Bringing home a newborn infant is an exciting experience. For many new parents, soothing their baby when they are crying can present a challenge; however, understanding why your baby is upset can lead to a solution. Here are four tips to help you soothe your crying baby.

Why Won’t My Newborn Infant Stop Crying?

1. They Are Hungry

Hunger is generally the biggest reason why a baby cries. Your baby has a small stomach, so they need to be constantly fed to feel full. It may seem like a lot of feedings, but your baby will let you know when they need to be fed and will naturally stop when they’ve had enough. 

2. They Are Tired 

If your baby is crying because of a lack of sleep, they may be showing signs of fatigue, like staring blankly ahead or acting extra fussy. This can happen for different reasons, such as over-stimulation from visitors, noises, or too much rocking and singing. Try to keep the baby in a quiet, low-lit setting, and avoid the distractions of strangers that might stimulate them.  

3. They Might Have Colic

If your newborn infant is arching their back, clenching their fists, drawing up their knees, and constantly fussing or crying, they may have colic. Colic occurs when their stomach is upset, whether due to allergies or environmental factors. There are various over the counter medications to help sooth your baby’s crying, but if they are still upset, a trip to their pediatrician will help sort out the cause.  

4. They Are Uncomfortable

While in the womb, a baby doesn’t experience any uncomfortable sensations; once they are born, any sensation may be extremely uncomfortable or even painful to them. These can include a dirty diaper, gas, or hunger. After some time, you will be able to recognize their calls, but for now you might have to check their diaper often, pat their back to help relieve gas, and make sure to feed them often to figure out what’s wrong. 

If you think your baby might have colic, turn to the trusted pediatricians at Pediatrics, P.C. in Lincoln, NE. These professionals have cared for families for over 50 years. They can help treat colic and offer helpful advice for new parents that can aid in adjusting to life with a newborn infant. You can reach them at (402) 489-0800 to schedule an appointment, or find out more about their services on their website.