FRANCOIS MINNAAR
Burnout & Clarity Coach
When You’re Too Tired to Think, Start Here
A calm, simple checklist for baby crying moments — no judgment, no overwhelm.
Start here. A 2am-safe guide.
You’re not doing anything wrong. Let’s take this step by step.
5-Minute Baby Crying Checklist
Read from top to bottom.
Stop when the crying improves.
No tapping required.
START HERE
1️⃣ Hunger check
Has your baby fed in the last 2–3 hours?
→ NO: Feed now (breast or bottle)
→ YES: Go to step 2
2️⃣ Diaper check
Check diaper now.
→ Wet or dirty: Change diaper
→ Dry: Go to step 3
3️⃣ Tiredness check
Look for signs of overtiredness:
Red or droopy eyes
Arching back
Turning head away
Fussing that worsens when stimulated
→ Signs present: Swaddle and gently rock
→ No clear signs: Go to step 4
4️⃣ Comfort check
Try one calming option for 2–3 minutes:
Skin-to-skin contact
Gentle rocking or walking
White noise (fan, app, vacuum sound)
→ Crying eases: Continue until settled
→ No change: Go to step 5
5️⃣ Physical discomfort check
Check for:
Burping needed
Tight clothing
Temperature (too hot or cold)
→ Discomfort found: Adjust and soothe
→ Nothing obvious: Go to step 6
WHEN TO STOP AND GET HELP
Call a doctor or seek medical care if you notice:
Fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Weak, high-pitched, or unusual cry
Baby is unusually floppy, lethargic, or unresponsive
Trust your instincts.
If something feels wrong, get help.
REMEMBER
Crying does not mean you’re failing.
It means your baby needs something — and you are working through it.
Slow breaths.
One step at a time.
This checklist is for decision support, not medical diagnosis.
Created by a burnout & nervous-system recovery specialist who works with people under extreme pressure.
Medically informed — not medical advice. Always trust your instincts and contact a healthcare professional if something feels off.