Soothing a Fussy Baby: Tips and Tricks

Last reviewed: November 6, 2026 · Updated to match current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance.

Quick answer: Fussiness is usually caused by hunger, tiredness, gas, overstimulation or a change in routine, and sometimes by colic or a cow’s milk protein allergy. To soothe a fussy baby, check the basics first, then try burping, a quiet dim room, a pacifier, skin-to-skin contact, swaddling (young babies only, always on their back), shushing or singing, and gentle rocking. If your baby falls asleep in a swing, car seat or your arms, move them onto their back in their crib. Call your doctor if the crying sounds different or comes with fever, vomiting, diarrhea or poor feeding.

Crying is your baby’s way of communicating before they can speak. Newborns cry when they’re hungry, tired, sick, uncomfortable or need a diaper change. Sometimes it’s hard to work out what your little one needs. Babies who cry a lot and are hard to settle are often called “fussy.” It can be frustrating, but it’s a normal part of babyhood. Here are common causes and tips for calming those tears.

What Can Cause Fussiness in Babies?

1. Overstimulation

Too much noise, light and activity can overwhelm babies and make them cranky.

2. Schedule Changes

A disrupted sleep pattern can leave your baby overtired.

3. Gas

Swallowed air that isn’t released through burping or passing gas can cause tummy discomfort.

4. Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in babies. It happens when your baby’s immune system reacts to the protein in cow’s milk, either in formula or passed through breast milk. Along with fussiness, signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, rash or eczema, and breathing problems. Talk to your doctor if you notice these.

5. Colic

Colic is long bouts of crying in a healthy baby, classically more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. It usually peaks around 6 weeks and fades by 3 to 4 months. The cause often isn’t clear. Colic isn’t dangerous and goes away on its own, but it’s very hard on parents.

How to Calm Your Fussy Baby

Check with your pediatrician to rule out health problems. In the meantime, these steps help many babies.

Ease Gas

Burp during and after feeds. Burping releases swallowed air.

Choose the right bottle nipple. If you’re bottle feeding, a nipple flow that’s too fast makes babies gulp, and one that’s too slow can make them suck in air. Paced bottle feeding can help.

Let formula settle. After mixing powdered formula, let it sit a minute or two to reduce bubbles. Ask your pediatrician before switching formulas.

Try tummy time. Gentle pressure on the belly during supervised, awake tummy time can help release gas. Never let your baby sleep on their tummy.

Avoid overfeeding. Watch for signs your baby is full. Overfeeding can lead to gas, spit-up and discomfort.

Consider Diet

If you’re breastfeeding, most babies don’t need you to change your diet. If you notice a clear link between a food and your baby’s fussiness, a food diary can help. Talk to your pediatrician before cutting out foods like dairy. See our guide on breastfeeding self-care.

Watch for signs of cow’s milk protein allergy. If your doctor suspects it, they may suggest removing dairy from a breastfeeding parent’s diet, or switching to a hypoallergenic formula.

Reduce Stimulation

Dim the distractions. Lower the lights, close the curtains, and turn off the TV and other screens.

Limit activity. Some babies love company, while others get overwhelmed. If your baby seems overstimulated, take them to a quiet room.

Comfort

Offer a pacifier. Sucking is soothing, and the AAP notes that a pacifier at sleep time also lowers the risk of SIDS. If you’re breastfeeding, wait until feeding is going well, usually around 3 to 4 weeks.

Try skin-to-skin contact. Holding your baby skin to skin, also called kangaroo care, has been shown to lower stress in babies. Stay awake while you do it.

Swaddle young babies. A thin swaddle helps many young babies feel snug and secure. Keep it loose at the hips, always place your swaddled baby on their back, and stop swaddling as soon as they show signs of trying to roll.

Check the temperature. Make sure your baby isn’t too hot or too cold. One more layer than you’re wearing is usually right.

Sing or shush. Singing softly, or a steady “shhh” sound close to your baby’s ear, can be very calming.

Motion

Rock your baby. Gentle rocking or swaying, especially while swaddled, mimics the womb and can help settle your baby.

Go for a walk or a drive. A stroller walk, a baby carrier or a car ride calms many babies. Car seats are for travel, not sleep, so take your baby out once you arrive.

Try a swing while awake. A swing can calm your baby and give your arms a break. Stay nearby, and if your baby falls asleep, move them onto their back in their crib.

Take Care of Yourself

A crying baby is stressful. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to put your baby down safely on their back in their crib and step away for a few minutes. Ask someone to take a turn. Never shake a baby.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your pediatrician if your baby:

• Is under 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Has a cry that sounds different, weak or high-pitched
• Is vomiting forcefully, has diarrhea, or has blood in their stool
• Isn’t feeding well, gaining weight, or having enough wet diapers
• Seems very sleepy, floppy or hard to wake
• Can’t be soothed at all, or you’re worried something is wrong

The Bottom Line

Soothing a fussy baby takes trial and error. What works one day may not work the next. Check the basics, ease gas, lower stimulation, and offer comfort and gentle motion. Always put your baby to sleep on their back in their crib, not in a swing or car seat, and call your pediatrician if you’re worried.

This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Always contact your pediatrician with questions about your baby’s crying.