Having a baby is overwhelming. Even if this is your second or third baby it can be hard to balance life and find the new normal. Remember all babies cry this is their way of communicating their feelings. Babies especially in the first 6 months of life can cry for 2 hours each day. Here are the simple reasons that baby might be crying and how to soothe them.

Why is my baby crying?

• Hunger  Look for signs of hunger like lip smacking, bringing hands to their mouth and rooting.

• Gas Gulping milk can trap air in your baby's belly, making them uncomfortable. Try gently patting their back, start at the bottom and work your way up their back to help move the gas bubble up and out. 

• Wet or dirty diaper No one wants to sit in wet or poopy pants! Infants create as many as six or more wet diapers a day.

• Fatigue Often times babies have trouble falling asleep on their own. Help them calm down with the tips below. 

• Too hot or too cold Dress baby in layers and adjust as needed.

• Colic Excessive crying could be colic. Ask your child's pediatrician if you think their crying might be excessive.

• Boredom Yup, babies get bored looking at the same thing. Try putting them in a front carrier, go for a walk, or stand by a window and talk to baby about what is going on outside.

• Overwhelmed That's right, babies can be overwhelmed. Try the tips below to help comfort.

• Sick Check your baby's temperature. If your baby is younger than 2 months and has a fever, call your child's ­doctor right away.

How to calm your newborn baby

• Swaddle Wrapping your baby in a receiving blanket keeps your baby feeling secure. Ask your newborn photographer or nurse on tips how to wrap securely and safely. Remember babies have only known the womb. Swaddling helps mimic the comfort of the womb and helps control startle reflexes.

• Encourage comfort sucking Babies suck to comfort themselves. Offer them a pacifier, clean finger, or nurse to help them settle.

• Turn on white noise Sounds that remind babies of being inside the womb may be calming, such as a white noise device. It is a necessary tool in my newborn photography studio.

• Walk, rock or sway Calming motions remind babies of movements they felt in the womb.

• Sing a song Baby won't know if you are singing off key. They'll just recognize you're loving on them. Try singing a classic lullaby, your favorite song, or create your own song.

• Give a massage Gently but firmly rub baby's feet to help soothe baby. Also try running your finger around their eyes in figure eight movements to encourage sleep and calm. But keep an eye out for cues, massages can over stimulate baby too.

• Colic Carry Lay your baby on their tummy on your forearm, cradling her head in your hand and use your other hand to stabilize and rub their back. Or lay them on their back and gently “bicycle pump” their knees up to their tummy for 10 seconds, then release and repeat. 

• Food Sensitivity

• For breastfed babies: Moms may try changing their own diet. See if your baby gets less fussy if you cut down on milk ­products or caffeine. If there is no ­difference after making the dietary changes, resume your usual diet. Avoiding spicy or gassy foods like onions or ­cabbage has worked for some moms, but this has not been ­scientifically proven.

• For bottle-fed babies: Ask your child's ­doctor if you should try a different formula.

What to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the crying

Everyone becomes frustrated with constant tears. Especially if you have had little sleep and the hormones are still out of whack. Try this tips to help you cope.

• Take a deep breath and count to 10.

• Place your baby in a safe place, such as crib or playpen without blankets and stuffed animals; leave the room; and let your baby cry alone for about 10 to 15 minutes.

• While your baby is in a safe place, consider some actions that may help calm you down.

• Call a friend or family member for ­emotional support.

• If you have not calmed after 10 to 15 minutes, check on your baby but do not pick up your baby until you feel you have calmed down.

• When you have calmed down, go back and pick up your baby. If your baby is still crying, retry soothing measures.

• Call your child's doctor. There may be a medical reason why your baby is crying.

• Try to be patient. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. It is normal to feel upset, frustrated, or even angry, but it is important to keep your behavior under control. Remember, it is never safe to shake, throw, hit, slam, or jerk any child—and it never solves the problem!