Check for common discomfort causes -- hunger, gas, diaper, temperature

Before trying calming techniques, rule out the most common physical causes of crying. Check if the baby is hungry, needs a diaper change, is too hot or cold, or has trapped gas. Addressing the underlying cause stops the crying at its source.

Steps

1. Check the diaper: A wet or soiled diaper is one of the most frequent and easily fixable causes of fussiness.
2. Offer a feeding: Even if you fed recently, babies sometimes cluster-feed. Watch for rooting, lip-smacking, or hand-to-mouth cues.
3. Burp the baby: Hold upright against your shoulder and pat or rub the back gently. Trapped air from feeding causes real discomfort.
4. Check clothing and temperature: Feel the back of the neck or chest -- if the skin is sweaty, remove a layer. If cool, add one. The AAP recommends dressing infants in one more layer than an adult would wear.
5. Check for hair tourniquets: Inspect fingers, toes, and genitals for stray hairs wrapped tightly around them. This is uncommon but causes intense pain.

Tips

• Inconsolable crying lasting more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks may indicate colic -- discuss with your pediatrician
• If crying is sudden, high-pitched, and unlike the baby's normal cry, seek medical attention promptly
• Bicycle the baby's legs gently to help release trapped gas