How to Figure Out Why a Baby is Crying

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When your baby is crying, it can be extremely frustrating if you can't figure out what brought it on or what you can do to make everything okay for the infant. If the baby has eaten, has a clean diaper, and has recently napped, what could be the problem? And what's a parent to do? Read on to find out.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Patience
Nerves of steel

Step1

Check your baby's body all over to see if there is any rash or other potential source of discomfort. One often overlooked cause of pain in babies is a nearly invisible stray hair (pet or human) that may have become wrapped around a finger, toe, or even a boy baby's penis.

Step2

Determine whether your baby may be over-dressed. Babies tend to spend a lot of time wrapped up in heavy blankets, and when they are indoors in a warm room this may lead to their feeling uncomfortably warm. Many parents seem to live in fear of the baby catching a chill, but it can be equally dangerous (if not more so) to allow a baby to become over-heated.

Step3

Avoid acting stressed out or arguing in front of your baby. Even if you're just snarling at a voice mail recording, your baby can pick up on the tension and that may cause her to wail, compounding your already stretched nerves. Take a few deep breaths, try to calm down, and promise yourself you'll scream (quietly, into a pillow) the next time she's napping.

Step4

De-stress your baby, too. If you have him out in a public place, he may become overwhelmed by too many faces, voices, lights and too much noise. He could even be stressed out by spending too much time in a bouncer, swing, baby gym or any other device meant to entertain him. Sometimes babies need a little quiet time. Put on some soft music, read a book, or just lie down and snuggle together for a few minutes to help him settle down.

Step5

Burp your baby. Sometimes it really is just gas.

Tips & Warnings

Car rides are a time honored way of soothing even the crankiest babies
There will be times when your baby just cries and there isn't anything you can do about it. If she isn't exhibiting any signs of illness or injury, just make her (and yourself) comfortable, settle in, and ride out the storm together