Baby care 101


  • Always put baby to sleep on her back to avoid SIDS.
  • Respond quickly to your crying baby, but don’t shake her.
  • Give your baby some tummy time when she’s awake.

Soothing your baby when she cries

Babies cry when they need to be fed, changed, cuddled or calmed, or when they don't feel well.
  • Respond quickly when your baby cries during the first few months of life. If you respond quickly to your baby's cries, she may cry less overall.
  • To soothe your baby, play soft music, walk with her, rock her, hold her in a sling or front carrier, or swaddle her in a blanket as you carry or hold her. Car rides and soft noises, like running water, sometimes can be soothing. Record sounds or buy CDs that calm your baby.
  • Call your baby's provider if you can't soothe her or if she pulls up her legs or passes gas often. She may have colic (intense crying for more than 3 hours a day).

October 2008


© 2011 March of Dimes Foundation. The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).