How do I soothe a crying newborn?

Bottom lineSoothe a crying newborn by working through the basics - hunger, a dirty nappy, temperature, tiredness, or discomfort - then using calming techniques like cuddling, skin-to-skin, gentle motion, soft sounds, and sucking; if you feel overwhelmed it's okay to put the baby down safely and take a break (never shake a baby), and contact a clinician for inconsolable or unusual crying, fever, or poor feeding.

Crying is how newborns communicate, and some crying is completely normal. Working through a simple checklist usually helps you find what your baby needs and calm them.

Check the basics first

• Hunger - offer a feed
• Dirty or wet nappy - change it
• Too hot or cold - adjust layers
• Tiredness or overstimulation - move somewhere calm and dim
• Discomfort - a burp, tight clothing, or position

Calming techniques

• Hold and cuddle - skin-to-skin contact is soothing
• Gentle motion - rocking, swaying, or a walk in a sling or pram
• Soft sounds - shushing, humming, or white noise
• Sucking - feeding or, if you choose, a dummy
• A warm, calm environment with dimmed lights

Look after yourself too

If crying is relentless and you feel overwhelmed, it's okay to put the baby down safely in their cot for a few minutes and take a breath. Never shake a baby - it causes serious harm. Ask someone to take over when you can.

When to seek medical advice

Contact a clinician if your baby cries inconsolably or differently than usual, has a fever, is feeding poorly, is unusually floppy or hard to wake, or you're worried something is wrong. Trust your instincts.

Femora helps you track feeds, sleep, and patterns so you can spot what tends to settle your baby.