RestRest+Kids
Why Newborns Cry and How to Calm Them
Ashley Abramson
Crying is one of the first things a newborn does — and one of the most challenging sounds for new parents to hear. While it can be distressing in the moment, crying is a normal and healthy way for babies to communicate their needs. With time, patience, and a bit of detective work, you'll start to understand what your baby is trying to tell you and how to help soothe them.
Below, learn more about common reasons newborns cry, how to calm a fussy baby, and how Hatch Rest can help create a soothing environment.
Common reasons newborns cry
As uncomfortable as it can be for caregivers, it’s normal for a baby to cry up to three hours a day during the first six weeks of life.
Think of crying as your baby’s first language — it’s how they communicate their needs so you can meet them. Your baby may cry if they are:
- Hungry
- Tired
- Uncomfortable
- Overstimulated
- Need a diaper change
5 calming strategies that actually work
Every baby is different, so it’s important to personalize your strategies to your little one’s needs. Need a place to start? The best calming routine for a newborn typically involves the following principles.
Try the 5 S’s method for baby sleep
The 5 S’s, developed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, offers a helpful starting place for soothing a fussy baby.
- Swaddle: Wrap baby snugly in a blanket to provide a sense of security and reduce startling.
- Side or stomach: Hold the baby on their side or stomach (for soothing only — always place them on their back to sleep).
- Shush: Make a gentle “shhh” sound or play white noise or Heartbeat soundson your Hatch Rest to mimic the sounds they heard in the womb.
- Swing: Use gentle motion like rocking, swaying, or bouncing to calm your fussy baby.
- Suck: Offer a pacifier or allow the baby to nurse or take a bottle for comfort.
Create a low-stimulation environment
A low-lit space with calming music can help a baby settle, setting the stage for better rest. When baby is fussy, try playing soft lullaby music on your Hatch Rest. Swapping harsher “big lights” for a gentle nightlight on your Hatch can also create a relaxing environment. Tip: Soothing red light won’t disrupt your baby’s sleep, but it’ll still help you navigate the room for midnight diaper changes.
Build a consistent calming routine
Consistency is key for babies, especially when it comes to soothing — but it can be hard to think of calming strategies in the moment. Creating a soothing toolkit can help you respond when a baby is crying and create a comforting sense of predictability. The 5 S’s can be a helpful framework. You can also try a warm bath or lullaby music or white noise on your Hatch Rest.
Incorporate soothing tech
Integrating soothing technology into your home can help you build calming routines to settle your fussy baby. Along with white noise that can block out disruptions, Hatch Rest offers a full library of soothing sounds and music, including Pink Noise, which is gentler on infant ears, plus cozy nightlights to create a relaxing environment.
Hold, rock, or babywear
Sometimes, baby just wants to be close. When all else fails, try contact and motion. Cuddles or baby-wearing can help babies feel safe and connected, while rocking — whether in a rocking chair, glider, or swing — mimics the gentle, rhythmic motion of the womb.
When does newborn crying peak?
Most crying peaks around six weeks of age — so things might get worse before they get better. The good news? Sometimes, an increase in crying isn’t a sign of distress, but a normal, age-appropriate pattern. This is sometimes referred to as purple crying. The acronym PURPLE, which stands for Peak of crying, Unexpected, Resists soothing, Pain-like face, Long-lasting, and Evening, highlights the typical components of this normal-but-frustrating period.
Dealing with a crying baby can be frustrating, even if you know the crying is age-appropriate.
Patience and predictability can go a long way in calming a fussy baby. A consistent routine is a source of comfort for babies, especially when they’re growing and developing so quickly.
A crying baby can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s a completely normal aspect of parenting a newborn. Understanding common reasons babies cry and taking steps to meet baby’s needs can help reduce and address crying. Soothing strategies, such as playing calming music or turning on a cozy nightlight on your Hatch Rest, can help create a soothing environment that helps keep baby (and you) calm.
