Should my baby be crying this much?
Crying is your baby's only means of communicating his or her needs. Healthy babies can cry for around 2 or 3 hours a day on and off - anxious or irritable babies can cry much more than that. Crying often increases during baby's first few weeks, usually settling after 3 months or so. So it may get worse before it gets better.
When your baby cries it can mean your baby needs a cuddle or that he or she is:
- hungry
- due for a nappy change
- lonely or bored
- uncomfortable
- upset or scared
- unwell or in pain
Settling ideas
If your baby is well and doesn't need a feed or a nappy change you can try:
- wrapping baby in a cotton sheet
- talking softly to your baby
- creating rhythmic background noise by playing music, running the washing machine or using the vacuum cleaner in another room
- walking or rocking your baby close to your chest so baby can hear your heart beat
- giving baby a warm bath and lightly massaging his or her back and tummy or
- taking baby for a walk in the pram or stroller.
If you can't stop your baby crying...
If your baby is unsettled or is constantly crying it can be confusing, frustrating, exhausting and overwhelming, so we encourage you to accept help, debrief, ask for advice or take a break.
If you can't stop your baby crying and feel yourself getting really stressed or angry place baby in their cot or a safe place and take a moment away from your baby to calm yourself.
Sit quietly and breath, listen to your favourite music, call a trusted friend or relative or contact a support agency or helpline.