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Patience and a sense of humor. It's the only way through parenting at any age.

I understand, believe me. My little girl is 91/2 (hee) weeks. I'm a single mom and I got so frustrated! It helped me to remember that she wasn't crying for "no reason", I just didn't know what it was. I thought I was the worst mom ever. Everything put me into a panic. Was really emotional those first weeks too. I read somewhere that a normal healthy baby can cry up to five hours a day. Just take it one step at a time. You will figure out what it is she wants. For some reason my little girl wants you on your feet. If she's fussy and you sit down? Good luck. I like to put music on a dance with her. Is your wife breastfeeding? I also found the first few weeks I wasn't producing that much milk, possibly because I was eating very little or maybe it just takes a while to get the milk going strong. Either way, we were much happier when my production increased. For the last few weeks the crying has dropped drastically and I barely remember the first couple of weeks. Good luck. The crying's not forever.

JLorenzo, I am hoping to offer some knowledge if not help, I am the mother to three children soon to be four (18weeks).I know it sounds crazy but every baby has a "fussy" hour(s), try giving her a warm bath and playing soothing music during this time, that may help. Also if your wife is nursing make sure she hasn't had any major changes in her diet, this will give your daughter gas.If all else fails try phayzyme or ovol during this time.Give it to her before feeding, it's like tums for babies and may help if there is gas.Also as a Daddy try putting her bare chest to bare chest, it worked when my hubby did it. If you need more suggestions don't hesitate to ask.Hope this helps, :)!

Also try too remember that being 11 days old that she is testing out her lungs and making her cry better.

A sincere thanks and congrats to all of you. My baby was born at 9lbs 2 ounces. My wife isn't breast feeding. She had a long labor and eventually a c-section. Was too tired to start. The baby is drinking between 2 and three ounces every couple of hours. Nice appetite. We are just taking one day at a time. All of your suggestions will be tried at some point. Thanks! Just nice to know we have a network to vent and talk...thanks again!

If your wife was interested, could she not start breastfeeding now? Just curious if anyone thought of it. Does anyone know of someone who was able to successfully breastfeed that started later?

I actually started breast feeding my one daughter after she was just about two weeks old, i continued until she was nine months.

A baby swing or car ride always seemed to work when nothing else did.

Josh~ When you know she's got a full tummy, a dry diaper, and isn't in any pain, sometimes all you can do is let her cry. A warm soothing bath, a car ride, a lullaby in the rocking chair, a baby swing, a vibrating bouncy chair, a pacifier, or swaddling the baby tightly in a receiving blanket are all options worth trying. Abby might have gas pains, which are pretty intense in infants, but this should be apparent by her cry. I suspect by now you and your wife have figured out her differnet cries. There is no cry more distinguishable than that of a baby in pain. If she's not in pain, and just needs to vent (remember, it's her only form of communication at this point) there is no harm in letting her cry in the comfort of her crib. She might just be pissed at the outfit you put her in and is expressing her dismay. Maybe she doesn't like pink. Lol. Hang in there daddy, the first few weeks are always a blur, it will get easier and much more enjoyable. Wait until about 8 weeks when she cracks that first smile. Priceless. :o)

I would read The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp. Most likely your baby is upset due to the transition from nice warm snug womb to the real world! I think even I want to go back in some days. Try getting a white noise CD and swaddling the baby, then put her in a swing and see what happens. Dr. Karp says it is perfectly fine to let them sleep in the swing if that is what they want. You may also need to change formulas. Your baby could be allergic and need a soy formula. You could talk to your doctor about it.

Oh, one thing I forget. A lot of babies like ot held so that they can see things. Try putting her in a bouncy seat upand seeting in on the table while you do things. That way she can see you. Babies don't really like ot be laid flat on their backs all the time. I don't imagine I would either - you can't see anything and the poor little ones can't pick their heads up...