I have a theory. Children are like refrigerators.

You know how refrigerators have that switch? The one such that when you close the door, the switch is pressed causing the light in the fridge to go out?

Well children have a similar switch, only when theirs is pressed, it causes them to cry. No one knows exactly where the switch is (there might be several or maybe it moves) but how to activate the switch is very clear. All you have to do is put the child down (you know, in the crib, or pack-n-play or snuggle nest, or what have you). Any time you put the child down to sleep, you’re inevitably going to activate that switch and crying will start almost instantly.

This explains why children stop crying when you pick them up and why they start crying when you put them down.

Ah, but what about those times when the child is crying even though you’re holding her? That would because you’re inadvertently pressing the switch (with your arm or hand or something). Just try shifting the child into a different position (remember the switch can move or your child may have several switches).

So there ya go. Man, what would the world do without my brilliance to help explain such complicated matters?