's arms. Know that you can't spoil a baby and this phase will pass, as difficult as it can be. In the meantime, here are a few ways to deal:
What do I do when my baby won't stop crying and I tried everything?To soothe a crying baby:. First, make sure your baby doesn't have a fever. ... . Make sure your baby isn't hungry and has a clean diaper.. Rock or walk with the baby.. Sing or talk to your baby.. Offer the baby a pacifier.. Take the baby for a ride in a stroller.. Hold your baby close against your body and take calm, slow breaths.. What causes uncontrollable crying in babies?Infants may cry because of any of the following: Boredom or loneliness. Colic. Discomfort or irritation from a wet or dirty diaper, excessive gas, or feeling cold.
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