It often seems that newborns spend almost all their waking hours crying. And in fact, many do spend a considerable amount of time being fussy. Young babies cry somewhere between 1 and 5 hours out of 24. Crying plays an important role — it's your baby's first way of communicating and an important way to release tension. Knowing that, though, won't necessarily make coping with the crying easier. Learn about the reasons why babies cry and what you can do to help yourself — and your baby — cope with the tears.

Although all crying can't be explained, there are universal reasons for crying. Because babies can't talk, crying is their way to communicate their needs and desires. If your baby's crying puzzles you, consider the following possible reasons:

Hunger. Most babies eat six to 10 times in a 24-hour period. For at least the first 3 months, babies usually wake for night feedings. If hunger is the cause of your baby's crying, he or she will eagerly accept the feeding and stop crying.

Quiet babies may just squirm and root around or gently fuss when hungry. If your baby naps for more than 3 hours, watch closely for these subtle signs. If your baby is partially awake, sit him or her up and gently encourage eating.

Most babies wake for feedings and eat well most of the time, but some active babies may become frantic when hunger strikes. They may be so worked up by the time feeding begins that they gulp air with the milk and overeat, causing spitting up or indigestion.

You may avoid some of this frenzy if you try calming your active baby before feeding him or her, or try feeding before the fussing begins. Burp your active baby often, and stop feeding during the gulping episodes. This will give your baby an opportunity to catch his or her breath and calm down.

Discomfort. The discomfort of gas or indigestion can cause your baby to cry, as can wet or soiled diapers and uncomfortable temperatures or positions. When babies are uncomfortable, they may try to relieve the discomfort by looking for something to suck on. Their sucking is often frantic, disorganized and chewy. Feeding will not stop the crying, and a pacifier may help only briefly. When the discomfort passes, your baby will probably settle down.

Quiet babies may fuss only mildly when they feel a burp, gas or a bowel movement, and they may not even mind wet diapers. If you can identify and relieve the discomfort, your baby will probably settle down.

Most babies are fussy before passing gas or having a bowel movement, and they usually burp easily. After you've burped your baby and changed wet or soiled diapers, he or she will usually settle down. If the fussing continues, try offering a pacifier or your finger to suck on as you rock or rhythmically walk your baby, periodically burping him or her.

Active babies often squirm and fuss after feedings, eventually working themselves up to screaming before burping, passing gas or having a bowel movement. They may also become similarly agitated when they need a diaper change. Active babies tend to spit up more frequently than other babies.

When your active baby is fussy or agitated, try burping, checking the diaper, walking, rocking or letting him or her suck on a pacifier or your finger. Sometimes you can settle an active baby with a warm — but not hot — water bottle on the stomach, accompanied by gentle patting or rubbing. Some babies also may feel secure and comfortable in a swaddle wrap.

Boredom, fear and loneliness. Sometimes a baby will cry because he or she is bored, frightened or lonely. The baby's arms and legs may flail a little, and the suck may be intermittent, chewy and lazy. If your baby is crying for one of these reasons, a feeding may not calm him or her. Instead, your baby may be seeking warmth and comfort. A baby seeking such comfort may calm down simply with the reassurance of seeing you, hearing your voice, feeling your touch, being with you, cuddling or being offered something for sucking.

Overtiredness or overstimulation. For babies that are overtired or overstimulated, crying may be the best way to unwind and release tension. You may notice that your baby's fussy periods occur at predictable times during the day, and for average and active babies, they usually peak when the baby is around 6 weeks old.

If your baby cries from being overtired, reduce the noise, movement and visual stimulation in the area. "White noise," such as the continuous, monotonous sound of a vacuum cleaner or a recording of ocean waves, often can relax and lull your baby by blocking out other, extraneous sounds. Try placing your baby in the crib, closing the door and setting a timer for 15 or 20 minutes, letting him or her unwind until the timer goes off. If your baby still hasn't settled down after this period, it's time to check for other reasons for the crying.

Although many parents find it difficult to let their baby cry, think of it as giving your infant an opportunity to unwind. Some babies continue this pattern of crying when overtired or overstimulated for about 3 months. Creating time for yourself and taking advantage of friends' and relatives' offers to assist can help you make it through this frustrating period.

It's difficult to listen to your baby cry, and you may find yourself wanting to comfort and quiet him or her. In assessing why your baby is crying, you may find the following questions and suggestions helpful:

• Check on your baby soon after you hear the crying.
• Is your baby hungry?
• Does your baby need a diaper change?
• Does your baby need to be burped?
• Is your baby too warm or too cold?
• Does your baby need to be moved to a more comfortable position?
• Does your baby just need to suck, whether on a finger or a pacifier?
• Does your baby need some tender, loving care — rocking, cuddling, stroking, gentle talking or singing? You might try one of these for 15 to 20 minutes.

If your baby continues to cry after you've exhausted the above suggestions, place him or her in the crib and leave the baby alone for 15 to 20 minutes. Stay within earshot.

If, after you go through the list, your baby still continues to cry, repeat the process. But if you feel your baby isn't acting right or eating as usual, or looks different, trust your intuition and contact your baby's doctor. At times you may need the help of an expert to tell the difference between a well baby and a sick baby.

Don't take your baby's crying personally. He or she isn't mad at or rejecting you. Remember, crying is your baby's way of communicating and letting off steam. Think of it as a first sign that your baby is developing independence.

Meanwhile, as more than one mother will advise you, try to sleep whenever your baby does — even during the day. If you do, you'll have more energy for the late afternoon and evening, when your baby may be fussy and the demands of the rest of your family are greater.

Remember that you won't always be able to calm your baby — especially when the fussing is simply a way to release tension. Babies do cry. It's a normal part of being a baby. But it's also a normal part of parenting to find excessive crying frustrating. All parents have been in this situation. Consider arranging for needed breaks with understanding friends or a baby sitter. Even an hour's break can renew your coping strength. If your baby's crying is causing you to become emotionally out of control, contact your doctor, your hospital emergency room, a local crisis intervention service or a mental health help line immediately.

Rest assured, your baby's crying won't last forever — the amount of time your baby spends crying usually peaks at about 6 weeks and then gradually decreases.