Is your baby crying a lot? It’s normal for a baby to cry regularly. It’s the only way your little one has to communicate. Still, as a parent, it’s tough when your little one is restless for hours on end and nothing seems to help. At my practice in Amsterdam West, I regularly see parents who wonder: Is this normal, or should I do something?
What is normal?
Babies cry the most around six weeks of age. After that, it usually tapers off gradually, and by three to four months, most babies are calmer. Some of that crying is a normal part of development: a baby has a lot of sensory input to process and can’t yet express their restlessness in any other way. So just because you have a baby who cries a lot doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Many babies have moments in the first few months when they’re hard to comfort, even if they’re feeding and growing well.
My baby cries a lot, but when do we say a baby is a “cry baby”?
The “rule of three” is often used: a baby who cries for at least three hours a day, at least three days a week, and has been doing so for three weeks. This is a guideline, not a strict rule. If you find yourself worrying or feeling exhausted, that in itself is a good reason to seek help.
First: rule out any medical causes
If you have any doubts, always go to the well-baby clinic or your family doctor first. Contact us if your baby has a fever, isn’t feeding well, is spitting up a lot or has green spit-up, has blood in their stool, isn’t gaining weight, or feels very limp or very stiff. Osteopathy is a complementary treatment and is not a substitute for medical care.
What can an osteopath do?
I examine your baby’s entire body: how your little one lies, moves, and responds, and where I feel tension or limited mobility—for example, in the neck, back, or around the abdomen. I use gentle techniques and take my time, so that your baby feels at ease.
The goal of the treatment is to relieve tension so that your child feels more comfortable in his or her body. In addition, the body can develop more effectively when tension is reduced.
What happens during the first appointment?
The first appointment lasts 60 minutes. I’ll start with a conversation: how your pregnancy and delivery went, how your baby feeds and sleeps, and when the crying is at its worst. After that, I’ll gently examine your baby and provide treatment where appropriate. Feel free to bring any questions you have, and let me know if your baby needs a little comfort or a feeding. Follow-up appointments last 45 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is osteopathy safe for a baby?
I adapt my techniques to your baby’s age and comfort level and always work gently. If you notice any warning signs, such as a fever or difficulty feeding, please see your family doctor first.
How many appointments are needed?
I agree with parents that progress should be evident within a maximum of 3 sessions (including the first session). That doesn’t mean there can’t be improvement after the first or second treatment, but this agreement is intended to prevent us from continuing unnecessarily if there actually isn’t any improvement. That said, osteopathy often proves effective in helping a baby who cries a lot to calm down.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can make an appointment right away; a referral from your primary care physician or a specialist is not required.
How much does it cost, and is it covered?
On the “Rates” page, you’ll find information about current rates and insurance coverage. Many health insurers cover osteopathy in full or in part through supplemental insurance. Please check your policy for details.
What You Can Do Yourself
- Keep a short journal: note when your baby cries, how long, and what happened right before.
- Make sure you get some rest, too. Ask your partner, family, or friends to take over for an hour.
- Gently lay your baby down if you can’t handle it anymore. A baby who is safely in bed and crying is not in danger.
Need help?
Are you unsure, or would you like to know if osteopathy could help your baby? Feel free to contact me or schedule an appointment right away. You can read more about treating babies on my page about osteopathy for babies.
