Articles and Advice: Your Baby 0-6 Months

Babies cry an average of 2½ to 3 hours a day during the first 7 weeks. The following sections explain more about this tearful "baby talk".

Facts About Crying

• A baby's first cry, which usually occurs in the delivery room, is the first breath of life. The initial cry helps the lungs and heart adapt to life outside the womb.
• Crying is usually how babies communicate they are cold or hot; tired or bored; hungry; wet or uncomfortable; overexcited or in pain or distress.
• The length of time a normal infant spends crying and fussing usually peaks at about 3 hours a day by 6 weeks, and slowly decreases to 1 or 2 hours daily by 12 weeks.
• Between 2 and 4 weeks, about 20 percent of babies develop a fussy crying, sometimes called colic. Colicky crying spells may occur at any time, but may become worse in the evening. These crying spells usually stop by 3 months.

Ongoing Crying

The reasons for ongoing crying are not always known, but may include:

• A way for your baby to relieve tension or release excess energy.
• Your baby may be very sensitive to his/her environment.
• Physical discomfort from how or what your baby eats.

When babies eat/drink breast milk or infant formula too quickly during feedings, they tend to get fussy or cranky. When you notice this discomfort, it's best to interrupt the feeding. The break will help slow the eating/drinking and reduce the amount of air your baby swallows. If you are giving an infant formula, check the flow of formula from the nipple to make sure it's not too fast or slow. Burp your baby after she drinks about 3 ounces (90 mL) of formula and at the end of the feeding.

It's also possible that the crying and fussing could be from lactose intolerance. If it is the case, a lactose-free formula, such as Similac for Babies Sensitive to Lactose, may be recommended.

Less commonly, some babies are allergic to the protein in both milk- and soy-based formulas and may need a special formula, such as Alimentum. Always discuss with the doctor any baby-care concerns you have. Don't switch formulas without talking to the doctor or nurse.

Consoling Your Crying Little One

Babies tend to cry less overall if their cries are answered quickly. Give your baby attention and don't worry about spoiling her. Check to see if she is wet, cold, hot or hungry.

To calm your baby, try the following:

• Get face-to-face with her and talk or sing softly.
• Rock her in your arms or a rocking chair.
• Carry her in a front carrier as you move around.
• Try swaddling—wrap her snugly in a receiving blanket.
• Babies like rhythm and movement. Go for a car ride, and be sure to use an approved infant car seat, or walk with her in your arms or stroller.
• Burp her to release any gas bubbles.

If you're feeling impatient, try leaving your baby with someone you trust while you get away, even for just a short while. Never shake your baby, no matter how frustrated or angry you feel. Shaking an infant could cause blindness, brain injury, or death.

Be especially alert to a sudden onset of crying, unusual sounding cries, like piercing or shrieking or persistent crying that is not typical of your baby's crying patterns. In these instances, you should call your baby's doctor. You also need to call if crying is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting or apparent pain or if you have any concerns regarding your baby's condition.