Worry or fear: Your baby suddenly finds himself in the arms of Great Aunt Matilda and can't see you; his previously happy gurgles turn suddenly to crying. He's trying to tell you that he's scared: He doesn't know this new person, and he wants Mommy or Daddy. Explain to Auntie that he needs a little time to warm up to someone new, and try letting the two of them get to know each other while Baby stays in your arms.

Boredom: Your baby has been sitting in his infant seat for 20 minutes while you talk and eat lunch with a friend. He's not tired, hungry or uncomfortable, but he starts a whiny, fussy cry. He may be saying that he's bored and needs something new to look at or touch. A new position for his seat or a toy to hold may help.

Colic: If your baby cries inconsolably for long periods every day, particularly at the same time each day, he may have colic. Researchers are still unsure of colic's exact cause. Some experts believe that colic is related to the immaturity of a baby's digestive system. Whatever the cause, and it may be a combination of all the theories; colic is among the most exasperating conditions that parents of new babies face. Colic occurs only to newborn babies, up to about four to five months of age. Look for patterns to your baby's crying; these can provide clues as to which suggestions are most likely to help. Then experiment with some of the ideas in this list and in the rest of this article.

• If breastfeeding, feed on demand (cue feeding), for nutrition as well as comfort, as often as your baby needs a calming influence.
  
• If breastfeeding, try avoiding foods that may cause gas in your baby, such as dairy products, caffeine, cabbage, broccoli and other gassy vegetables.
  
• If bottlefeeding, offer more frequent but smaller meals; experiment with different formulas with your doctor's approval.
  
• If bottlefeeding, try different types of bottles and nipples that prevent air from entering your baby as he drinks, such as those with curved bottles or collapsible liners.
  
• Hold your baby in a more upright position for feeding and directly afterwards.
  
• Experiment with how often and when you burp your baby.
  
• Offer meals in a quiet setting.
  
• If baby likes a pacifier, offer him one.
  
• Invest in a baby sling or carrier and use it during colicky periods.
  
• If the weather's too unpleasant for an outside stroll, bring your stroller in the house and walk your baby around.
  
• Give your baby a warm bath.
  
• Hold your baby with her legs curled up toward her belly.
  
• Massage your baby's tummy, or give him a full massage.
  
• Swaddle your baby in a warm blanket.
  
• Lay your baby tummy down across your lap and massage or pat her back.
  
• Hold your baby in a rocking chair, or put him in a swing.
  
• Walk with Baby in a quiet, dark room while you hum or sing.
  
• Try keeping your baby away from highly stimulating situations during the day when possible to prevent sensory overload.
  
• Lie on your back and lay your baby on top of your tummy down while massaging his back. (Transfer your baby to his bed if he falls asleep.)
  
• Take Baby for a ride in the car.
  
• Play soothing music or turn on white noise such as a vacuum cleaner or running water.
  
• As a last resort, ask your doctor about medications available for colic and gas.

What about fussy crying?
There are plenty of times when you can't tell if your baby's crying is directly related to a fixable situation: hunger, a soiled diaper, or a longing to be held. That's when parents get frustrated and nervous. That's when you should take a deep breath and try some of the following cry-stoppers:

• Hold your baby. No matter the reason for your baby's cry, being held by a warm and comforting person offers a feeling of security and may calm his crying. Babies love to be held in arms, slings, front-pack carriers, and (when they get a little older) backpacks; physical contact is what they seek and what usually soothes them best.

• Breastfeed your baby. Nursing your baby is as much for comfort as food. All four of my babies calmed easily when brought to the breast - so much so that my husband has always called it "The Secret Weapon." And my babies are very typical. Breastfeeding is an important and powerful tool for baby soothing.

• Provide motion. Babies enjoy repetitive, rhythmic motion such as rocking, swinging, swaying, jiggling, dancing or a drive in the car. Many parents instinctually begin to sway with a fussy baby, and for a good reason: It works.