Babies mainly communicate with the world by crying; through it, they communicate their needs, discomfort, and emotions. For a new parent, it may seem daunting, but you must understand the reason why the baby is crying. Then you can act accordingly and alleviate the cause of your baby’s cries. Today you will learn about 10 reasons why your baby might be crying as well as provide information about how to prevent these episodes of crying.
Hunger
Cause: Hunger is one of the most common reasons for seeing your baby cry. Babies’ stomachs are quite small, and due to this, they require very frequent feeding. When your baby feels the sting of hunger, their instinct is to cry. This is to alert you that your baby requires nourishment.
Prevention: Learn to recognize subtle hunger cues shown by your baby, such as lip-smacking, sucking on fingers, or rooting. It would also be good to institute a feeding schedule according to your baby’s needs. But keep in mind that as your baby grows, make sure to make changes to your feeding schedule according to the changing needs of the baby.
Discomfort due to dirty diapers
Cause: If the baby’s diaper is soiled or wet, then it may be a reason for the cry of the baby. The material itself can irritate the sensitive skin of your baby. All these diaper-related factors can prompt your baby to cry in need of relief.
Prevention: Irritation can be prevented by regularly checking and changing the diaper of the baby. You should develop a habit of checking the diaper just before and after you feed the baby. Apply barrier creams to your baby before putting on the diaper; this will protect your baby against diaper rash, which is known to exacerbate the discomfort of the baby. Making sure the baby is clean and dry will also reduce diaper discomfort.
Sleepiness and fatigue
Cause: If your baby is exhausted but having difficulty falling asleep, this may also prompt crying from your baby. An overly tired baby may struggle to calm down, which will lead to more intense crying. Remember, your baby needs a lot of sleep; if they are somehow or for some reason deprived of it, it is common for them to become very inconsolable.
Prevention: Like hunger, you need to know the baby’s sleeping cues, which include eye-rubbing, decreased activity, or fussiness. Try to make sure your baby goes to sleep on a consistent routine. You can achieve this by creating a dimly lit and quiet environment during bedtime, as the baby’s body interprets this as the signal for time to sleep. This will reduce the chance of the baby becoming overtired. Swaddling can also provide comfort and help your baby fall asleep, as this mimics the snugness of the womb.
Need for physical contact
Cause: Babies often crave physical contact or comfort, especially from their parents. Keep in mind that this need for physical closeness is very instinctual and very vital for the emotional development of the baby. Their brains are wired to crave the warmth and security that is provided by being held, and by crying, they ensure they receive the physical comfort that they need.
Prevention: When you notice your baby is crying, quickly respond by holding, rocking, or cuddling them in your arms. You don’t need to worry about spoiling your newborn during these early months. Because providing comfort is very vital for their sense of security. Skin-to-skin contact is especially soothing for newborns; this also helps them regulate a steady body temperature and heart rate. You can use a baby carrier; using this, you can keep your baby close to you while doing your daily chores. This way, you can nurture a close bond with them while also keeping them calm.
Temperature sensitivity
Cause: Babies are susceptible to temperature changes, so if they feel too hot or cold, it can prompt crying in your baby. Unlike adults such as you and me, babies are not good at regulating their temperature. They are not very effective at it, which makes them very susceptible to temperature extremes.
Prevention: Make sure to dress your baby in multiple layers, which can easily be put on or taken off depending on the temperature of that time. A good rule of thumb to follow is to dress the baby in one additional layer than what you are wearing. Checking the regions around the baby’s back, neck, and chest will give you a good idea about whether your baby is too warm or too cool. Another big thing to keep in mind is not to overdress your baby, especially when they are sleeping, as overheating can lead to an increased chance of sudden infant death syndrome, also known as SIDS.
Pain or illness
Cause: Another obvious reason for a baby’s cry is due to pain or illness, which is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever. Teething can also be included in this, as it is also a source of discomfort for the baby.
Prevention: Keep an eye on your baby for any signs of pain or illness, and make sure to consult a pediatrician if it becomes necessary. And for teething, you can use a cold teething ring or you can massage the gums of the baby. It is very important to follow medical advice and constantly monitor the baby’s health.
Overstimulation
Cause: An environment with too much light, noise, or activity can be very overwhelming for the baby. This can make the baby cry as a way to block out the overpowering stimulation.
Prevention: It is your responsibility to provide a calm, quiet environment for the baby. So if they are in an overstimulating environment, remove them from there. After that, you can try rocking them in a gentle, rhythmic motion to calm them. You can also try using white noise or soft music to calm them.
Need for burping
Cause: During feeding, the baby can swallow air that is trapped in the stomach. This causes discomfort for the baby, leading to crying.
Prevention: You need to burp them after every feeding. Just hold them upright and gently pat or rub their back. Keeping the baby upright during feeding and taking small breaks to burp them will stop the gas buildup in their stomach.
Colic
Cause: sometimes a baby will cry for a prolonged time due to unexplained reasons; this is known as colic. This usually happens in the late afternoon or evening. The accurate reason for this may be unknown, but it may be related to digestive issues or overstimulation.
Prevention: There is indeed no actual remedy for colic, but trying out different soothing techniques such as holding them in different positions, using white noise, or taking them outside in your car can help. Do not worry; colic is temporary, and usually around the age of 3 to 4 months, it goes away.
The need for stimulation
Cause: A baby can cry due to feeling bored or lonely. This shows that the baby is not getting enough interaction or stimulation.
Prevention: Interact with your baby by talking, singing, playing with toys, or various other activities. Providing the baby with many kinds of stimuli throughout the whole day can reduce boredom and thus also the crying.
Conclusion
Every parent needs to understand the reasons for the cries of their baby, as through understanding they can provide effective care and comfort for their sweet newborn. Consistent observation, a nurturing environment, and prompt responses to your baby’s needs are key to reducing crying and promoting your baby’s overall well-being.
