It is normal for babies to cry — sometimes as much as two to four hours a day.

Here are the first things to check:

• Is your baby hungry?
• Do they need to be burped?
• Are they too hot or cold?
• Is their diaper dirty?
• Do they have a fever or seem otherwise sick? If so, contact your doctor.

Once you’ve checked this list, here are some soothing techniques to try.

• Swaddle your baby with a thin blanket (ask your doctor how to do it correctly).
• Gently rub your baby’s back, chest or tummy.
• Play white noise.
• Sing or hum.
• Sway with your baby in your arms.
• Go for a stroller or car ride.
• Offer a pacifier or favorite toy.
• Give your baby a warm bath.
• Walk with your baby in a body carrier.
• Turn down the lights and the noise level.

Sometimes no soothing technique works. Once you’ve tried to soothe your baby, it’s okay to let them cry.

“Colic” describes healthy babies who cry inconsolably much more than other babies. Unfortunately, we don’t know what causes colic. If your baby has colic — and one out of five babies do — it may be a matter of waiting it out while maintaining your sanity. Thankfully, most babies with colic grow out of it by 3 to 4 months.

With time, you will be better at distinguishing different types of crying and understanding what your baby needs. In the meantime, when your baby is crying and nothing soothes them, take a moment for yourself.

If you are at your wit’s end, use the two-door rule. Put your baby in their crib, then leave the room and close the door. Go into another room and shut that door, too. Give yourself 10 to 15 minutes to calm down. If you are still on edge, check on your baby, but do not pick them up until you can be careful, calm and caring.

Recognizing your limits and taking a break is a sign of good parenting. It keeps the situation from escalating.

Never shake, hit, throw or jerk a baby. It’s normal to feel upset, but it’s important to keep your behavior under control to keep your baby safe.

You are not a bad parent if your baby won’t stop crying! Babies cry as a normal part of their development, and you are a good parent for trying to soothe them, even if it doesn’t work.

If you need someone to talk to about your crying baby, consider calling Erickson’s Fussy Baby Network “Warmline” at 1-888-431-2229. You can also call or text Help Me Grow Utah at 801-691-5322. Both of these resources connect you to a parent and infant specialist who will help you at no cost.

Remember: the crying will always stop eventually.

Avery Stonely is the EveryDay Learners operations specialist at United Way of Utah County.