Prompt #52Postpartum 0–3 mo
Prompt 52: The "Won't Stop Crying" Decoder
When to use it
Baby is crying inconsolably and you're losing your mind. You want a real checklist of causes + safe soothing options.
The Prompt
Baby is [AGE] and has been crying for [DURATION — e.g., "30 min" / "1 hour" / "3 hours"]. I need a real plan.
What I've tried:
- [E.G., "fed" / "changed" / "burped" / "swaddled" / "rocked" / "white noise" / "car ride" / "nothing works"]
- [LIST 5+]
What I notice:
- Cry type: [E.G., "high-pitched" / "screaming" / "whimpering" / "starts and stops"]
- Timing: [E.G., "always at 6pm" / "all day" / "during feeds" / "after feeds" / "no pattern"]
- Body language: [E.G., "pulling legs up" / "arching back" / "clenched fists" / "grimacing" / "floppy"]
- Feeding issues: [E.G., "spits up a lot" / "clicking while feeding" / "gassy" / "refuses bottle"]
- Output: [E.G., "normal" / "constipated" / "watery" / "bloody/mucus" / "green"]
- My state: [E.G., "frustrated but calm" / "crying" / "shaking" / "I need to put baby down right now"]
Please give me:
1. The 12 most common causes of inconsolable crying (ranked)
2. The 4-7-8 soothing sequence (most likely to work)
3. The 'purple crying' definition (so you know if this is it)
4. The 'I need to put baby down' safe-soothing checklist
5. The 'could this be medical' red flags (and when to go to ER)
6. Colic: definition, what helps, what doesn't
7. Reflux vs. colic vs. allergy (and how to tell)
8. The 'I'm going to lose it' plan (because the baby's not the only one who needs soothing)
Important: I want a real troubleshooting guide, not 'try gas drops.'Example output
*"12 causes (ranked): (1) overtired, (2) gas, (3) hunger (growth spurt), (4) overstimulation, (5) reflux, (6) allergy (milk protein), (7) constipation, (8) teething (later), (9) illness, (10) overbundled/hot, (11) diaper rash, (12) PURPLE crying. Soothing sequence: swaddle + shush + swing + side-lying (the 5 S's). 4-7-8: in 4, hold 7, out 8 (works for you too). PURPLE crying: peaks at 6-8 wks, can last 3-5 hrs/day, normal but miserable. Put down safely: crib on back, walk to another room, 5 min, breathe, return. Medical: fever, vomiting, refusing all feeds, lethargic, rash with fever → call. Reflux vs. colic vs. allergy: reflux = spits up + cries after feeds; colic = 3+ hrs/day, 3+ days/wk, no medical cause; allergy = blood/mucus in stool, eczema, family history. 'I'm losing it' plan: place baby safe, text someone, step outside 5 min, come back."*
Related prompts
Postpartum 0–3 mo#48
Prompt 48: The "Why Won't Baby Sleep?" Decoder
Baby won't sleep, you're exhausted, and you're getting contradictory advice. You want a clear framework for what's actually happening developmentally.
#49
Prompt 49: The Postpartum Mood Disorder Check-In
You want to know if what you're feeling is normal "baby blues" or something more. You want a real screening, not "you'll be fine."
#50
Prompt 50: The Partner "I'm Doing More" Conversation
You feel like you're doing all the work and resentment is building. You want a real conversation, not a blow-up fight.