Crying in newborn
Newborns mainly express themselves through crying. All babies cry and it’s normal. Some cry more than others. This depends, in part, on their temperament (see Temperament).
Crying tends to increase starting in the second week of life. It reaches a peak around the sixth week and usually decreases by the third or fourth month.
It can be hard to understand why a newborn is crying. By spending time with your baby, you will learn to recognize what their cries mean. For example, you’ll know if your baby is hungry or tired, needs to burp, needs affection, or has a dirty diaper.
You will also learn how to soothe your baby. Their reactions will help you understand what makes them feel better and what they don’t like.
During the first nine months, your baby doesn’t have a sense of time. They need you to respond quickly when they cry. It’s normal to find this demanding. Comforting a crying baby won’t spoil them. On the contrary, it teaches them that you are attentive to their needs.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you won’t understand why your baby is crying. It’s important to remain calm. As much as possible, stay with your child. This will help them feel confident and safe with you (see Bonding).
That said, even if your baby cries, it’s okay to put them down in a safe place if you need a little break or feel you’re about to lose your cool (see You feel like you’re losing your cool).
Excessive crying (colic)
All babies can cry heavily at times, whether they are full-term or premature, breastfed or bottle-fed.
Some babies cry for more than three hours a day, especially at the end of the day, and seem inconsolable. During a crying spell, they may appear to be in pain: their faces are red, their fists are clenched, and their legs are curled up on their tight belly. They may have gas, because when they cry, they swallow air.
These episodes of excessive crying, often called colic, are completely normal. They are rarely associated with a health problem and have no long-term consequences for the baby.
What to do
Make sure your baby’s needs are being met and that there are no other concerning signs (see the attention box below).
You can try different techniques to help soothe your baby:
- Find a calm area and darken the room.
- Put on soft music or some background noise, or speak softly to your baby.
- Massage, caress, or touch your baby, for example by placing them skin-to-skin against your warm belly.
- If you breastfeed, offer your breast. Many babies calm down while sucking at the breast: it can satisfy their hunger and be a source of comfort.
- Move with your baby, rock them, take them for a walk in a stroller or baby carrier or for a car ride.
- Give your baby a bath. Some babies are soothed by water.
- Place your baby face down on your forearm with their back against your belly, their head in the crook of your elbow, and your hand between their legs. Babies often find this position soothing (see photo above).
Keep in mind that if the method you use to soothe your baby works once, it may not work the next time.
Medication and natural health products for “colic” are not recommended. Talk to a health professional before giving any of these products to your baby.
Generally, excessive crying is only something to be concerned about if it is accompanied by other signs. For example, you should see a health professional if, in addition to being inconsolable, your baby:
If your baby is inconsolable
Never shake an infant or young child: shaking can cause serious injury or even death. Put them down and get help.
Bouts of excessive crying are hard on the whole family. It’s normal to feel bewildered, helpless, irritated, or even frustrated.
If you have tried various techniques to soothe your baby and they are still often inconsolable after several days, or if you have concerns about their crying, don’t hesitate to consult a health professional..
You feel like you’re losing your cool
If you feel like you’re losing your cool, you can ask someone to look after your baby for a while so you can have a rest. When you come back, you’ll be calmer and better able to console your child.
If you can’t find anyone to look after your baby, put them in a safe place such as their crib, close the door, and leave the room for a few minutes. It’s normal to need a break. Check on your baby every 10 minutes to make sure they’re still safe, but don’t pick them up again until you have calmed down. By doing so, you prevent impulsive, hurtful, or violent behaviour.
If you’re having trouble calming down, you can call Info-Social (8-1-1) for assistance.
If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, and generally impatient with your child, don’t hesitate to seek support from relatives, a babysitter, your CLSC or a family community organization (see Support).
Breath-holding spells
Starting at 6 months of age, some babies may cry so much they stop breathing for a few seconds and briefly lose consciousness. They may turn blue or pale. An episode like this is called a breath-holding spell. Babies do this unintentionally when they are experiencing something unpleasant.
It’s normal to be worried if this happens. But don’t worry, your child’s health is not in danger. Remain calm, stay with your baby, and reassure them. They will quickly start breathing again on their own. However, if a breath-holding spell happens before the age of 6 months or lasts more than a minute, talk to your child’s doctor about it.