When a newborn comes home from the hospital, they have the cutest little cry. Really, it’s more like a little, sweet, squeak. A little squeak here, a little squeak there, and then they quickly drift off to hours and hours of blissful sleep. So precious. But within a few days or weeks that cute little squeak can evolve into a mind-screwing scream that can last for hours on end and challenge even the most seasoned and patient parent.
Often your little one’s cry is telling you something like feed me, change me, or hold me. Quickly you will learn to differentiate between your baby’s types of cries. However, sometimes you just can’t figure out what is wrong. We get it. Nothing elevates a parents’ anxiety more than not being able to crack the code for why your baby is scream crying. These times are tough and can seem to go on and on and on.
Here’s the deal with babies’ scream cries: It’s not always about figuring out the code. Maybe nothing is wrong. Sometimes babies just cry. During these times, it’s less about “magic mom tricks” and more about how to figure out how to deal with it. We used to call the hours between 5 and 7pm the witching hours for our middle child. We tried everything to calm her but realized it is what it is and she was going to scream her head off no matter what. So, we then switched our focus to figuring out how to just get through. So, each night, we put her in her stroller and walked and walked and walked. She usually cried the whole time and our neighbors would laugh and wave as we walked the wailing stroller by. But after a few months, she outgrew the witching hours and we got onto the next phase of life. Thankfully!
We included here a few time-proven tips to calm your little one down as well as a few tips for mama and daddy to help you get through.
1. Don’t panic. Babies can sense when they’re in the arms of someone who is upset. We know it’s tough, but take a deep breath and tell yourself, “You can do this.” Your baby doesn’t need you to be perfect. He just needs to know that you are there.
2. Swaddle them. Babies respond to being snuggly and wrapped up. This simulates the comfort of the womb and can settle a crying infant.
3. Check that butt. A baby’s butt can get red and sore in an instant and is guaranteed to fuel long-winded crying spells. If it's red, use diaper cream and your baby should thank you by stopping the scream cry.
4. Sing away. Sing a song, any song to your little one. It helps your baby connect with the calm in your voice and soothes a restless baby.
5. Turn up the jams. Research shows babies are soothed by music. Rock, classic, opera? It doesn’t matter, just turn it on.
6. Get in motion. Babies love motion. Rock, jiggle, walk outside, go for a car ride. Keep them moving because gentle rhythmic motion is a new parent’s go-to for soothing a crying infant.
7. Change the scenery. If you’re sitting down, stand up. If they are facing in, face them out, and keep ‘em moving. Show them different things to look at and when all else fails, get them outside. Fresh air and sunshine can distract a crabby baby and comfort their little bodies.
8. Ask for help. It is a strength to reach out to your support and ask for help. Usually, friends and family would love to help and are just waiting for an invitation.
9. Change your perspective. Stop looking for a reason why they are crying, relax, tell yourself, “It’s ok, babies cry.” Repeat a healthy mantra like, “I can do this” or “This too shall pass.”
10. Put them down for a few minutes. If you are at the end of your rope, put your little one down in the crib and take a break. You never want to do this for more than a few minutes, but a few moments away can give you just the resolve you need to get through.
