How to Soothe a Crying Newborn: Calm Steps for Long Evenings

To soothe a crying newborn, start with the basics (hunger, wind, a wet or dirty nappy, feeling too hot or cold, tiredness), then try calming input such as holding the baby close, gentle rhythmic movement, steady shushing sounds or a change of scene. Crying is how newborns communicate, and some cry a lot even when nothing is wrong. If you ever feel overwhelmed, it is safe to lay the baby on their back in the cot and take a few minutes for yourself.

Check the basics first

1. Hunger. Early hunger signs include rooting, sucking on hands and smacking lips. Crying is often a late signal, so offering a feed is usually the first thing to try.
2. Wind. A baby who pulls away from feeds or squirms afterwards may need burping. Our guide to burping positions for newborns explains three holds.
3. Nappy. A quick check and change settles some babies straight away.
4. Temperature. Feel the back of the neck or the tummy rather than the hands, which are often cool. Add or remove a layer as needed.
5. Tiredness and overstimulation. Newborns tire quickly. Yawning, staring away, jerky movements and fussing can mean it is time for a quieter, dimmer room.
6. Discomfort. Check for a hair wrapped around a finger or toe, a scratchy label or clothes that are too tight.

Different newborn cries

Parents are often told that each cry has a meaning. In practice, it takes time to learn your own baby's sounds, and even then it is not an exact science. Over the weeks, many parents start to notice patterns like these:

A cry that sounds very different from usual, such as high-pitched, weak or moaning, deserves attention from a health professional.

Calming techniques worth trying

• Hold the baby close. Skin-to-skin contact or holding them against your chest lets them hear your heartbeat and feel your warmth.
• Move rhythmically. Gentle swaying, rocking in your arms or walking around the room, always with the head supported and the movements smooth.
• Use steady sound. A soft "shhh" near the ear, a fan, or quiet white noise at a low volume.
• Swaddle safely, if you choose to. Use a thin, breathable wrap, keep it loose around the hips so the legs can bend, never cover the head, and stop once the baby shows signs of trying to roll.
• Offer something to suck. Sucking calms many newborns. If breastfeeding, ask your midwife or health visitor about when to introduce a dummy.
• Change the scene. A walk outside with the pram or a sling, a warm bath or a different room can reset a fussing baby.

Holding a baby on their side or tummy can calm them, but only while they are awake in your arms. For sleep, babies should always go on their back on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding.

Newborn crying when put down

Many babies settle in arms and protest the moment they meet the mattress. A few approaches may help: wait until they are deeply asleep, with floppy limbs and slow breathing; warm the sheet with your hand before laying them down; lower them feet first, then bottom, then head; and rest a hand on the chest for a moment before moving away. Some babies simply need more contact at this age, and responding to that is not creating a bad habit. A sling or carrier can help during the day, as long as it follows safe-carrying guidance.

Long evenings and colic

Many babies have a fussier stretch in the late afternoon or evening. When an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby cries for long periods on a regular basis and nothing seems to help, it is sometimes described as colic. It can be exhausting, but it tends to improve as babies grow. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you think your baby may have colic, so they can check for other causes and offer support.

Looking after yourself

Persistent crying is one of the hardest parts of early parenthood, especially on little sleep; our notes on newborn sleep deprivation look at ways to share the load. If you feel frustration rising, place the baby safely on their back in the cot, close the door and take a few minutes to calm down before going back. Call a partner, friend or parenting helpline. Never shake a baby: it can cause serious, lasting harm. Your own recovery matters too, and our postpartum recovery tips cover the physical and emotional side.

When to get medical help

Contact a doctor or urgent care service promptly if your baby:

• Has a high temperature, or feels unusually cold or clammy.
• Is not feeding, or has far fewer wet nappies than usual.
• Is breathing fast, noisily or with visible effort.
• Is floppy, very sleepy or hard to wake.
• Has a rash that does not fade when pressed, vomits repeatedly or brings up green vomit.
• Has a cry that sounds unusual to you, or you simply feel something is wrong.