Why Won’t My Baby Stop Crying?
By: Stork
Tags: Black Moms, Newborn, Infant, Baby Care, Black Lives Mater

Hi, Mama. So you’ve brought your sweet baby home and you’re getting into a routine, all be it a very exhausting, sleep-deprived, routine, and then you notice around two weeks or so that your little baby has moments when they won’t stop crying. There can be several reasons why. In this article we’ll talk about why your baby may be crying and what you can do to soothe them and yourself.

Would you like more support when it comes to your newborn? Be sure to join Stork and Cradle’s Virtual Baby Care 101 Class. Click here to find out more.

Why is my baby crying?

You can check these things when it comes to resolving why your baby is crying.

Is your baby:

Tired- Babies aren’t able to put themselves to sleep like we are. They require a little help. We’ll discuss some soothing methods below.

Colicky- Causes severe to a baby’s abdomen, resulting in painful wailing. You may notice your baby arching their back when they cry, stretching their legs out or pulling legs up to their belly, balling their fists up, or their face turning red or becoming flushed.

Hungry- Your baby may be hungry. Be sure to catch hunger cues early. Some clues that your baby may be hungry are sucking on their hands and fingers, rooting or moving head from side-to-side, turning their heads towards your chest, licking lips, or smacking. Missing these cues will cause your baby to become frustrated and the crying will begin or become more intense.

Bored- Believe it or not, babies get bored. If your baby is yawning, looking away, or starting to get fussy, they may be bored. Either switch to a new activity or allow your baby to rest.

Seeking comfort- Sometimes babies just need to be held close. Remember they’ve been super close to you for 9 months and now they’ve been thrust into the big world. Allow them to cuddle when they need it. Don’t worry about spoiling them.

Overstimulated- just like a baby can become bored they can also become overstimulated. When a baby is overstimulated there is too much noise, visuals, activity, or people in their environment.

Wet or soiled- Babies like to be dry. So you can first check their diaper and make sure they are dry.

In pain or irritated- If your baby is crying uncontrollably check to see if something visible is hurting them. Check for bites, diaper rash, etc. As stated before your baby can be in pain from colic or gas. They can also be too hot or too cold.

Purple Crying- This is the most frustrating for parents and dangerous for babies. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Purple Crying.

How to Comfort Your Fussy Baby

If you haven’t read The Happiest Baby On The Block by Dr. Harvey Karp, you definitely should. His 5 S’s method has helped so many parents find what soothes their fussy babies and it will probably help you too.

The 5 S’s are

S- Swaddle

You probably saw your nurse or doula wrap your little bundle of joy like a burrito when they were born. This not only keeps your baby warm but it also provides your baby with a great deal of comfort and security. Swaddling may also help your baby sleep better. Search Youtube for swaddling instructions.

S-Side or Stomach Position

Try holding your baby on their side and if that doesn’t work hold them so that they’re on their stomach.

S-Shush

Have you heard about the wonders of white noise when it comes to soothing babies? Many moms swear by it. Make your own white noise by making shushing sounds with your mouth and while simultaneously using the other methods.

S-Swing

Babies love swinging motions. Place baby in your arms and sway from side to side in a rhythmic motion.

S-Suck

Sucking provides comfort for babies. You can either give your baby a pacifier, bottle, or breast.

Download your printable How to Soothe Your Crying Baby Guide.

Watch The Five S’s in Action as Dr. Karp demonstrates

Help No Matter What I Do My Baby Won’t Stop Crying

Purple Crying

If your baby is absolutely inconsolable and you’ve done all that you’ve can. Your baby may be going through a phase called Purple Crying. If your baby is perfectly healthy and you can check off the description in the acronym PURPLE you may have discovered why your baby is crying.

P- Peak of Crying

You may notice your baby may cry more and more each week. Your baby’s crying may meet its peak at 2 months. The crying should become less between 3–5 months.

U-Unexpected

Your baby’s crying may start and stop without warning.

R-Resists Soothing

No matter what technique you try your baby will not stop crying.

P-Pain-like face

Your baby’s face will look as if they’re in pain and they may not be.

L-Long Lasting

Unfortunately, crying can last as long as 5 hours and sometimes longer.

E-Evening

You may find that your baby cries more in the evenings. This can also be known as the Witching hour.

What to do if my baby is experiencing Purple crying?

First of all, you must remain calm. That’s easier said than done. A baby crying inconsolably for hours on end is enough to frazzle even the most zen person. Here’s how you keep your sanity. Let another responsible adult take the baby.

Put the baby on their back in the crib, and take a breather (check on the baby every few minutes). Once you’ve calmed down, try soothing baby again.

Remember your baby can feel your energy.

If you suspect you may be suffering from Postpartum Depression, call your doctor or nurse’s line right away. Never ever shake your baby. Shaking your baby can cause permanent damage (Shaken Baby Syndrome) to your infant or death.

Don’t be afraid to call your pediatrician or nurses’ line.

Verywell.com suggests the following coping strategies.

Would you like more support when it comes to your newborn? Be sure to join Stork and Cradle’s Virtual Baby Care 101 Class. Click here to find out more.