Overview Whining and crying are inevitable parts of life as a parent of a young child. You can't prevent it, but you can learn ways to quickly discover the source of your baby's whining and give everyone some relief as soon as possible. Remember, your baby is only trying to communicate with you. Keep your cool, focus on finding a solution and deal efficiently with the whining. Check for sources of discomfort Babies can become fussy or whiny when they're sitting in a soiled diaper. If you leave them too long, diaper rash can result and can cause even more tenderness and discomfort. If your baby is old enough to play by himself on the floor, check him for injuries. An ant bite or a scrape can warrant pained whining from a baby that wants to be soothed. If your baby has recently eaten, he may be whining because he needs to burp or because of a stomachache. Try to determine if his tummy hurts by pressing very gently on it. If his whining intensifies, administer a pediatrician-approved dose of stomach medicine. Offer food, drink or entertainment It's common for babies to whine when they're hungry. Even if your baby has had a meal recently, she may want a snack. If your baby has been playing outside or the weather is hot, she may be thirsty and whining for a drink. Stick to water or juice to help rehydrate her. Your baby may just be bored. Give her a change of scenery or a new toy to play with. Put her in the stroller and go for a brief walk. Different stimuli can help put a smile back on her face. Give attention and love Babies can get lonely too. If you've left your baby to his own devices while you cook dinner or chat with your spouse, he may feel neglected and whine to ask for attention. Pick up your baby and play with or rock him. He may also be craving some affection if you've been gone most of the day. Lavishing love and attention on your baby will comfort, calm and reassure him of your love. Take a hands-off approach Some babies cry to release excess energy and go to sleep. If it's close to your baby's nap time, she may just be fussy before drifting off. Sing to her softly or rub her back gently to help her calm down and sleep. If you suspect your baby is just irritable, let her "cry it out." It may hurt to hear your baby cry and do nothing about it, but once you've tried everything and your baby is still whining, it may be a good opportunity to let her learn to comfort herself.