It may seem like comforting your cranky baby takes up much of your day (and night!) after feeding and changing diapers. Naturally, crying and newborns go hand in hand as your baby can only communicate by making a fuss. However, a baby's cries can become unbearable very soon, particularly if you're not sure why she's angry in the first place. 

Furthermore, even while screaming is common in babies, it can be difficult for first-time parents to understand what "normal" really means. To begin the process of soothing a sobbing baby, try to remain as composed as you can, since being agitated will only make things worse for both of you.

Why is my baby crying?

Why are you crying? is a question that parents have posed since the dawn of mankind. Check out these potential causes of your baby's crying to help you figure out why:

• Hunger. Infants every few hours, or eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period, breastfeed or take a bottle. Your baby is probably ready to eat again if she is wailing. Before the tears start, watch for signals of hunger such as lip-smacking, putting hands to the mouth, and wanting to feed the infant.
• Gas. Taking in a lot of liquids can cause your baby to become irritable and uncomfortable by trapping air in her stomach. The solution: Burp your infant to release gas after each feeding by giving them soft back pats.
• Wet or dirty diaper. Nobody desires to sit with soggy or poopy pants on! Wet diapers can produce up to six or more per day, so be sure to routinely check her small bum.
• Fatigue. Newborns sleep for 14–17 hours a day, in spurts of two–four hours, from day one to month three. If you believe your cutie is ready for a nap, put her to bed.
• Colic. If you believe your kid is crying too much, speak with her pediatrician. Prolonged crying may be a sign of colic.
• Boredom. Babies become weary of staring at the same old scene when they sit. Put her in a front carrier, rock or glide, stand by the window, take a stroll outside, or simply move around the house to kill boredom.
• Overwhelmed. With your infant in tow, withdraw from the crowd and make some peaceful snuggle time. Putting baby in a light blanket to make her feel secure and comfortable is another way to calm down, as is sucking on a pacifier.
• Hot or cold. When dressing your baby, layers are great, but too few or too many can make her feel uncomfortable and teary-eyed. To choose whether to add or remove a layer, take a look at her ensemble.
• Sick. If your baby is weeping, it may be a sign that anything is wrong, so make sure to see her pediatrician. Take her rectal temperature if you think she may be feverish.

How can I determine if my baby’s fussiness is normal?

It's very normal for a baby to cry. In fact, throughout the first six weeks of your baby's life, you should anticipate hearing two or three hours of fussing every day. After you accept that crying is a normal aspect of being a baby, the next stage is to determine whether the cries you hear are typical cues (such as hunger, exhaustion, or a soiled diaper), which requires some experience.

You'll be able to identify that the fussing you hear is probably typical once you've learned the sounds of each sort of cry. However, more severe sobbing or screaming could be a sign of an unusually high level of crying, which could be colic.

See your pediatrician if your child is crying uncontrollably. To make sure there isn't a medical reason, she could need to be evaluated. Her pediatrician can advise you on what to do if they suspect colic.

If your baby is crying weakly or sounds like they are whimpering softly, it may be an indication that they are ill and are unable to cry out loud. Make a call to the pediatrician to discuss your baby's symptoms and find out the best course of action for any potential illnesses. Your child's pediatrician could advise you to take them in for a checkup.

Colic vs. “normal crying”

A useful guide to figuring out if your infant has colic is the rule of threes. One in five newborns will experience colic if they cry for longer than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, over the course of three weeks. If you're not sure if your child's weeping is deemed excessive, ask her pediatrician.

Crying that resembles screaming and lasts for hours at a time throughout the late afternoon or evening is another symptom of colic.

"Normal crying" isn't exactly defined, but it usually refers to the kind of tears you can easily control and understand. A low-pitched, rhythmic cry accompanied by lip-smacking or sucking sounds, for instance, may be an indication of hunger, but a persistent, whiny cry that gets louder with time may suggest that your baby is uncomfortable or fatigued.

How to soothe a fussy baby

Try these tried-and-true methods to help your baby stop screaming and feel better if you've ruled out the apparent causes of her crying (empty stomach, wet diaper, overindulgent slumber), and your pediatrician says baby isn’t sick.

Offer a swaddle.  Your baby will feel safe and comfortable in this cozy wrap inside a receiving blanket. Experts believe that because swaddling gives a baby a warm, womb-like feeling, it comforts them. Babies who are swaddled sleep longer and settle down more quickly, according to many parents.

Encourage sucking.  Nonnutritive sucking is a common way for babies to settle themselves; it doesn't fill their stomachs, but it does ease their anxiety. Offer one of your own fingers to your wailing infant, or assist her in finding her thumb, fist, or finger. A pacifier works as well, but you might want to wait to introduce one until nursing is well established.

Try a front carrier or sling. One of the best ways to calm your baby is to put her on and go for a stroll. Babies like the rhythm of your footsteps and the sense of intimacy. Using a carrier also frees up your hands so you can multitask. When your baby requires the extra head support during the first three months of life, have her face your body in a sling or front-pack carrier. Another option is to use a sling, which is especially helpful for breastfeeding while on the go and can be changed into a side or back hold as your child gets older.

Rock, sway or glide. Hold baby while you sit in a rocking chair or glider, or place her in a motorized baby swing or vibrating bouncy seat. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's safety instructions regarding the age and weight restrictions for these devices.

Turn on the white noise. Certain babies find solace in repetitive whooshing noises, possibly as a reminder of the womb. A hair dryer, fan, or vacuum cleaner are several to try. A white-noise machine is another option, or you might try sooth-talking your infant with "Shhhhhh...shhhhhh" noises.

Sing a song. Whether you sing in tune or off key, your infant doesn't know. She is aware that you are showing her a lot of love and music. Sing a cutesy '80s power ballad, a classic lullaby, or any other song you prefer while she's acting grumpy.

Get wet. If bath time is when your baby calms down, then fill the tub with warm water and incorporate it into her relaxing ritual.

Give a massage.  In addition to being a wonderful method to soothe your infant, massaging them may be a calming ritual for the two of you. Though neither is required, you can experiment with lotion or specialty baby massage oils. Apply a strong yet delicate touch that isn't ticklish. (Just pay attention to your baby's indications; some babies could find massages too intense.)

Try the “colic carry.”  In order to help relieve gas and colic, your baby may occasionally need to have some pressure applied to her stomach, often known as the "colic carry": With your other hand stabilizing her and massaging her back, place your infant on her stomach on your forearm, holding her head in your hand. Alternatively, place her on her back and, for ten seconds, gently "bicycle pump" her knees up to her stomach. Then, release them and repeat.

Head outside. It's possible that the motion may instantly quiet her down, and a change of scenery helps soothe grumpy infants as well as their exhausted parents. Everyone's mood will be lifted by the new sights, sounds, and fragrances, as well as the light, air, and temperature.

Be entertaining. Even infants can become bored, and when this happens, it can make them cranky. Try narrating your actions, complete with goofy noises and lively expressions, to keep your child occupied. You can read a board book that rhymes, dance to music, or play on the floor with her as she shows you how her toys spin and rattle.

What to do if you’re feeling frustrated by your baby’s crying

Nobody has the capacity to cry all the time, particularly if they are nursing their child in the middle of the night and getting too little sleep. It's normal to feel frustrated when your baby cries, so lighten the load by giving the baby to your partner, mother, friend, or nanny and then go have some alone time. 

And never, ever shake your kid, no matter how angry you are. Even short bursts of vigorous shaking, like shaking out of rage, can cause abusive head trauma (AHT), also referred to as shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Children of all ages are susceptible to severe brain damage or even death from violent shaking, but newborns and young toddlers are especially vulnerable.

If you ever feel like you're about to lose it, put your child to sleep in her crib (where she's safe and secure) and take a peaceful nap in a different room until you feel better. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) lists breathing exercises, counting to ten, asking a friend for emotional support, and relaxing music as additional helpful techniques.

If you feel overwhelmed and believe you should speak with a professional about your concerns, give a call as soon as possible to a crisis hotline, mental health group, or healthcare provider.

When to call the doctor about your baby’s crying

It's okay to call your baby's pediatrician if you've tried every solution in the book and you still can't figure out what's causing all the tears. Hearing from an expert that you're doing everything correctly and should just persevere for a little while longer can be helpful at times.