Most pediatricians agree that one of the most common question they get from parents is: “Why is my baby crying? ” Whether you are a first-time mother or you have other children, having you little one crying persistently can be frustrating. If you have to constantly deal with an inconsolable child, you may end up becoming irritable or even depressed as you struggle to find out what the problem with your baby could be.
Some of the reasons babies cry
Sickness: When babies are not feeling well, the only way they know how to express it is through crying. Look out for other symptoms that they may have, including fever, bloated stomach, sweating, shivering or vomiting. If you suspect that your baby is crying because of illness, go to the hospital and have the symptoms checked.
Dirty or wet nappy: When the baby has a soiled nappy/diaper, then they will cry. It could be the nappy is causing irritation and burning their skin. Try and change your baby regularly, doing regular checks to ensure that they are always dry. You can soothe their nappy rash using creams or unscented petroleum jelly.
Need for attention: When babies feel abandoned and ignored, they are crying. Sometimes, what your baby needs is to be soothed and cuddled. Do not leave your baby unattended for long, because this irritates them. If you are busy and not able to hold your baby, try and get them something like a safe toy that can distract them.
Discomfort: The reason your baby is crying could be that they are feeling uncomfortable. It could be that you dressed them in uncomfortable clothes that and they are feeling suffocated. Maybe the surface you have placed them on is causing their skin to itch or is too hard on their skin. Other reasons could be the use of irritating detergent and softener to wash the baby’s clothes causing an allergic reaction. Try to inspect your baby’s clothes, or changing your detergent to see if they will stop crying.
Colic: Most babies, especially the first months of birth suffer from colic. This can cause them to cry endlessly and stay awake most nights. One of the main ways of knowing your baby is suffering from colic is when they have clenched fists and they are distorting their faces as a sign of pain. Even though this can be difficult to deal with, there are ways you can control colic. Ensure that your baby is burped after feeding. You can also massage their stomachs gently to relieve the pain associated with colic.
Teething: When a baby is teething, then they tend to cry a lot. This is because of the complications associated with teething such as painful gums, fever and general discomfort. Peek through your baby’s gums to see if you can identify forming teeth to see if this is the cause of your baby’s cries. If your baby is crying because of teething, you can find some over the counter medications recommended for teething babies and give them to relieve their pain.
Stress: Your baby may be subjected to external stressful conditions like too much noise, intense light, too much cold or heat. Ensure that the environment around you is conducive for the baby so that they do not have to deal with the stress.
Hunger: One of the common reasons for babies tears is hunger. If your baby is crying too much, it could be simply because they want to be fed. Try and increase your baby’s feeding intervals as they grow older, and try feeding them whenever they demand for it because they need it for growth and development.
If you find yourself handling a cranky and crying baby, try to keep calm. Do not be yell or hit the baby, as it will cause them to cry more. Before you rush to the hospital in panic, asking your doctor: “Why is my baby crying?” you should ensure that it is not something you can control.
Always breastfeed and rock the baby to see if they will calm down. Try stroking their backs and soothing them by whispering reassuringly to them so that they know you care for them. Remember that even though your baby is young, they are able to read your mood and when you panic and get restless, you make them cry more. If your baby keeps crying for hours without stopping, then it is time for you to go to the hospital, as it could be something more serious.
