Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, all babies should be fed when they’re hungry. Don’t try to put them on a schedule. And it’s a lot easier to feed a baby who is just starting to get hungry. Watch for the early hunger cues! When your baby is hungry, you might see:

✔ Sucking

✔ Trying to get the hands in the mouth

✔ Searching for the breast

✔ Sticking out the tongue

✔ Smacking or making little sounds 

✔ Crying. This is a late hunger cue. If your baby is crying, you might have to calm him down before you can get him to start eating.

Crying, which can be a late hunger cue, doesn’t always mean he’s hungry. Your baby could be saying:

✔ I’m tired

✔ I’ve had enough

✔ I have a dirty diaper

✔ I need to burp

✔ Pick me up

✔ Something hurts

The faster you respond, the less your baby will cry. 

If you’ve checked that your baby isn’t hungry, wet or hurting and he still won’t stop crying, just do your best. Here are some things you can try:

✔ Try holding your baby close to you and repeat the same sounds and movements over and over.

✔ Sing a soft song or play music.

✔ Go for a walk outside with your baby.

✔ Massage your baby’s arms, legs and back.

✔ Strap your baby into his car seat and go for a ride.

✔ Go from a bright room to a dark room, or vice versa.

✔ Try to nurse or feed your baby again after waiting a few minutes.

Calming a fussy baby can take time, so stick with the same action for several minutes before trying something else.

Crying can be frustrating, but never, ever shake a baby. Shaking can cause brain damage and even death. If your baby won’t stop crying and you feel like you are losing your patience, put him down in a safe place (like a crib) and take a 10-minute break. Ask a family member or friend for help. Remember that this stage is only temporary. Babies are still developing, and sometimes they just cry. You will get through this! Watch this video for more tips on how to calm a crying baby.