The normal infant cries an average of 2 1/4 hours each day during the first 4 weeks. This peaks around 5 weeks at 2 3/4 hours each day and slowly declines until about 10-12 weeks. After 3 months, crying becomes more deliberate, purposeful and much less often. A colicky infant will cry more.

Often crying indicates discomfort and is baby’s only means of communicating his needs. Hunger, sleepiness, over stimulation, dirty diaper, gas pains, and temperature discomfort are the primary culprits.

Gentle Rhythmic Motion

• Rocking gently in a rocking chair or glider
• Walking around
• The “Mommy Sway” (swaying while standing)
• Infant swings (preferably a quiet battery operated one)
• Vibrating infant seat or cradle rocking device
• Gentle Vibration - Some parents find that placing an infant seat on a running clothes washer, dishwasher, or dryer soothes their baby. Never leave a baby unattended on any of these devices. The vibration could cause the seat to topple off injuring the baby.

Holding Positions

• Hold baby face down across your forearm (this helps expel gas)
• Hold facing away from you with tummy over forearm (helps expel gas)
• Hold over your shoulder with baby facing down your back
• Cradled in your arms