Many babies go through phases of being hard to soothe. Most reasons are temporary and manageable.
Part of BePeace Parenting help series
What might be happening?
In baby:
- Crying for long periods
- Arching back
- Pulling legs up
- Refusing feeds
- Short sleep cycles
In parents:
- Feeling helpless
- Trying everything
- Exhaustion
- Worry something is wrong
Why this happens
- Hunger / feeding issues
- Gas / colic
- Overtired / overstimulated
- Reflux
- Growth spurts
- Need for comfort (normal newborn behaviour)
What you should do now
Stepwise, actionable:
- Check feeding
- Burp properly
- Reduce stimulation
- Try skin-to-skin
- Swaddling
- White noise
- Gentle rocking
- Short wake windows
What to avoid
- Shaking baby
- Overfeeding repeatedly
- Constantly switching formulas
- Excessive gadgets
- Panic doctor shopping
When to see a doctor
- Poor feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Inconsolable crying > 3–4 hours regularly
- Persistent Vomiting, blood in stool, decreased activity.
Common Parent Questions(FAQ)
Yes. Many newborns go through phases where they are harder to calm. This is usually part of normal development and often improves with time as the baby grows.
Not always. Colic is one possible cause, but babies can be difficult to soothe due to hunger, gas, being overtired, overstimulation, or simply needing comfort.
For most babies, these phases are temporary and often improve by 3–4 months of age as the nervous system matures.
Yes. Poor latch, swallowing air, reflux, or inadequate feeds can all make babies uncomfortable and harder to calm.
Short periods of crying are not harmful, but young babies usually need comfort and reassurance rather than being left to cry for long periods.
Yes. Gas is a very common cause. Burping after feeds and gentle tummy massage can often help.
Yes. Too much noise, light, handling, or visitors can overwhelm a baby and make soothing difficult.
Teething is usually not a cause in very young newborns, but in older infants it can contribute to irritability.
No. Some babies are simply more sensitive. Difficulty soothing is not a reflection of poor parenting.