When babies are fussy and parents are exhausted, it’s easy to make choices that prioritize convenience over safety—such as bringing a baby into bed to help them settle. While this may feel like the quickest solution in the moment, it increases the risk of sleep-related infant death.
The safest and most effective way to respond quickly to your baby’s needs—without the dangers of an adult bed—is to room share. This means keeping your baby in your room, in their own safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard. Room sharing allows you to respond to your baby’s cries right away while protecting them from the risks of sharing a sleep surface with an adult, sibling, or pet.
At the Safe Sleep Academy, we know how challenging those sleepless nights can be, and we want to help you find ways to comfort your baby while still following safe sleep guidelines.
Crying is your baby’s first and most important way to communicate. Over time, you’ll start to notice subtle differences in your baby’s cries and learn what they mean. A cry does not always signal hunger or a wet diaper—there are many reasons a baby may cry. Understanding the cause can help you respond in a way that meets their needs and keeps them safe.
Common Reasons Babies Cry
Hunger
Hunger is one of the most common reasons a baby cries. Signs of hunger can include sucking on fingers, lips, or tongue, or rooting. If your baby has eaten in the past two hours, their fussiness may be due to something else.
Diaper Change
A wet or dirty diaper can quickly cause discomfort. If your baby is upset, check their diaper to see if it’s the cause.
Too Hot or Too Cold
Babies may cry if they’re uncomfortable due to temperature.
- Too hot: sweating, damp hair, heat rash, or clammy skin.
- Too cold: cool ears, face, or tummy.
Reminder: Overheating increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation. Learn more about dressing your baby for sleep here.
Pain
Pain cries are often sharper and more urgent. While there may not be a quick fix, gentle cuddling and soothing sounds can help.
Tired
Babies can become fussy when overtired. Soothing techniques can help them drift off, but it’s important to remember that for sleep, babies should always be placed Alone, on their Back, in a safety-approved Crib.
Sickness
Illness can make a baby fussy and hard to console. If you suspect your baby is sick, check their temperature and contact your pediatrician.
The 5 S's to Soothe Your Baby
Swaddling
Swaddling provides warmth and a sense of security, similar to the womb. Always swaddle safely, below the neck and stop swaddling for sleep once your baby shows signs of rolling—typically around 2 months of age.
Side/Stomach Hold
Holding your baby on their side or stomach can help with digestion and mimic the womb experience. This position is for calming only—once asleep, always place your baby on their back to sleep.
Shushing
Shushing imitates the constant noise your baby heard before birth. White noise or rhythmic “shhh” sounds can be very effective.
Swinging
Gentle rocking or swaying can be comforting. Always support your baby’s head and neck. If you use an infant swing for soothing, move your baby to a safe sleep space as soon as they fall asleep.
Sucking
Sucking can be calming, whether from a pacifier, breast, or bottle. Never force a pacifier—offer it and let your baby decide. Learn more about how offering your baby a pacifier during sleep protects them from SIDS and suffocation here.
If your baby is crying and you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a short break. Place your baby safely in their crib on their back and step away for a few minutes to regroup. Your well-being matters, too. Learn more about how to safely take a break and leaning on your support system for help here.
Soothing a fussy baby is about patience, practice, and understanding their cues. By using these techniques, room sharing for safer and quicker response, and keeping sleep safe, you can comfort your baby while reducing risks—helping both of you rest easier.