Why Babies Cry
There are many reasons for a baby crying. It may be hungry, in need of a diaper change, feeling too hot or cold or just venting something you’ll never understand. The simple fact is that all babies cry and sometimes there’s no real cause for it. Babies can’t talk, they can’t write and they can’t tell you what they’re thinking. So instead, they cry. While the regular cry is beyond anyone’s control there are several common reasons a baby cries and thankfully each has a remedy.
Most babies cry when they are hungry. If they need nursing they will start a wail that can be easily quelled with a pacifier, bottle or mommy’s breast. In addition to crying babies may fuss about, wiggle impatiently and even rummage around for mommy’s chest. If you can spot these signs in time and get baby some food you could prevent a crying fit. Once their stomach is full a baby will usually stop crying.
Another common cause of a baby crying is the dirty diaper. You’d cry too if you messed yourself and couldn’t clean it up. But some babies won’t mind the warm feeling they’ve created and could be soiled for hours before you realize something is wrong. Though natural a baby’s mess is not healthy and should be cleaned as soon as possible. Spot checks on baby’s diaper and a keen sense of smell will let you know when a changing is due. Providing a warm rinse and fresh diaper will make baby comfortable enough to stop most crying fits.
In addition to dirty diapers babies will also cry if they are feeling ill, have an uncomfortable rash, are feeling too hot or cold or the dreaded colic. Don’t underestimate a baby’s ability to know something is wrong. Temperature is very important with babies and if it is too hot or too cold a baby will often cry until the conditions improve. Wrapping a baby in a warm blanket or removing a heavy sweater can often be enough to stop crying. Check your baby’s skin if it is crying continuously as they may have a rash or other abrasion that is causing discomfort.
Also be prepared for the nerve wracking condition known as colic. Colic is the uncontrollable crying in infants that has no apparent cause and can last for over three hours at a time. Colic usually begins in the first few weeks after birth and can last up to four months. Unfortunately there is no known cure for colic as doctor’s still aren’t sure what causes it. A number of suggestions are offered for treating colic including soothing baths, constant exercise and subtle white noise, dietary changes and trying Infacol, a brand medicine for simeticone. Colic can cause an extreme amount of stress on a parent and it is important to have assistance when dealing with this unnerving condition. Having friends take turns watching the baby to give you a time out is recommended as is seeking out support groups with other affected parents.
Colic is extreme but a need for attention is routine. Babies like to be held, cuddled, spoken and sung to. If a baby is alone and crying try picking him up and rock him back and forth while gently soothing him with words or a lullaby. More often than not a little attention will go a long way in keeping the crying to a minimum. But the reverse can also be true. If too many people are holding a baby and passing him around he may get frustrated and overwhelmed and will let everyone know that the game is over by wailing. Be smart about the amount of attention he gets and make sure to intervene when he’s had enough. Taking him away from the party and putting him down for a nap can easily stop a sudden tantrum.