Crying is a baby’s
main form of communication. It is the first thing a
baby does when it comes out of the womb and crying is
a perfectly normal event in the life of a baby. Babies
cry so the species will survive. There are many reasons
why babies cry and as new parents, you will be surprised
how quickly you learn to distinguish what different
cries mean. It can be a very healthy sign knowing that
your baby can cry and can let you know that he needs
you. The bond between parents and baby is strengthened
when parents are sensitive to their baby’s needs.
But it can also be very distressing to parents trying
to cope with a crying, fretful baby. The main reasons
for crying are:
Hunger – this is one of the main causes and
sometimes even if it seems you have just fed your
baby, he could still be hungry. If he stops after
another feed, you will know that he was telling you
he was hungry.
Wind – sometimes if babies cry after a feed
it can be due to indigestion or wind. Burp your baby
regularly to expel swallowed air. Many babies suffer
from colic and as colicky babies cry for over 3 hours
in each 24 hour period and appear to be in pain with
a distended tummy and gas, this is quite easy to diagnose.
Babies with gastro esophageal reflux will also cry
a lot.
Tiredness – when young babies have been awake
for longer than usual or they have been over stimulated
(being with strangers or being in a strange place)
they can become irritable and overtired and it can
be more difficult for them to fall asleep. Sometimes
they just need a good cry to help them fall asleep.
Uncomfortable – your baby may be constipated
and cry when he tries to pass a hard stool. It is
important to ensure your baby has regular bowel movements.
Babies can cry when they are wet or have soiled their
nappy and it feels uncomfortable. A nappy rash can
cause soreness so that your baby becomes sleepless
and cries.
Feeling unwell – you need to eliminate illness
as a cause of crying. If your baby cries inconsolably
for long periods each day, you will need to get a
thorough check up. Most crying babies are not sick.
A fretful baby is one which fusses on and off during
the day or night. There is not a set pattern, he does
not appear to be in pain and the tummy is not distended.
It may just be that a fretful baby has a hard time
keeping to a routine. Usually he will be this way
for the first 3 months but later become adjusted to
the outside world and calms down. It may be that his
nervous system as well as his young digestive system
has to settle down over the first few months. Fortunately,
as your baby grows older crying becomes much less
of a problem because as a parent you start to worry
less and you know what to expect from your baby at
different times of the day.
It is important for parents who have a fretful baby
to have time to themselves. Parents who feel overwhelmed
should take a break. Ask a partner or friend to take
over for a while, even if it is just for an hour or
two.
