How to Soothe a Crying Baby

Gentle, Proven Ways to Calm Your Baby, Even When You’re Exhausted…

If you’re reading this in the aftermath of an entire crying-baby-overwhelmed-parent episode—welcome. You’re exactly where you need to be.

There is a kind of tired that comes with parenthood that no one really prepares us for. The kind where baby is crying, heart is breaking a little, and we’re quietly wondering, Why isn’t this working? What am I doing wrong?

Let’s start here, something I say to myself in these situations:

You are not failing 🤍

Crying is how babies communicate, and learning how to soothe a crying baby takes time, patience, and a lot of grace—for your baby and yourself.

This guide is for those long days and longer nights, offering gentle, practical ways to calm a crying baby—without judgment, pressure, or unrealistic expectations.

Why Do Babies Cry?

Understanding Normal Baby Crying

Before we jump into baby crying solutions, it helps to remember this simple truth:

Babies cry because they can’t tell us what they need in any other way.

Common reasons include:

• Hunger or feeding cues being missed
• A wet or dirty diaper
• Gas or tummy discomfort
• Being overtired
• Feeling overstimulated
• Wanting comfort and closeness

In the first few months especially, newborn crying is completely normal, even when all their needs seem met.

A Quick Crying Baby Checklist

(For When Your Brain Is Fried)

When your baby won’t stop crying, gently run through this list:

• Have they eaten recently?
• Do they need a diaper change?
• Could gas be bothering them?
• Are they too hot or too cold?
• Have they been awake too long?

Sometimes the solution is simple. Sometimes it isn’t—and that’s okay.

Download, print, save this for 2 AM and take a breath. You are doing great.

7 Proven Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby

1. Hold Your Baby Close

Comfort Is Not a Bad Habit.

One of the most effective ways to calm a crying baby is also the simplest: hold them.

Close contact helps regulate:

• Heart rate
• Breathing
• Stress hormones

You are not spoiling your baby by responding to their cries. You are teaching them that the world is safe.

2. Use Gentle Motion to Calm a Fussy Baby

Babies are used to constant movement from life inside the womb.

Try:

• Slow rocking
• Walking while holding your baby
• Using a baby carrier for hands-free soothing

Rhythmic motion often helps settle babies who are crying a lot, especially in the evening.

3. White Noise

Why It Works for Crying Babies

The womb was not silent—it was loud and whooshing.

White noise can:

• Mimic womb sounds
• Reduce sudden environmental noise
• Help soothe overstimulated babies

You can use a white noise machine, a fan, or even soft “shhh” sounds near your baby’s ear.

👉 Further reading:
Happiest Baby Institute – How White Noise Can Help Your Baby Sleep

4. Swaddling

Why Being Snug Helps Babies Calm Down

Swaddling is one of the most researched and widely recommended soothing techniques for newborns.

Why swaddling helps:

• Reduces the startle (Moro) reflex
• Provides a sense of security similar to the womb
• Helps babies feel contained and calm

When done correctly, swaddling can significantly reduce crying and improve sleep for young babies.

Important tips:

• Ensure the hips can move freely
• Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling
• Always place a swaddled baby on their back to sleep

👉 Further reading:
Happiest Baby Institute – The 5 S’s for soothing babies

5. Help with Gas and Tummy Discomfort

Gas is a very common reason babies cry, especially in the first few months.

Try:

• Burping during and after feeds
• Holding baby upright after feeding
• Gentle bicycle leg movements

If your baby cries more after feeding, gas may be the reason.

👉 Further reading:
NHS – Baby colic and gas

👉 Further reading:
Healthy Children – Colic and excessive crying

How to Help Your Baby With Gas & Colic

6. Light Massage

A Gentle Way to Calm a Crying Baby

Sometimes, baby just needs a massage.

Light massage can help by:

• Relaxing tense muscles
• Improving circulation
• Supporting digestion
• Creating a calming sensory experience

You can gently massage:

• The tummy (clockwise, with soft pressure)
• Arms and legs using slow strokes
• The back during tummy time or after a bath

Keep movements slow, your voice soft, and your touch reassuring. Even a few minutes can help calm a fussy baby.

👉 Further reading:
International Association of Infant Massage

Baby Massage 101: The What, Why, When & How of This Age-Old Ritual (+ My Personal Tips!)

7. Reduce Stimulation When Baby Is Overwhelmed

Sometimes, the best baby crying solution is less.

Signs of overstimulation include:

• Turning away
• Arching the back
• Crying that escalates instead of settles

Move to a quiet room, dim the lights, and hold your baby close without too much talking or activity.

When Your Baby Keeps Crying—and You’re at Your Limit

This is important to say out loud:

A baby can cry and still be safe.

If you’ve met their needs and feel overwhelmed:

• Place your baby in a safe crib
• Step away for a minute
• Take deep breaths – this will help you calm down.

A calm caregiver helps calm a baby. Taking a pause is not neglect—it is care.

When to Talk to a Doctor About Excessive Crying

Consult your pediatrician if your baby:

• Cries inconsolably for hours every day
• Has feeding difficulties
• Is vomiting, has fever, or poor weight gain

FAQs About Crying Babies

How long is it normal for a baby to cry every day?

It is completely normal for babies to cry 2–3 hours a day, especially in the first three months. Some babies cry more, particularly in the evenings. This does not mean something is wrong or that you are doing anything incorrectly. Crying usually peaks around 6–8 weeks and gradually improves.

Why does my baby cry more at night?

Many parents notice their baby cries more in the evening or at night. This can happen due to:

• Overtiredness
• Accumulated stimulation from the day
• Gas or digestive discomfort
• A natural newborn sleep-wake rhythm

Nighttime crying is common and usually improves as your baby’s nervous system matures.

What should I do when my baby won’t stop crying even after feeding?

If your baby keeps crying after feeding, consider:

• Burping again (trapped gas is common)
• Holding them upright for 20–30 minutes
• Checking for overstimulation
• Trying gentle motion, swaddling, or white noise

Sometimes babies cry not because they’re hungry, but because they need comfort or help settling.

Is it okay to let a baby cry for some time?

Yes—if your baby is fed, dry, and safe, it is okay to let them cry briefly while you calm yourself. Taking a short break can help you respond more patiently. However, prolonged crying without comfort is not recommended for young babies.

You are allowed to take care of yourself too.

Can swaddling really help soothe a crying newborn?

Yes. Swaddling can be very effective for soothing a newborn because it:

• Reduces the startle reflex
• Mimics the snug feeling of the womb
• Helps babies feel secure

Swaddling should always be done safely and discontinued once the baby starts rolling.

Does baby massage really help calm a fussy baby?

Gentle baby massage can help calm a fussy baby by relaxing muscles, aiding digestion, and strengthening the parent-baby bond. Many parents find massage especially helpful before bedtime or after a warm bath.

How do I know if my baby is crying due to colic?

Colic is usually defined as crying:

• For more than 3 hours a day
• More than 3 days a week
• For over 3 weeks

Colicky babies are otherwise healthy and feeding well. While colic is exhausting, it is temporary and usually resolves by 3–4 months.

When should I worry about excessive crying and see a doctor?

You should contact your pediatrician if your baby:

• Cries inconsolably for long periods every day
• Has fever, vomiting, or feeding difficulties
• Is not gaining weight
• Seems unusually lethargic or unwell

Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s okay to ask for help.

What if nothing soothes my crying baby?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, nothing works—and that can feel incredibly overwhelming. In those moments, remember:

• Your baby may still be adjusting to the world
• Your presence still matters, even if the crying continues
• This phase will pass

You are not doing anything wrong.

Is it normal to feel frustrated when my baby cries a lot?

Yes. Feeling frustrated, helpless, or even angry at times is very common—especially when you’re sleep-deprived. These feelings do not make you a bad parent. Reaching out for support, resting when possible, and speaking openly about these emotions can help.