What to do if a baby cries: 7 scientific strategies to respond to baby crying

According to the National Institutes of Health, children cry 1-3 hours a day in the first years of life, but 68% of parents admit that they do not understand the true causes of tears. Neuropsychologists have proven that the correct response to crying forms “emotional immunity” – the ability to regulate feelings in adulthood. How to turn a crisis into a resource.


1. Activate the biological enclave



The kangaroo method studied at the University of Toronto:

• Reduces cortisol levels in children by 41%
• Stimulates oxytocin production by 37%
• Normalizes heart rate in 2-3 minutes

Performance technique:
Skin-to-skin contact + rhythmic swaying + whispering to the ear. Without words, only synchronization of breathing.


2. Use neurocirculation.
A Cambridge study (2023) found:

• Joint breathing 4-4-6 (inhale-pause-exhale):
  • Reduces anxiety by 58%
  • Activates the parasympathetic nervous system

Practice:
Take the baby's hand, put it to your chest. Breathe deeply so he can feel the rhythm through his palm.


3. Create a "sensory bridge"
Sensory Integration Theory by Jean Ayres
Type of Crying Touch ToolHysterical Heavy Blanket (12% of body weight)Hirping Vibrational Toy


Lifehack:
Create a "suitcase of tranquility" with objects of different texture - from silk to cork.


4. Use an "emotional mirror"
The MIT experiment showed:

• Children whose emotions were called without evaluation:
  • 32% quicker to calm down
  • Developed an emotional vocabulary 47% richer

Formula:
“I see you [the emotion] because [the reason].” It's normal. We can [action]


5. Include "subject intermediary"
UNESCO projective communication method:

• Use the doll/toy as a “negotiator”
• Reduces stress by 41%
• Develops metacognitive skills

Example:
“The bear says his tummy hurts when he is afraid. Let's find a way to help him.


6. Organize a "controlled protest"
Harvard Research:

• Children with the possibility of "safe rebellion":
  • 28% less likely to have tantrums
  • Self-regulation is 35% more effective

Practice:
Set aside an area where you can scream/beat pillows. Set the rules: “Everything is allowed here except harm to yourself and others.”


7. Use "quiet language"
The discovery of neuroscientists:

• The whisper activates:
  • The auditory cortex is 70% more intense
  • Attention zones in the brain

Technique:
In my ear: "I'm here." You're safe. Let's find a solution together - repeat 3 times with pauses.


Epilogue: Crying as a language of development
According to the American Psychological Association, children whose tears meet with an adequate response:

• 53% more successful in building relationships
• 41% less likely to suffer from anxiety disorders
• Develop Emotional Intelligence at the CEO Level

As the psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott once said, “Crying is man’s first poetry.” Our task is to become attentive listeners.” Remember: each tear is not a problem to solve, but a message to decrypt.