Safety

How to Safely Soothe a Crying Baby

6 min read

Untitled Design (3) - Newborn Care

Quick answer

Crying is your newborn's primary way of communicating. Babies cry because they're hungry, tired, uncomfortable, overstimulated, or simply need comfort. While it can be stressful, responding calmly and consistently helps your baby feel safe and secure.

Most crying can be soothed with simple techniques such as feeding, holding, swaddling (when appropriate), gentle movement, white noise, or offering a calm environment. If your baby's crying seems unusual, is accompanied by signs of illness, or you are concerned, contact your pediatrician.

Key Takeaways

  • Crying is a normal part of newborn development.
  • Babies cry to communicate a need—not to manipulate caregivers.
  • Learning your baby’s cues becomes easier with time.
  • Simple soothing techniques are often effective.
  • Every baby responds differently to calming methods.
  • It’s okay if not every technique works every time.
  • If you feel overwhelmed, place your baby in a safe sleep space and take a brief moment to regroup.
  • Persistent or unusual crying should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
  • Asking for help is a sign of responsible parenting.
  • Responding consistently helps build secure attachment.

Introduction

Few sounds capture a parent’s attention like the cry of their newborn.

Whether it’s the middle of the night or the middle of dinner, your baby’s cries immediately tell you they need something.

For new parents, however, figuring out exactly what that “something” is can feel overwhelming.

Are they hungry?

Tired?

Too warm?

Too cold?

Do they simply want to be held?

The good news is that crying is completely normal—and over time, you’ll begin recognizing your baby’s unique patterns and cues. Until then, understanding safe, effective soothing techniques can help both you and your baby navigate those challenging moments with greater confidence.

Why Do Newborns Cry?

Crying is your baby’s primary form of communication.

Unlike older children, newborns can’t point, talk, or tell you what they need.

Common reasons babies cry include:

  • Hunger.
  • Dirty diaper.
  • Fatigue.
  • Being too hot or too cold.
  • Gas or digestive discomfort.
  • Overstimulation.
  • Wanting to be held.
  • Needing help settling to sleep.

Sometimes babies also experience periods of crying without an obvious cause, especially during the evening hours.

Start by Meeting Basic Needs

When your baby begins crying, start by checking the most common causes.

Ask yourself:

  • Is it time for a feeding?
  • Does the diaper need changing?
  • Is my baby too warm or too cool?
  • Are they showing signs of tiredness?
  • Have they been awake for a long time?

Meeting these basic needs often resolves the crying quickly.

Gentle Ways to Soothe Your Baby

If your baby’s immediate needs have been met, calming techniques may help.

Many babies respond well to:

  • Holding and cuddling.
  • Skin-to-skin contact.
  • Gentle rocking.
  • Walking while holding your baby.
  • Soft singing or talking.
  • White noise or gentle background sounds.
  • Offering a pacifier if appropriate.
  • Swaddling (only for young babies who are not showing signs of rolling).
  • A calm, dimly lit environment.

Not every baby responds the same way, so don’t be discouraged if one technique works today but not tomorrow.

Learn Your Baby’s Cues

Over time, you’ll begin recognizing patterns that tell you what your baby needs before crying starts.

Some common cues include:

Hunger

  • Rooting.
  • Lip smacking.
  • Bringing hands to the mouth.

Tiredness

  • Yawning.
  • Looking away.
  • Fussiness.
  • Rubbing eyes (in older infants).

Overstimulation

  • Turning away.
  • Hiccups.
  • Finger splaying.
  • Increased fussiness.

Responding to these early signals may help prevent crying from escalating.

What Is PURPLE Crying?

Many healthy babies go through a developmental stage called the Period of PURPLE Crying®.

During this time, babies may:

  • Cry for longer periods.
  • Be difficult to soothe.
  • Cry more often in the late afternoon or evening.
  • Appear healthy despite frequent crying.

This phase is a normal part of development for many infants and typically improves with time.

Understanding that prolonged crying can be developmentally normal helps many parents feel less anxious.

Source: https://purplecrying.info

Never Shake a Baby

Persistent crying can become emotionally overwhelming.

If you ever feel frustrated:

  • Place your baby on their back in a safe crib or bassinet.
  • Step into another room for a few minutes.
  • Take slow, deep breaths.
  • Call a trusted family member or friend for support if needed.

Never shake a baby.

Shaking can cause severe brain injury, permanent disability, or death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends educating all caregivers about the dangers of abusive head trauma before caring for a baby.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-abusive-head-trauma.html

When Should You Call the Pediatrician?

Most newborn crying is normal.

However, contact your healthcare provider if your baby:

  • Has a fever.
  • Refuses multiple feedings.
  • Has difficulty breathing.
  • Seems unusually sleepy or difficult to wake.
  • Has persistent vomiting.
  • Cries in a way that seems significantly different than usual.
  • Cannot be comforted for prolonged periods and you are concerned.

Parents know their babies best.

If something feels unusual, it’s always appropriate to seek medical advice.

Common Misconceptions About Crying

Myth: Picking Up Your Baby Too Quickly Will Spoil Them

Fact: Newborns cry because they need something. Responding consistently helps build trust and secure attachment.

Myth: Good Babies Rarely Cry

Fact: Crying is a completely normal part of newborn communication. Some babies simply cry more than others.

Myth: If Nothing Works, You’re Doing Something Wrong

Fact: Some babies continue crying even after all of their needs have been met. This doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means your baby is still learning to adjust to life outside the womb.

Practical Tips for Parents

When your baby is crying:

  • Stay calm.
  • Check basic needs first.
  • Try one soothing technique at a time.
  • Reduce noise and stimulation.
  • Ask for help if you need a break.
  • Remember that crying is temporary.
  • Trust your instincts and contact your pediatrician if something seems wrong.

With time, you’ll become more familiar with your baby’s unique personality and preferences.

The Bigger Picture

Crying can be one of the most challenging parts of caring for a newborn.

It can leave even experienced parents feeling tired, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next.

Remember that your baby isn’t crying to make your life difficult.

They’re communicating the only way they know how.

Each time you respond with patience, love, and consistency, you’re helping your baby feel safe while building a relationship based on trust.

Some days will feel easier than others.

But with time, you’ll begin recognizing your baby’s cues, discovering what comforts them most, and growing more confident in your ability to meet their needs.

Sources

About The Newborn Care Solutions Agency

The Newborn Care Solutions Agency is the only newborn care placement agency founded by an internationally accredited training provider. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, we serve families nationwide by connecting them with rigorously vetted, professionally trained Newborn Care Specialists.

Our specialists provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help parents understand newborn behavior, recognize feeding and sleep cues, and confidently respond to their baby’s needs. Through education and hands-on guidance, we help families create a calm, nurturing environment where both babies and parents can thrive.

For more information, visit thencsa.com or call (602) 695-6775.

Written by Tonya SakowiczFounder, The NCS Agency

Trained care.
Matched to your family.

Request care
Back to the blog