Why do I have a Crying Baby?

A crying baby is not usually cause for alarm. Babies cry for all sorts of reasons. At this stage of their life it is the only way they can communicate. As you spend more time with your baby you will begin to recognise the different types of cries they have and respond quicker with the required need that your baby has. Here are some common reasons that babies cry.

A baby needs food. Are they are hungry? This is the first thing parents often think is wrong when a baby cries. If you have your baby in a good feeding routine your baby should only cry for a feed when the feed is actually due. If your baby gets hungry between feeds then check that you are offering them both breasts for at least 20 minutes each when you give them a feed.

Does the baby’s nappy need changing? Babies can cope with wet nappies for a considerable amount of time. Especially with some of the disposable nappies that are around that trap in the moisture away from the skin. However babies do not like feeling wet or uncomfortable on their bottoms and will cry when they need to be changed. Soiled nappies that are left on for longer will cause nappy rash.

Does your baby feel tired? A tired baby that is crying shouldn’t take that long to fall asleep if they are used to going to sleep on their own. However an over tired baby will appear cheery but over the top and the next minute may begin crying suddenly. The key to success in this area is routine. Nap times should be at the same time each day and evening. Put your baby to sleep with the same routine each night and you should be able to put them down to sleep wherever you are. The routine we use can be seen in the Family Routine pages of this website.

Does your baby have wind? Crying caused by wind or colic causes pain in the tummy region and is usually an intense cry. A baby will bring it’s legs up and may go red in the face. Babies will usually suffer wind around late afternoon and early evening. Sometimes it is caused by food you have eaten that has affected your breast milk. Bottle fed babies are more likely to have wind if they gulp air rather than milk.

A great treatment to use it Colic Calm which is all natural and has been proved to have great results. I used to combine that with lying my baby face down in my arms, my hand on her tummy and bouncing her creating a pressure on her hard stomach. It helped bring her some relief until the wind passed.

Is your baby crying because they are too hot or too cold? Babies get wrapped a lot while young and in hot weather can run the risk of overheating. Light, lose clothing and good cottons help keep baby cool. The general rule is that babies need one more layer than you for comfort – remember this especially in cooler weather.

Babies cry when they feel exposed. While a baby is in the womb that are kept warmly wrapped and enclosed. If a baby is left unwrapped or uncovered they will feel insecure and uncomfortable. If the weather is hot use light cotton but still keep baby wrapped and feeling secure.

Is your baby bored? This is especially true as babies get a little older and are more aware of what is around them. They like cuddles and songs, smiles and pictures and sounds. It could also be a cry of frustration that they can’t reach a toy or move in the direction they want to.

A crying baby is sometimes an overstimulated baby. This usually occurs when your baby has been taken out of their routine and they begin the extreme crying and fussing because they are beyond themselves. Babies do adore attention but if they have too much stimulation such as being passed from person to person and game after game, they will feel like they have run a marathon.

Is your baby crying because he is teething? Babies gums become sore, swollen and sensitive, they can go off their food and become quite clingy. Bonjela mouth gel is helpful as are teething rusks and chewy, rubbery toys that have liquid in them that you can make cold for baby to suck and chew on.

Do you think your baby is in pain? If you have crossed off all the other reasons above and your baby seems to be in pain then it’s best to see your doctor. A baby can’t tell you where they hurt but a professional will be able to identify the symptoms. Use baby Panadol in cases of mild illnesses and temperatures. Seek medical advice.

Hopefully this has helped answer why you have a crying baby. Knowing these answers will help you meet your baby’s needs quickly. It won’t take long and you will recognise different types of cries that will signify their different needs.

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