What to Do When Newborn Baby Won’t Stop Crying: Try These 8 Proven Soothing Techniques - Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton

Having a little one is a magical experience, but also overwhelming—especially when your newborn baby won’t stop crying. Every parent knows the sound of their baby’s cry can pull at their heartstrings, but when it feels like nothing works to soothe them, it can be downright frustrating.

Babies cry to communicate their needs, but sometimes it feels overwhelming when your newborn baby won’t stop crying, no matter what you do. For new parents, this leads to frustration, exhaustion, and concern about their baby’s health. Rest assured, crying is completely normal. With patience, you learn to manage it effectively. This post will explore why newborns cry, calming techniques when it seems newborn baby won’t stop crying, and when to seek medical help.

Newborn Baby Won’t Stop Crying: Why Do Newborns Cry So Much?

Before we jump into solutions, know why babies cry in the first place. During the first few months of life, babies adapt to the outside world after spending nine months in the comfort of the womb. Crying is their only way to express their needs, whether it’s hunger, discomfort, or simply wanting to be close to you.

Newborns cry for up to 2-3 hours a day on average during their first few months; for some, it might even be more. Though it’s stressful, crying is a normal part of newborn development. However, knowing why your newborn baby won’t stop crying makes it easier to soothe them effectively.

Common Reasons Why Babies Cry

Since babies can’t talk, they use crying to express their needs. Although it seems your newborn baby won’t stop crying for no reason, there’s usually an underlying cause. It takes trial and error to figure out exactly what’s causing the tears. The first step to calming a fussy baby is understanding why they might be upset. This helps you respond more effectively and ease your and your baby’s stress. Here are some common reasons why newborns cry:

Hunger: This is one of the most common reasons. Newborns have small stomachs, so they need to eat frequently—about every 2-3 hours. They cry to tell you they’re ready to be fed, especially if it has been 2-3 hours since their last feeding. Pay attention to signs of hunger such as rooting reflexes (opening their mouth and turning their head toward your hand or breast as if looking for food), sucking on their hand, or smacking their lips. Offer breast milk or formula.
Wet or Dirty Diaper: This can be uncomfortable for your baby, especially if left in it too long. Newborns have sensitive skin, and prolonged exposure to moisture irritates them. Some babies start crying at once when their diaper is soiled, while others tolerate it longer. Regular checking and changing your baby’s diaper to ensure they are clean and comfortable is the easy solution to prevent fussiness.
Need for Comfort: Babies, especially newborns, crave closeness and warmth. Your newborn cries because they want to be held and comforted. Being close to you provides them with a sense of safety and security. Skin-to-skin contact, keeping your baby close, or wearing them in a baby carrier offers the physical closeness they crave and may soothe their cries.
Fatigue: Newborns need a lot of sleep—16 to 18 hours a day—but have trouble falling asleep, especially if overtired. Babies fighting sleep or struggling to settle may cry, rub their eyes, yawn, or become fussy. Creating a quiet and calm environment helps your baby fall asleep faster. Also, a gentle rocking motion or swaddle helps to calm their crying.
Overstimulation: Newborns easily become overwhelmed by their surroundings. Bright lights, loud noises, or too many people handling them cause overstimulation, leading to fussiness. Take your baby to a quiet, less stimulating environment to calm them down.
Temperature Discomfort: Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes, and crying is their way of telling you they’re too hot or cold. Check your baby’s temperature by feeling the back of their neck. If sweating or warm to your touch, your baby feels too hot. If their hands or feet feel cold, then they’re chilly. Dress your baby appropriately for the environment—add extra layers of clothing or adjust blankets as needed.
Teething Pain: While most babies don’t start teething until 6 months old, some begin earlier. Teething pain causes discomfort and crying. If your baby is drooling more than usual, chewing on their hands or objects, and seems unusually fussy, teething could be the culprit.
Illness or Discomfort: Crying can signal your baby isn’t feeling well. If your baby has a fever or rash or is unusually lethargic, consult your pediatrician. Your child’s doctor will check for noticeable changes in your baby’s behavior, feeding, or sleeping patterns.
Gas or Colic: Gas pain and colic are common in newborns and cause a lot of discomfort, leading to frequent crying. If your baby is crying excessively after feedings, squirming, arching their back, or pulling their legs toward their belly, they may be experiencing gas or colic.

Colic is defined as crying for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for at least three weeks. Though the cause of colic is unknown, many babies outgrow by 3-4 months old. Burp your baby after feeding and try gas relief methods to soothe. Since these are long bouts of crying, you must try additional soothing techniques.

Newborn Baby Won’t Stop Crying: Effective Ways to Soothe

When your baby won’t stop crying, it feels like you’ve tried everything. Don’t worry—many different techniques might work. Every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. So finding the right method takes some experimentation. Below are some of the best ways to calm a crying newborn.

1. Swaddling

A technique that makes your baby feel secure is recreating the snug feeling of the womb. Swaddling prevents babies from startling themselves awake with sudden arm movements, a common reflex in newborns. When done correctly, it soothes your baby and encourages sleep.

To swaddle your baby, use a lightweight blanket to wrap them snugly, keeping their arms close to their body. Don’t swaddle too tightly. Leave enough room for their hips and legs to move freely to prevent any issues with hip development.

2. Offer a Pacifier

Sucking is a natural reflex for babies and is very comforting to them, even when they aren’t hungry. Offer a pacifier to soothe a fussy baby. If your baby is breastfed, wait until breastfeeding is established—usually around 3-4 weeks—before introducing a pacifier to avoid nipple confusion.

3. Rocking or Gentle Motions

Newborns find comfort in the gentle movements that mimic their environment while in the womb. Rocking your baby in a rocking chair, bouncing them gently, or carrying them while walking soothes them. Baby swings and bouncers are popular tools that provide rhythmic motion to help babies calm down.

4. Use White Noise

This is very calming for babies because it mimics the sounds they hear in the womb. Use a white noise machine, a fan, or household appliances like a vacuum cleaner to create a soothing environment. Some parents find that playing soft lullabies or nature sounds works well to calm their babies.

5. Burping After Feedings

Gas is a common reason for crying, and it occurs after feeding. Babies swallow air during feedings, leading to discomfort if the gas isn’t released. After feeding, hold your baby upright and gently pat its back to help them burp. Burping mid-feeding also prevents excess gas from building up.

6. Change Holding Positions

Changing the way you hold your baby makes a difference. If your baby has been lying on their back, try holding them upright or across your lap on their belly. Also try the football hold, where you tuck your baby under your arm while supporting their head and body. Experiment with different positions to provide relief if your baby is uncomfortable.

7. Give a Warm Bath

This is very soothing, especially if the baby is fussy or overstimulated. The warm water relaxes their muscles and provides comfort. After the bath, follow up with a gentle massage to help them relax.

8. Check for Signs of Illness

If none of the soothing techniques work and your baby is unusually fussy, check for signs of illness. Fever, changes in feeding habits, or irregular bowel movements indicate your baby may be unwell. Always consult your pediatrician.

What If Nothing Works?

It can be hard to feel like you’ve tried everything and your baby is still crying. If you’re overwhelmed, it’s fine to take a break. Put your baby in a safe place, like their crib, and step away for a few minutes to collect yourself. Call a friend, family member, or your partner for support if you need it.

Coping with Colic

Colic affects about 10–40% of infants and is very distressing for babies and parents. Colic is defined as crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks. The exact cause is unknown, but it begins when a baby is 2-3 weeks old and peaks around 6 weeks. Most babies outgrow colic by the time they are 3-4 months old.

How to Soothe a Colicky Baby

If your baby has colic, soothing them takes extra patience and persistence. Try the same techniques, such as swaddling, using white noise, or offering a pacifier. However, colicky babies need more than usual techniques. Some additional tips are:

Try Gripe Water or Gas Drops: These over-the-counter remedies relieve gas and digestive discomfort.
Use Gentle Massage: Gently massage your baby’s abdomen to relieve gas or bloating. Use light pressure and stop if your baby seems uncomfortable.
Hold Your Baby in an Upright Position: This reduces pressure on your baby’s stomach and alleviates discomfort.
Create a Calm, Quiet Environment: Colicky babies are sensitive to overstimulation. Reduce noise and bright lights to calm them.

When to Seek Help for Colic

Colic can be stressful for parents, but it’s temporary. However, consult your pediatrician if you notice any of the symptoms below. Your pediatrician will rule out underlying medical issues and offer additional guidance on managing colic.

Signs of illness, such as a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Changes in appetite or sleeping habits.
You’re overwhelmed and need additional support.

Should You Call Your Doctor if Newborn Baby Won’t Stop Crying?

While crying is normal for newborns, there are times when you need to call your pediatrician. You should seek medical advice for any of the symptoms:

fever (over 100.4°F in infants under 3 months)
vomiting or diarrhea
not feeding well or seems dehydrated (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth).
change in behavior, such as excessive sleepiness or irritability.
crying sounds different, such as unusually high-pitched or weak.
difficulty breathing or signs of illness, like a rash or unusual skin color.

Know What Works Best to Soothe When Your Newborn Baby Won’t Stop Crying

Caring for a newborn can be exhausting, especially when your baby won’t stop crying. Take care of yourself so you can be the best parent possible. If you’re overwhelmed, step away for a few minutes. Place your baby in a safe place, like their crib, and take a short break to collect yourself.

You’re not alone. Reach out to your partner, a friend, or a family member for support if needed. Crying is a normal part of a baby’s development, and with time, you’ll learn more about what your baby needs and how to soothe them. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.

For more information on caring for newborns, check out these resources on common newborn issues.

Understand why your newborn baby won’t stop crying and use varied soothing techniques to create a more peaceful environment for you and your baby. Patience, persistence, and support from your pediatrician will help you confidently navigate these early days.