As a new parent, there’s one thing you quickly learn: babies cry. A lot. Like, a lot, a lot. And while some crying can seem like an eternal soundtrack to your life, it’s completely normal. But when it feels like nothing you do works, and you’re running on empty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

When my first daughter was born, I spent countless nights trying to figure out why she wouldn’t stop crying. I would check all the basics—was she fed? Was her diaper clean? Was she too hot or too cold? Some nights, she was as calm as could be, and others...well, let’s just say I became an expert at pacing the floor at 3 AM, wishing for a miracle. 😅

In the end, every baby is different, and each one has their own unique way of communicating with you. But understanding some of the most common reasons babies cry can make the whole parenting experience a lot less stressful. Let’s dive into the 5 most common reasons for crying, and how you can help calm your little one when the tears keep coming. 🌟

1. Hunger – The Obvious Culprit 🍽️

We’ve all been there: the frantic, middle-of-the-night crying, and the immediate panic, "Did I miss the last feed?" But let’s be real—sometimes, they’re just hungry. Newborns have small tummies and need to eat frequently, especially during growth spurts.

In my experience with my first daughter, there were a few nights where it felt like nothing would calm her down. Sure, she wasn’t uncontrollably crying, but it was definitely stressful when it felt like I tried everything to get her to sleep, and yet, she just wouldn’t settle. 🤦‍♀️ I learned quickly that when the baby’s cry doesn’t stop, sometimes the simplest solution is a good ol’ feed, even if you just fed her.

If you're breastfeeding, remember—your milk supply might take time to establish. It wasn't all smooth sailing for me either, especially with the sore, cracked nipples. Those early days were tough, and I won’t lie—I cried too, not just from the pain, but also out of frustration. But a little lanolin and some patience helped me get through it. 💪

2. Wet Diaper – The Unsung Villain 💧

A wet diaper can turn a peaceful baby into a screaming machine. It’s like they suddenly realize, "Wait, this is uncomfortable!" As much as you try to get through one more minute of playtime, they’ll let you know when it's time for a change. I was fortunate that my first baby didn’t have colic, but there were nights when she wouldn’t sleep even though everything seemed perfect. And sometimes, it’s just a diaper change that works wonders. Trust me. It's amazing how much of a difference this can make.

When your baby’s crying, check the basics first—hunger, diaper, temperature. Sometimes the simplest fixes can be the ones that save your sanity. 😅

3. Overtiredness – The Crying That Won’t End 😴

Ah, the dreaded overtiredness. We’ve all been there, right? The baby’s tired, you’re tired, but neither of you can seem to fall asleep. I remember nights when she had everything—full belly, changed diaper, cozy swaddle—and still, she wouldn’t fall asleep. She’d just cry and cry, and I could feel the stress building up in me.

In those moments, it really helped to pause, take a deep breath, and remind myself: this is just a phase. When she couldn’t fall asleep, sometimes it was just too much stimulation or she was overtired. Babies don’t always know how to self-soothe, and it’s our job to help them. That’s when I’d pass her off to my partner (thankfully, he was always so hands-on!) or go for a walk in the stroller to help calm her down. 😌

4. Gas Pains – The Baby Tummy Troubles 💨

While my daughter didn’t have colic, like many babies, she definitely had her fair share of gassy moments. Those little tummy pains? They can be brutal, not just for the baby, but for us as parents, too. I remember how helpless I felt when she was fussy, and nothing seemed to work.

Try giving your baby a little time on their tummy, or gently massaging their belly in a clockwise direction to help release gas. And trust me—those “miracle” gas drops that you hear about? Sometimes, they really do work! Also, during these gassy moments, don’t forget to breathe—I’m telling you, they pick up on your stress. And yes, I know—it’s so hard to stay calm when you’re running on zero sleep. But the more you stay relaxed, the easier it will be to soothe your baby. 🌸

5. Teething – The Not-So-Fun Milestone 🦷

Nothing, and I mean nothing, prepares you for the combination of drool, whiny crying, and those little sharp teeth breaking through their gums. I felt for her, and I couldn’t help but feel like the worst mom when I couldn’t make her feel better fast enough. 😞

Teething gels or baby-safe pain relievers can help, but you’ll likely need a lot of patience during this phase. I kept teething rings in the fridge, and she seemed to enjoy chewing on those when she was in the worst pain. At the same time, I reminded myself (and my partner!) that this was just another phase in the wild ride of babyhood.

Tips for Surviving the Crying 😅:

• Pause and breathe: In the chaos of it all, take a moment for yourself. The baby’s cry might feel like it’s driving you crazy, but your calmness will help calm them down.
  
• Tag-team with your partner: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It takes a village, even if that village is just your partner for the night shift.
  
• Trust your instincts: You know your baby better than anyone. If you think something’s off, don’t be afraid to check with your pediatrician.
  
• Take care of you too: I get it—when your baby’s crying, your focus is on them, but don’t forget your own well-being. Rest when you can, even if it’s just closing your eyes for a minute.
  

Final Thoughts 💭:

Crying is tough. It feels never-ending sometimes, especially when you’re running on little to no sleep and all the emotional energy you have is spent trying to calm your baby. But in my experience, no matter how tough it gets, you will get through this. Every phase—good or bad—eventually passes.

You’ve got this. 💪