Why Do Babies Cry?
If you have a crying infant, they are probably trying to tell you that they need something. According to experts, infants cry as a warning to their parents that they want urgent care. Here are the most common reasons newborns cry, and some tips for soothing a crying baby.Hunger
There's a reason why they call it "hangry". Everyone gets grouchy when they're hungry, particularly newborns, who may go from zero to screaming rapidly if they haven't fed in a while.The "feed me" cry is rhythmic, repeating, and usually brief and low-pitched. According to specialists, a "neh" sound may accompany a baby's hunger screams, which are caused by the baby's tongue instinctively contacting the roof of the mouth in quest of milk.
The key to feeding is to respond to the baby's cues rather than checking the time. To prevent a hungry infant from crying, look for early indicators such as lip-smacking, sucking on their hands, or rooting.
Sleepiness
As a weary parent, you may be able to fall asleep as soon as you hit the mattress, but the same is not always true for babies. Sleep, like all other skills, can be learnt.Newborns don't have an established biological cycle until around 4 months. On top of that, a crying baby is largely incapable of self-soothing, so parents have to help the baby establish these things. To reduce infants' crying at night and comfort them to sleep, some trial and error is likely required to determine what relaxes your exhausted baby the most.
If your baby is crying at night and waking up frequently, it may be tempting to reduce daytime sleep, believing that fewer afternoon naps will help the baby sleep better at night—but this is not the case. When a baby is overtired, their body releases chemicals that give them a second wind, making it more difficult to fall and remain asleep. Even if it isn't the baby's typical naptime, if they appear exhausted, put them to sleep.
A dirty nappy
Some infants can sit in a wet or filthy nappy for hours. Others get agitated if they are uncomfortable for longer than a second.Undo the diaper for a brief examination or "sniff test." You can also choose a diaper brand that includes a wetness indicator that changes colour when the diaper is wet. That way, you won't have to undress your child every time you want to see if the baby's fussing is due to nappy discomfort.
Stomach problem
These are unmistakable indicators of gas in newborns, according to Dr Surender Kumar. The good news is that there is a simple approach to help them relieve it. However, be aware of danger signs that require immediate consultation with a doctor, including not feeding on time, fever, and bluish discolouration of the body.Illness
Nobody loves being ill and unpleasant, even newborns. If your infant is unwell, you will notice them crying more often than normal.Most parents know what their baby's typical cry sounds like, so if the infant refuses to stop crying or is sobbing harder and longer than usual, it could be a symptom of illness. Also look for other symptoms, like fever, vomiting, lack of weight gain, if the baby's not alert, or if the baby is inconsolable, and bring it to your pediatrician's notice immediately.
Need to burp
If you observe your baby crying shortly after feeding, it's a clear indicator they need to be burped. However, there may be instances when a good burping is necessary. Everyone remembers to burp the baby after feeding, but many babies may need to be burped after sucking a pacifier, having hiccups or crying. All these activities can result in swallowing air. So, if your infant is sobbing for no apparent reason, a pat on the back won't hurt. There are various strategies for burping a baby out there; choose one that works for you.Teething
Teething can begin as early as 4 months old, and when the pain starts, the infant will almost certainly cry more. Other symptoms of teething include increased drooling and nibbling on anything within reach. Sucking either on a pacifier or your thumb or finger might comfort the baby. According to experts, you could even massage your sobbing baby's gums. Simply massage the gums until your finger produces a squeaky sound. Chewing on frozen or refrigerated teethers, washcloths, or even cotton bibs can provide respite for babies.While it may seem tempting, avoid over-the-counter teething medications. Experts no longer recommend using benzocaine-based products because they can numb the back of the throat and impair the baby's ability to swallow. In addition, the doctors advise parents about the dangers of homoeopathic medicines like teething tablets. Also, avoid amber teething necklaces, which have been proven to be dangerous to babies. Natural relief is the best way to soothe a crying infant's teething problems unless the baby is extremely distressed.
Over-stimulation
We all experience sensory overload now and then. For infants, it could be after being passed around by aunts and uncles at a family gathering or being carried to the grocery store. Remember that your child is still adjusting to all the noise, so it may not take much to upset them. It's a good idea to take a crying infant home and relax if they appear overstimulated. Going on a walk and breathing fresh air in a quiet, familiar setting can also be beneficial, according to experts. But don't go overboard trying to keep infants away from sensory activities.Need for attention
We all know that babies don't have the "set it and forget it" mentality. You can (and should) allow the baby to spend some quiet alert time on a playmat. However, while your child is with you, they are at their happiest and quietest. Babies frequently cry out of loneliness because they are not carried or rocked constantly. They require these items as they progress through this period of rapid development. Young babies should be attended to empathically and quickly so their systems learn to be calm instead of agitated or aggravated.General discomfort
When we have an eyelash trapped in our eye, a hair wrapped around our toe, or a clothing tag pushing against our skin, we can easily remove them. However, a preverbal newborn has only one means to communicate their discomfort: wailing. If your child remains unhappy after napping, feeding, burping, and changing, strip the baby down and inspect for itchy tags or other small things that could be wrong.Colic
Last but not least on the list is colic, the epitome of baby crying. The experts define colic as a condition in which an otherwise healthy infant cries for more than three hours per day, three days a week, for more than three weeks in a row. Babies with colic cry excessively, are more difficult to calm and have disrupted sleep, causing a great deal of stress for you and your partner. However, keep in mind that colic is usually just temporary. Furthermore, colicky babies are not always uncomfortable or in pain, and this does not imply that you are doing anything wrong. Often, it is simply the baby's method of coping with life in those early months.How To Soothe A Crying Baby?
The best method to comfort a crying infant is to first understand why they are crying so that you can respond swiftly to their needs. Without understanding what's causing the tears, parents typically attempt a variety of soothing strategies, but they often lose the chance to tackle the true issue, and the baby's weeping worsens. Here's a summary of how to make your baby stop crying with these helpful suggestions and tactics.Swaddle
Babies like being swaddled. It gives them a feeling of security and reminds them of their time in the womb. The first step in comforting your sobbing baby is to put them in a secure (but not too tight!) swaddle with their arms by their sides.Side or stomach position
Hold the infant on their side or stomach with your arm. Both postures are soothing for the infant and may help alleviate flatulence and other gastrointestinal concerns.Maintain silence
Make a mild shushing sound straight into the baby's ear, similar to what they heard when in the womb. Don't be hesitant to turn up the volume slightly for a wailing infant.Swing
Swinging or gently jiggling the infant might help them quiet down. Babies are used to these sorts of movements from infancy and may be surprised by silence immediately after delivery.Suck
According to experts, sucking on anything helps many restless newborns relax. Once the baby calms down, try breastfeeding or using a pacifier.When To Let The Baby Cry It Out?
It is difficult for any parent to hear a baby cry, and it is natural to want to comfort those cries. But is there ever a time when it's better to let the infant cry? There's no clear and fast solution. Yes, newborns cry a lot, but since it's their main mode of communication, it's not unexpected. They need a great deal of assistance to understand the rhythms of life outside the womb, including consoling, rocking, and soothing.When it comes to sleep training, often known as allowing babies to scream it out, is a little contentious. Some experts suggest that allowing a newborn to cry might be emotionally damaging, although this is not supported by evidence. In fact, a 2016 research found that allowing infants to cry had no stress reactions or long-term consequences on a baby's mental state, outward behaviour, or parent-child attachment. But every family must devise a sleep training plan that works for them.
If you decide to let the baby cry it out, experts usually suggest that the baby be at least 4 to 6 months old—but that doesn't mean your baby can't learn some self-soothing strategies in the meantime.
If you find yourself becoming upset and furious with your screaming infant, take a step back and find someone to assist, whether it's your partner, a family member, or a friend. And know that, like everything else, this will pass.
Take Care Of Yourself
If your newborn is crying a lot, remember that it will get better. Babies frequently cry the most during their first few months of life. Most babies stop crying at the age of two to four months.However, it is natural for crying to cause fatigue and stress. Some new parents notice that their emotions fluctuate frequently over the first month. If you are extremely depressed or have been sad for more than a few weeks, contact your healthcare physician.
While caring for your newborn, take pauses and rest whenever possible. Try to get plenty of sleep. Remember to do activities you enjoy when you have time.
Ask your partner, other loved ones, and friends for assistance. Let them know what assistance you require. You can ask the people in your life for assistance with tasks such as errands, chores, cooking, and caring for any older children you have.
Try to set aside some time each day to do things that will help you relax. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to soothe your infant. Infants can detect tension in adults and may respond by crying. If you become angry or worried, your infant may cry harder.
If your baby's sobbing makes you feel like you're losing control, put them in their cot and go to another room. Take a 10- to 15-minute pause to calm yourself down. Here are some things you can do to reduce stress:
- Take deep breaths
- Listen to music
- Meditate
If you're having difficulties managing your stress, seek help. You can call:
- A family member or friend
- Your healthcare provider
- A crisis support service
FAQs on Reasons Why Babies Cry and How to Soothe Their Crying?
- How can you divert a crying baby?
Sing or speak to the infant in a calm tone. Gently massage or touch the baby's back, chest, or stomach. Provide a pacifier or attempt to distract the infant with a rattle or toy. Swaddle the infant with a nice blanket. - Why is my infant crying uncontrollably?
Infants may cry for any reason like boredom, loneliness or colic. A wet or dirty nappy causes discomfort or irritation, as can excessive gas or feeling chilly.
