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<h1>Breastfeeding - www.breastfeeding.org.nz</h1>

Crying

How can I stop my baby crying?


A crying baby can be distressing for parents. Crying is the least useful and the very last feeding cue and if a baby has been hungry for a while without being fed she/he may become upset and cry.

Settling a baby


Most babies will settle quickly when offered the breast. Others have managed to get themselves so upset that they take a bit more time to calm down even when offered the breast.

  • Mothers or supporters can take a few moments to snuggle the baby close to their chest with the baby’s chest in contact with their body. They can hold the baby securely against them and ‘contain’ the baby's legs and arms with their arms and hands, so the baby is not flailing around and unable to become calm.
  • They can soothe the baby by talking gently and perhaps walking around to bring a relaxed repetitive rhythm into the process.
  • If a mother is stressed and needs time out it may be a good time to have a brief break and hand the baby over to someone else to settle.
  • When the baby calms down it’s time to try and breastfeed again.
  • If the baby is still not interested in breastfeeding try other ways to settle such as a deep warm bath to allow the baby to relax, check the nappy, and practice some more of that rhythmic walking with the baby snuggled using a soothing voice.
It is important for parents to look after themselves when they are coping with a baby who may be unsettled at times. Simple things can make them both feel better such as a relaxing bath, a short walk or just sharing their feelings with each other or family/whānau and friends.

What if my baby is crying inconsolably?


A crying baby may also have an illness, so it is important to have this checked by a doctor or Well Child nurse.

Colic


Inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby can be a sign of colic. Colic may be related to a feeding problem. It may help to have your breastfeeding assessed by your midwife, Well Child nurse or lactation consultant.

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Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008


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