Crying baby

To say that crying is a key challenge to early parenting is an understatement, especially when it is three in the morning, the parents have not gotten any sleep, and the baby is still crying!

Babies cry for many reasons, but the main reason is to communicate. They cry when they are uncomfortable, wet, cold, too warm, hungry, thirsty, tired, or need to burp. New parents quickly learn the differences between a tired, sleepy cry and a hungry, "feed-me" cry.

Reasons and solutions:

With crying, there are no firm rules as to what causes it and what you can do to get your baby to stop. As you get to know your baby, however, you will get better at understanding what causes your baby to cry and what will get him to stop. Soon you will be able to distinguish hungry cries from boredom cries, hurt cries from angry cries. There will be times when it seems like your baby is crying for no reason at all.

When a baby cries, first check the obvious causes, such as hunger, discomfort, over-stimulation, and boredom. If it is possible that your baby is hungry, try feeding first. Newborns need 20-minute frequent feedings every 2 hours. Feedings provide comfort and closeness as well as keep the baby's tummy full.

Discomfort caused by illness, clothing, or soiled diapers will cause a baby to cry. If your child is sick, there are usually other signs, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or a stuffy nose. Some illnesses cause discomfort without other obvious symptoms. Perhaps the baby is too hot or too cold. A pediatrician may need to examine the baby if the crying persists. Sometimes a baby can get scratched in the eye or get something stuck in the throat. Make sure the baby's eyes look okay and the baby can swallow and breathe comfortably.

Check clothing to see if it is too tight or constricting or if diaper pins have become loose. Sometimes threads from the baby's clothes can get tangled around fingers or toes and cut off circulation. A bad diaper rash or even dirty diapers might be causing the crying. Babies generally do not mind wet or soiled diapers.

Over-stimulation from playing and handling can often cause overtiredness, which will result in crying. Some babies like the secure feeling of being tightly swaddled in a blanket, as in the hospital. If a baby startles or dislikes being naked, hold the baby's arms folded up close to the baby's body or crossed over the chest and hold the baby firmly.

If the baby is not hungry, sucking on a pacifier or a finger (the baby's or yours) can be just the thing to relax the baby for sleep. Some babies, who are not ill, may simply need to cry themselves to sleep.

Crying can also mean that your baby wants a change in scenery or activity. Babies can often be distracted by lively music, by dancing with them in your arms, or by a noisy rattle or toy. Car or stroller rides often work wonders for a crying baby and for parents as well. A baby swing may also work. Since babies love to see the sights and to be held close in someone's arms, walking the baby from room to room is generally a good cure for crying. Hold the baby upright while walking in case the crying is due to a gas bubble.

Using a front pack to hold the baby will free up your hands for little chores while walking the baby. A steady sound (such as a fan, a dishwasher, or a vacuum cleaner) may also calm your baby.

Stay relaxed. Babies can sense tension and will become tense, as well, and cry. Quiet music, gentle rocking, soft singing, or talking can often help, as does a warm bath or a gentle massage.

The word "colic" is used to describe a baby who cries daily for several hours at a time, usually at the same time each day. There is no known cause and no sure cure for colic other than time. Almost all babies outgrow colic by 3 months of age. If nursing, try eliminating caffeine, onions, cabbage, milk and other potentially irritating foods from your diet.

Call for help: If a baby is crying and you (or someone you know) is getting angry and frustrated at the baby) and you are afraid the baby will be hurt, call 911 or a pediatrician to talk about the problem. If you do not get away and relax, your baby will sense your fatigue, stress, and tenseness and most likely respond with increased crying. Ask your spouse, friend, neighbor, or relative to help care for the baby while you take a break. Call the baby's pediatrician if your baby seems to be in pain or has cried constantly for 2 hours or more.

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Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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