All babies cry a lot—it's one of the few things they know how to do. Crying is the only way they can tell you that they're cold, hungry, sick, or agitated. The sound of a baby's crying can be distressing and frustrating to parents. Here are some tips to help you understand why babies cry, what you can do about it, and why you should handle your baby with care.

A crying baby needs something. Crying is a healthy way for babies to communicate their needs. Check if your baby's needs have been met. Make sure your baby isn't:

• hungry (and doesn't have gas)
• wet (and in need of a changing)
• tired
• too hot or cold.

Babies will often stop crying once their needs have been met.

Some babies cry because they are overstimulated. Try to keep your home calm and quiet.

Some babies cry after their needs have been met. This type of crying is called colic. Babies with colic cry more than other babies. They usually cry for several hours in the late afternoon through the evening.

• Colic is common. Colic is not serious or harmful to your baby. Babies with colic develop normally and are just as healthy as other babies.
  
• Colic is not your baby's way of telling you that you're doing something wrong. Nothing you do as a parent causes colic. The causes of colic are not known and there is no way to prevent it.
  
•  Colic has certain signs. If your baby has colic, he or she may also:
  • draw up his or her legs
  • have a swollen belly
  • pass excessive gas
    
• Places to avoid. Try to keep your baby away from loud noises, crowded streets and busy places, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
  
• Colic will end naturally. Babies usually outgrow colic after about four months. Keep in mind that your baby will soon be quiet for longer periods of time.

Help Your Crying Baby
There are techniques you can use to soothe your crying baby, whether or not he has colic.

• Hold and stroke your baby. This may soothe her. Gently massage your baby's back, stomach and chest.
  
• Calm your baby. Make things calm and quiet. Turn off the TV and lower the lights. Play soft music, hum or run a fan or clothes dryer. Take your baby for a walk. Try a child-safe pacifier or your finger for the baby to suck on.
  
• Try to warm your baby. Give him a warm bath, wrap him in a warm blanket.
  
• Watch how you feed your baby. If you bottle feed, talk to your pediatrician about trying a different formula. If you breastfeed, ask your pediatrician about avoiding certain foods. Be sure to burp your baby.
  
• When should you be worried? If your baby cries a lot or seems to be in pain, contact your pediatrician. If your child cries for three hours or more, more than 3 days a week, he or she may have colic. Ask your pediatrician for advice.

Help Yourself
It will be easier for you to be patient and loving with your baby if you take care of yourself.

• All parents need a break every now and then. If your baby's cries are getting to be too much, take a break. Ask your partner, friend, or some other trusted adult to watch your baby for a short time. Take the time to relax and cool down.
  
• Try to get more sleep. Ask your partner or someone you trust to take care of your baby while you sleep.
  
• Talk about what you're feeling. Talk with other parents, friends or relatives. Find out about a parenting class. Talk with your pediatrician. He or she can suggest other ways to help.
  
• If you are becoming angry, be safe, not sorry. Never shake or hit your baby. Put your child in a safe place, like his or her crib, and leave the room until you can cool down. It is better for your baby to cry than for you to risk hurting him or her!

Shaken Baby Syndrome
Shaking or hitting a baby can cause blindness, brain damage or death. This is called Shaken Baby Syndrome or SBS. It is most common in very young infants, but it can happen to toddlers as well.

• SBS usually occurs when adults become frustrated or angry with babies and shake them strenuously. Many people are not aware of how seriously this can hurt a child.
  
• Some play activities are hazardous too:
  • repeated, vigorous tossing of small child into the air
  • jogging while carrying an infant on one's back or shoulders
  • bouncing a small child on one's knees
  • swinging a child aaround by the ankles
    
• Make sure that everyone who has contact with your baby is aware of the dangers of shaking and rough play.

Other Handle with Care Tips:

• Always support your baby's head when holding or carrying himor her. Show others who care for your infant how to properly support a baby's head.
  
• Never leave a baby unattended, especially on changing tables or beds.
  
• Be sure to talk with your doctor or nurse if you are worried about your child’s crying—or any other health problem.

If you are struggling with the demands of parenting, the Prevention Information Resource Center and Parent Helpline is available throughout New York State, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish, at 1-800-342-7472. Someone will listen to your concerns and give you information about programs and services that support parents and children.

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