I'm a new parent, how can I keep my cool when my infant won't stop crying?

26 Answers Moderated by Danielle Gonzales, PsyD Updated: Nov 17, 2020

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Anonymous on May 22, 2015

Just remember that the baby can't talk. Crying is the only way an infant can communicate to us. If you've fed the baby, changed the baby, just try walking around with the baby or going for a car ride. Notoriously babies love going for rides. 

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Chevy81 on May 24, 2015

I am moving to another room. Separate myself from him/her for a while (1-2 minutes). Comforting myself and then come back to him/her with a cooled myself.

PoliteOcean on Sep 7, 2015

It can be overwhelming to be a new parent. But making sure you are prepared before you infant comes too can help. Make sure you have the help that you need if you feel you need a break. Seek help from those around you such as friends and family. If you can't afford a babysitter or help, then use the barter system. Find someone you trust and if they can help you by babysitting for a little while, return the favor and do something for them. You can find a way if you try.

Anonymous on Sep 8, 2015

Parenting can be exhausting, but, if possible get enough sleep/rest. When you are tired, your patience is shortened.  If your baby cries at the same time every day, which is common, be prepared for that to happen. Whenever possible, pass the infant to someone else, preferably someone of the opposite sex (the other parent)after you have exhausted your resources for making the crying stop.  Know that this is a normal part of infancy, and will pass.  Do not fault yourself.  If you have concerns that the crying is abnormal, consult your physician.

niceScenery34 on Sep 15, 2015

Take a second to breath. You are the most important thing to your child and it needs you. There is something wrong that your child can't fix or even understand yet. You are the only thing in your child's life that has the power to make it feel content again. If there is obviously nothing wrong just try to sooth them. Seeing you angry or upset will only make them feel more upset.

Justcallmyname07 on Jan 11, 2016

A colicky baby can be a new parents worst nightmare. It's a trying time when your precious child seems to be in distress and you don't know what to do on how to calm them. As difficult as it is for you, imagine how unknowingly hard it is for the baby to be living in this new world. The best thing you can do is stay calm. Try a range of things like feeding, changing, skin to skin time, etc. Consult your Pediatrician if the crying persists for more than 3 hours at a time consistently.

bubblyDreamer29 on Jan 14, 2016

Relax and stay calm. Take a break if need be and ask someone within the family to help out if you can. There could be a number of reasons why baby is crying, hungry, wet or dirty nappy, colic issues, reflux issues, could be needing to burp etc. If continue then strongly suggest you seek a doctor for further help :) I hope it improves for you. 

Jettalynnn on Jan 18, 2016

 Look for the internal warning signs when you are feeling overwhelmed. When you are feeling stressed, Calm yourself down and step away for a second. NEVER SHAKE A BABY. 

Greatlistener87 on Jun 28, 2016

There is always a reason why your infant is crying. Get your child some professional help if he/she continuously cries for no reason. You are a new parent not a bad parent, you just have to think out of the box and keep cool and calm because you are the adult in the situation. If your baby is not calm and you are not calm that will only make the situation alot worst.

Anonymous on Jul 25, 2016

If all their need have been met, it's best to take a break, either having a friend/family come relieve you for a bit, or putting the baby in a safe place and taking a break yourself in a different room to breathe and regain your cool. 