Seton Baby Talk

Babies and young children tell us what they need in different ways. One way is by crying. It is normal for babies to cry every day. At times, babies cry more. Some babies cry more than others. Many babies cry more in the evenings.

Often babies cry even when you are trying to help them. Sometimes it is not easy to know what a baby needs and it can take some time to figure it out and to calm the baby down. This can be hard on parents and others who care for the baby. When a baby cries for a long time, it can be stressful and may make you feel helpless and angry. But remember, no matter how you feel, NEVER SHAKE the baby.

Ways to Calm a Crying Baby

• Change the baby’s diaper.
• Feed or burp the baby.
• Check every part of the baby to see if something is hurting: Are the baby’s clothes too tight? Is a diaper pin poking the baby?
• Check to see if the baby may be sick: Does the baby have a stuffy nose? Does the baby have a fever?
• Make sure the baby is not too hot or too cold.
• Try to settle the baby for a nap.
• Give the baby a pacifier or a teething ring.
• Take the baby for a walk or a car ride.
• Talk or sing to the baby, or play music.
• Give the baby a bath.
• Take the baby outside for a few minutes.
• Show the baby some toys or a mirror. Young babies often like black and white toys or patterns.
• Change the way you are carrying the baby.
• Gently rub the baby’s back or tummy.
• Try a baby swing.
• Call someone else – sometimes a new face or voice can calm the baby.
• If nothing else works, put the baby in a safe place and walk away. Check on the baby every five minutes or so.