Key Takeaways
- Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating, and up to 1 to 2 hours of crying a day is considered normal in the first few months.
- Pediatricians often group proven calming techniques into the '5 S's': swaddling, side or stomach positioning while soothing, shushing sounds, swinging motion, and sucking.
- Colic is diagnosed when a healthy baby cries more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks, and it typically improves on its own by 3 to 4 months.
- Taking a short break in a safe space, like a crib, is a safe and reasonable option if a caregiver feels overwhelmed.
- Capital Area Pediatrics is here to help if crying seems unusual or isn't responding to soothing, including through our free Baby Care Basics class, which covers soothing and comforting techniques.
Why Do Newborns Cry, and How Much Is Normal?
Crying is simply how newborns communicate before they have any other way to tell you what they need. Hunger, a wet diaper, tiredness, overstimulation, or wanting to be held can all trigger it, and sometimes there's no clear reason at all. Most babies have 1 to 2 hours of crying spread across a typical day in the first few months, often clustered in the late afternoon or evening.
Crying generally increases in the first few weeks, peaks around 6 weeks of age, and then gradually decreases by 3 to 4 months as babies develop more ways to self-soothe. Responding promptly when your baby cries will not spoil them. Newborns who are consistently comforted tend to cry less overall over time.
The '5 S's': A Proven Framework for Soothing
Many pediatricians organize soothing techniques into five categories, often called the '5 S's.' Trying them in combination tends to work better than any single technique alone.
- Swaddle. Wrap your baby snugly in a thin blanket, with their arms secured but their hips and legs able to move freely. A proper swaddle can recreate the snug feeling of the womb and help calm a fussy baby. Always place a swaddled baby on their back to sleep, and stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of trying to roll over.
- Side or stomach position while soothing. While you are actively holding and calming your baby, try positioning them on their side or tummy-down across your forearm, sometimes called the 'colic hold.' This is for soothing only while awake and supervised; always return your baby to their back for any sleep.
- Shush. Loud, rhythmic white noise, like a sound machine, a fan, or a 'shhh' sound close to your baby's ear, can mimic the constant whooshing sound of the womb and help drown out a crying spell.
- Swing. Gentle, rhythmic motion, whether it's rocking in your arms, swaying side to side, walking with a carrier, or a car ride, often helps more than stillness does.
- Suck. Sucking is naturally calming for babies. Offer a pacifier, or your clean finger, once feeding is not the issue.
It may take a few tries and a bit of patience to find the combination that works best for your baby, and what works can change from week to week.
Check out this demonstration video from CAP on how to swaddle your baby!
Telling the Difference Between Fussiness and Colic
Almost all babies have fussy stretches, but true colic is a specific pattern. The table below can help you tell the two apart.
| Normal Fussiness | Colic |
|---|---|
| Usually settles within minutes to an hour with soothing | Crying lasts more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks |
| Can happen at any point in the day | Often clusters in the late afternoon or evening |
| Baby is calm and content between fussy stretches | Baby is usually calm and growing normally between crying spells, despite the intense crying itself |
| Generally responds to soothing techniques | Can be difficult to console even after trying every technique |
Colic is not caused by anything a parent did or didn't do, and it is not a sign that something is medically wrong with your baby. It typically peaks around 6 weeks and resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months.
When Persistent Crying Warrants a Pediatrician Visit
Whether your baby's crying looks more like ordinary fussiness or fits the pattern of colic, a few signs mean it's time to reach out rather than keep trying soothing techniques on your own: a fever, poor feeding or weight gain, vomiting, a cry that sounds different than usual, crying paired with other symptoms like a rash or breathing changes, or crying that simply won't ease no matter what you try. It's also completely reasonable to reach out simply because you're exhausted and need support.
Capital Area Pediatrics offers same-day sick visits for these concerns, and our families have access to 24-hour phone advice at no charge if you need guidance outside office hours.
You're Not Failing, and Support Is Available
A crying newborn who won't settle is exhausting, but it's rarely a sign that you're doing something wrong. Most crying is normal, most techniques help at least some of the time, and colic, when it happens, gets better on its own within a few months.
If you'd like more hands-on guidance, schedule a newborn care visit with Capital Area Pediatrics today, or join our free Baby Care Basics class, which covers soothing and comforting techniques in more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I soothe a crying baby?
Try combining the '5 S's': swaddling, side or stomach positioning while soothing, shushing sounds, swinging motion, and sucking. Most babies respond to a combination of these techniques rather than just one.
What newborn soothing techniques actually work?
Swaddling, rhythmic white noise, gentle rocking or motion, and offering a pacifier are among the most consistently effective techniques pediatricians recommend.
My newborn is crying non-stop. Is that normal?
Some newborns do cry for extended stretches, especially in the late afternoon or evening. If the crying fits a pattern of more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks, it may be colic. If your baby also has a fever, isn't feeding well, or seems unwell, contact your pediatrician.
What's the difference between colic and normal crying?
Normal fussiness usually settles with soothing and can happen at any time of day. Colic involves longer, more intense crying spells, often in the evening, that can be hard to console even with soothing techniques, though the baby is otherwise healthy and growing well.
Where can I find newborn soothing support near me in Northern Virginia?
Capital Area Pediatrics sees newborns at locations across Ashburn, Falls Church, Herndon, Oakton/Vienna, and Sleepy Hollow. Find a Capital Area Pediatrics location near you or call (703) 359-5100 to schedule.
