Research and Articles
Research & Articles: Why Do Babies Cry?
Marilyn Lopes
Extension Specialist, Family Life Education
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
University of Massachusetts
A baby (newborn to 6 months) cries to let you know he needs something.
He does not cry to bug you. He is too young to be bad on purpose.
Things to check with a crying baby:
- Check the diaper. It may be wet.
- Check for diaper rash or an open diaper pin.
- Feed him if he is hungry.
- Feel his skin to see if he is too hot or too cold. If so,
change his clothes. He may be over- or underdressed.
- Check to see if he is teething.
- Check for bites from insects or pets. Talk to a doctor or
nurse. Allergies or an illness can make a baby cry.
Actions to soothe the baby:
- Burp him.
- Rock him.
- Wrap him in a small blanket.
- Rub his back.
- Wash his face with a cool cloth.
- Run a fan or play soft music.
- Sing to him.
Tips for you:
- Sometimes a caregiver or parent gets upset with a crying baby.
- Try to relax. Try to stay patient.
- Call and talk to a friend, relative, or neighbor.
- Ask someone you trust to watch the baby so you can get away
for a while.
- If someone is not available, put the baby safely in his crib.
Close the door. Go to another part of the house. Relax 10 minutes
to give yourself a rest.
DOCUMENT USE/COPYRIGHT
National Network
for Child Care - NNCC. Part of CYFERNET,
the National Extension Service Children Youth and Family Educational
Research Network. Permission is granted to reproduce these materials
in whole or in part for educational purposes only (not for profit
beyond the cost of reproduction) provided that the author and
Network receive acknowledgment and this notice is included:
Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care
- NNCC. (1993). Why do babies cry? In M. Lopes (Ed.) CareGiver News (August,
p. 4). Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension.
Any additions or changes to these materials must be preapproved by the
author.
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