Infant Crying: A Clinical Conundrum

Crying is a common, normal occurrence in a healthy infant. However, crying is one of the primary reasons parents seek health care for their infant child (Barr, 199 Many parents find inconsolable crying to be particularly difficult because the use of soothing techniques to comfort the infant seems futile. Parents also may view infant crying as a negative reflection on their ability to parent, increasing their distress. Primary care professionals have a responsibility to prepare parents with information and strategies to help them understand and manage both their infant’s crying and their own frustration with crying. Knowledge of the infant crying literature ensures that parents will have accurate, evidence-based information.