Babies cry when they need something; they cry less when their needs are met quickly. You will soon learn to identify your newborn's different cries-whether they signal hunger, pain, fear, discomfort, fatigue, boredom, over stimulation, or the need for comforting. Through trial and error, you will learn the calming techniques that your baby likes best. Many times it takes a new mom time to be able to determine why a child is crying. However when a child cries, a new mom should be able quickly take a look at the basics that may be causing it to cry. One of the first things to check would be to see if the baby needs a diaper change. After that, the next thing would be to check if the baby is hungry. If the baby has just finished eating, the baby might be crying because they need to belch.

Basically, developing a methodology to determine why your baby is crying may be the best thing for a new mom. As someone once said, babies do not come with a manual. Therefore it is essential to be able to determine the reasons as to why a baby might cry. Sometimes babies cry for no reason at all. They might just need someone to hold them and comfort them.

Most babies eventually develop their own way of calming themselves, by sucking a thumb, finger, or pacifier, or snuggling up to a favorite blanket. Watch your baby to see if he or she develops a self-comforting method. Your doctor can give you helpful tips for calming your child. Some proven techniques include:

Motion

Gentle movement (especially if it is repetitive) is a calming influence on many babies. Rock your baby, carry him or her in a front carrier while you do chores, put him or her in an automatic infant swing (but make sure the baby's head is supported), or take him or her for a ride in the stroller or car.

A Calm Environment

Play soft, soothing music, sing, or hum. Turn off the television. Avoid sudden, loud noises and harsh lighting. Playing soft music is also a great way to get your child to sleep!

Sound

Some babies are soothed by monotonous humming; shaking of rattles; or even the sound of a dishwasher, washing machine, or vacuum cleaner.

Touch

Give the baby a warm bath (if your baby enjoys the water). Rhythmically stroke or massage his or her back, arms, or legs. Help him or her find a finger or thumb to suck on or offer a pacifier.

Distractions

Point out and describe bright, colorful drawings, toys, or other objects.

A Change In Feeding Technique

When feeding your baby (either breast milk or formula), burp him or her more frequently. If you are feeding your baby formula, use a bottle with a collapsible bag to help reduce the amount of air he or she sucks in; hold the baby upright for half an hour after a feeding to minimize the amount he or she spits up.