How to Soothe a Crying 3-Month-Old

When your 3-month-old baby cries, it probably gets your attention quickly. Because your infant can̵7;t talk, crying is the only method he has to communicate that something isn̵7;t right. Your task is to discern the reason for the crying and then soothe your baby to alleviate his discomfort. This process may take several attempts as you try various ways to comfort your agitated little angel.

Things You'll Need

  • Receiving blanket
  • Pacifier

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider possible causes of crying to guess the reason for your baby̵7;s cries. The most common reasons for crying include hunger, sleepiness, pain, uncomfortable clothing and discomfort from feeling too hot or too cold.

    • 2

      Feed your baby if she indicates that she's hungry, according to hunger cues. Common hunger cues include waking from sleep, sucking on her fist, crying and ̶0;rooting̶1; or searching for a nipple. Generally, if more than two hours have elapsed since your baby last ate, it̵7;s possible she̵7;s hungry.

    • 3

      Adjust your baby's clothing if you think he may feel too warm, too cold or uncomfortable. Remove clothes to make him cooler, add a blanket to increase warmth or change clothing if you think your baby feels constricted.

    • 4

      Help your baby relax and get ready for sleep if he is tired. Try rocking or walking with your infant while snuggling him close to you on your chest or in your arms. You might also swaddle your baby by wrapping him somewhat tightly in a receiving blanket and then rocking or walking with him. After he calms down and becomes drowsy, place him in his crib or bassinet to allow him to fall asleep.

    • 5

      Offer your baby a pacifier if she seems to want to suck but isn̵7;t hungry. Never attach the pacifier around your child̵7;s neck, however, because this poses a risk for strangulation. Pacifier use during naps and at bedtime may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, points out the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    • 6

      Continue soothing techniques of rocking, gentle bouncing, walking and dancing if your baby continues fussing. Sometimes babies cry for unknown reasons and don't respond immediately to attempts to soothe them. Strive to stay calm as you attempt to soothe your baby; your anxiety and stress definitely won't help the situation.

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