Quick Answer The first weeks with a newborn often involve frequent nighttime feedings and interrupted sleep. Creating a night support schedule can help parents share responsibilities, improve rest, and reduce […]
Crying is your newborn's primary way of communicating. Babies cry because they're hungry, tired, uncomfortable, overstimulated, or simply need comfort. While it can be stressful, responding calmly and consistently helps your baby feel safe and secure. Most crying can be soothed with simple techniques such as feeding, holding, swaddling (when appropriate), gentle movement, white noise, or offering a calm environment. If your baby's crying seems unusual, is accompanied by signs of illness, or you are concerned, contact your pediatrician.
Few sounds capture a parent's attention like the cry of their newborn.
Whether it's the middle of the night or the middle of dinner, your baby's cries immediately tell you they need something.
For new parents, however, figuring out exactly what that "something" is can feel overwhelming.
Are they hungry?
Tired?
Too warm?
Too cold?
Do they simply want to be held?
The good news is that crying is completely normal—and over time, you'll begin recognizing your baby's unique patterns and cues. Until then, understanding safe, effective soothing techniques can help both you and your baby navigate those challenging moments with greater confidence.
Crying is your baby's primary form of communication.
Unlike older children, newborns can't point, talk, or tell you what they need.
Common reasons babies cry include:
Sometimes babies also experience periods of crying without an obvious cause, especially during the evening hours.
When your baby begins crying, start by checking the most common causes.
Ask yourself:
Meeting these basic needs often resolves the crying quickly.
If your baby's immediate needs have been met, calming techniques may help.
Many babies respond well to:
Not every baby responds the same way, so don't be discouraged if one technique works today but not tomorrow.
Over time, you'll begin recognizing patterns that tell you what your baby needs before crying starts.
Some common cues include:
Hunger
Tiredness
Overstimulation
Responding to these early signals may help prevent crying from escalating.
Many healthy babies go through a developmental stage called the Period of PURPLE Crying®.
During this time, babies may:
This phase is a normal part of development for many infants and typically improves with time.
Understanding that prolonged crying can be developmentally normal helps many parents feel less anxious.
Source: https://purplecrying.info
Persistent crying can become emotionally overwhelming.
If you ever feel frustrated:
Never shake a baby.
Shaking can cause severe brain injury, permanent disability, or death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends educating all caregivers about the dangers of abusive head trauma before caring for a baby.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-abusive-head-trauma.html
Most newborn crying is normal.
However, contact your healthcare provider if your baby:
Parents know their babies best.
If something feels unusual, it's always appropriate to seek medical advice.
Fact: Newborns cry because they need something. Responding consistently helps build trust and secure attachment.
Fact: Crying is a completely normal part of newborn communication. Some babies simply cry more than others.
Fact: Some babies continue crying even after all of their needs have been met. This doesn't mean you're failing—it means your baby is still learning to adjust to life outside the womb.
When your baby is crying:
With time, you'll become more familiar with your baby's unique personality and preferences.
Crying can be one of the most challenging parts of caring for a newborn.
It can leave even experienced parents feeling tired, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next.
Remember that your baby isn't crying to make your life difficult.
They're communicating the only way they know how.
Each time you respond with patience, love, and consistency, you're helping your baby feel safe while building a relationship based on trust.
Some days will feel easier than others.
But with time, you'll begin recognizing your baby's cues, discovering what comforts them most, and growing more confident in your ability to meet their needs.
The Newborn Care Solutions Agency is the only newborn care placement agency founded by an internationally accredited training provider. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, we serve families nationwide by connecting them with rigorously vetted, professionally trained Newborn Care Specialists.
Our specialists provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help parents understand newborn behavior, recognize feeding and sleep cues, and confidently respond to their baby's needs. Through education and hands-on guidance, we help families create a calm, nurturing environment where both babies and parents can thrive.
For more information, visit https://thencsa.com or call (602) 695-6775.
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