Seven reasons babies cry and how to soothe them

Your baby is fully dependent on you. You provide her with the food, warmth and comfort that she needs. When she cries, it's her way of communicating those needs and asking you for attention and care.It's sometimes hard to work out which need your baby wants you to take care of. But as your baby grows, she'll learn other ways of communicating with you. For example, she'll get better at eye contact, making noises and smiling.In the meantime, here are some reasons why your baby may cry, and what you can try to soothe her.

I'm crying because I'm hungry

Hunger is one of the most common reasons why your baby will cry, especially if she's a newborn. The younger your baby is, the more likely it is that she's hungry.Your baby's stomach is small and can't hold very much. So it won't take long before she needs another feed. If you're breastfeeding, offer her your breast, even if her last feed doesn't seem that long ago. This is called responsive feeding. Your baby will let you know when she’s had enough, by coming off your breast in her own time, and seeming content and settled.If you're formula-feeding, your baby may not need more milk for at least two hours after her last feed. Every baby is different, though. If your baby is consistently not finishing her feeds, she may prefer to drink formula little and often. In this case, you could try offering her another feed earlier.Your baby may not stop crying immediately, but let her keep feeding if she wants to.

I'm crying because I have colic

If your baby cries a lot, but is otherwise healthy, she may have colic. Your baby may become flushed and frustrated, and refuse your efforts to soothe her. She may clench her fists, draw up her knees, or arch her back.The exact cause of persistent crying isn’t clear. It’s so common in babies, that many experts think it may simply be a normal developmental stage.Other experts think that it may be associated with tummy problems. For example, an allergy or intolerance to something in your breastmilk, or a type of formula milk. Or it may be linked to wind, constipation or reflux, when your baby brings up feeds.If you think your baby is crying excessively, take her to your GP to rule out any other causes. Your doctor will check that nothing more serious is causing your baby’s distress.Whatever the cause, living with a baby who regularly cries inconsolably can be very stressful. It’s important to look after yourself too, so that you have the patience and energy to soothe your little one. These tactics may help you cope with colic.Remember that this phase will pass: colic tends to peak at two months, and is usually gone by around three to four months.

I'm crying because I need to be held

Your baby needs lots of cuddling, physical contact and reassurance to comfort her. So her crying may mean that she just wants to be held.Swaying and singing to her while you hold her close, will help to distract and comfort her.You could try babywearing with a sling or carrier to keep your baby close to you for longer periods. She loves the sound of your heartbeat, the warmth of your body and your smell.

I'm crying because I'm tired and I need a rest

Your baby may find it hard to get to sleep, particularly if she’s over-tired. The younger your baby is, the more subtle her sleep cues are, so it may take a few weeks for you to recognise the signs. Fussing and crying at the slightest thing, staring blankly into space, and being quiet and still are just some of the ways in which your baby tells you she needs some shut eye.Lots of attention from doting visitors may over-stimulate your baby and make it hard for her to sleep, as can too much rocking and singing. Try taking her to a quiet room after a feed and before bed to help her calm down and switch off.

I'm crying because I'm too cold or too hot

You can check whether your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling her tummy or the back of her neck. Don't be guided by the temperature of your baby's hands or feet. It's normal for them to feel colder than the rest of her body.Keep the temperature of your baby's room between 16 degrees C and 20 degrees C. Use a room thermometer to keep track of the temperature. Place her down to sleep on her back with her feet at the foot of her cot. That way she can't wriggle down under the blankets and become too hot.Take care not to overdress your baby, or she may become overheated. As a general rule, she needs to wear one more layer of clothing than you to be comfortable.Use cotton sheets and cellular blankets as bedding in your baby's cot or Moses basket. If her tummy feels too hot, remove a blanket or layer, and if it feels cold, simply add one. If you’re using a sleeping bag, make sure it’s the right tog for the season and the right size for your baby.

I'm crying because I need my nappy changing

Your baby may protest if she has a wet or soiled nappy. Some babies don't seem to mind unless their skin feels irritated.If your baby doesn't like having her nappy changed, it may be because of the strange feeling of cold air on her skin. After a week or so, you'll probably be a pro at quick nappy changes. Otherwise, distracting your baby with a song or a toy she can look at during changes may work well.

I'm crying because I don't feel well

If your baby's unwell, she'll probably cry in a different tone from the one you're used to. It may be weaker, more urgent, continuous, or high-pitched. If she usually cries a lot but has become unusually quiet, this may also be a sign that she's not well. Here’s how to spot the signs that your baby may be poorly.Teething may also cause your baby to be more upset than usual. Babies are often irritable and restless in the week before a new tooth comes through. Learn the other signs of teething to look out for.Nobody knows your baby as well as you do. If you feel that something's not right, trust your instincts and call your grand parents or doctor or visitor. Health professionals will always take your concerns seriously.Call your doctor straight away if your baby is persistently crying and has a fever of 38C or above (if she’s less than three months old) or 39C or above (if she’s three months to six months), is vomiting, or has diarrhoea or constipation.If your baby has difficulty breathing through her crying, call

Editor: Saloni gupta Added on: 2020-06-06 17:59:18 Total View:440