Our baby did cry a lot when he was three months old, before my wife and I figured out the reasons why he cries so much.
Before you become a parent, one thing you’ll know is that your baby relies on you completely.
You’ll be the one giving them food, warmth, and comfort.
When they cry, it’s their way of telling you they need something, like your attention or care.
So, if your baby cries a lot, it means they’re not getting what they need.
Sometimes it can be tough to figure out exactly what your baby needs.
But as they grow, they’ll learn other ways to communicate with you, like making eye contact, making noises, and smiling.
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In the meantime, here are some reasons why your baby cries, and what you can do to calm him or her down.
1. The baby is hungry
Hunger is one of the most common reasons why your baby cries, especially if it is a newborn.
The younger your baby is, the more likely he or she is to be hungry.
Your baby’s tummy is small and can’t hold a lot of food.
So, you’ll notice that they get hungry again fairly soon.
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to offer your breast, even if it hasn’t been very long since the last feeding.
Your baby will let you know when they’ve had enough by stopping and looking happy and satisfied.
If you’re using formula, your baby might not need more milk until about two hours after the last feeding.
But remember, every baby is different.
If your baby doesn’t finish their bottle each time, they might prefer to eat less frequently.
If that’s the case, you can try offering another feeding sooner.
Sometimes, your baby might keep crying even after a feeding.
If they seem hungry, it’s okay to let them continue feeding if they want to.
2. The baby has colic
If your baby cries a lot and is healthy otherwise, they might have something called colic.
During colic, your baby might get frustrated, turn red, and not respond to your efforts to soothe them.
They might clench their fists, pull up their knees, or arch their back.
The exact reason for all this crying isn’t clear, but it’s quite common in babies, and some experts think it’s just a normal part of their development.
Others believe it might be related to stomach issues like allergies, gas, constipation, or reflux.
If your baby cries excessively, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out any other problems.
The doctor will make sure there’s nothing more serious causing your baby’s distress.
Dealing with a constantly crying baby can be tough, so remember to take care of yourself too.
You’ll need patience and energy to comfort your little one.
Fortunately, colic usually peaks around two months and tends to go away by three or four months.
So, it’s a phase that will pass.
3. The baby needs to be held in your arms
Babies like being close to you and feeling your warmth and comfort.
So, when your baby cries, it might just mean they want to be held.
If you pick them up, sing to them, and give them a nice hug, it can help calm them down and make them feel better.
You can also use a sling or baby carrier to carry your baby close to you.
They enjoy hearing your heartbeat, feeling your body’s warmth, and smelling you.
It’s a cozy and soothing experience for them.
4. The baby is tired and needs to rest
Babies can sometimes struggle to fall asleep, especially if they’re very tired.
When they’re young, it can be a bit tricky to spot their sleep signals, but you’ll get better at it with time.
Signs like fussing, crying for small reasons, staring blankly, or becoming very quiet are ways your baby tells you they need to sleep.
Having visitors around or too much activity like rocking and singing can make it hard for your baby to sleep.
After feeding, try taking your baby to a quiet room to help them calm down and relax before putting them to bed.
This can make it easier for them to fall asleep.
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5. The baby is too cold or too hot
You can check if your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling their tummy or the back of their neck.
Don’t use your baby’s hand or foot temperature to judge how warm or cold they are.
It is normal for the baby’s hand and foot to feel colder than the rest of the body.
Keep the temperature of your baby’s room between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Use a room thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Lay him or her down to sleep on his or her back with their feet at the foot of the crib.
This way he or she won’t be able to slip under the blankets and get too hot.
Try not to cover your baby too much, as he or she could become overheated.
As a general rule, he or she needs to wear one more layer of clothing than you to be comfortable.
Use cotton sheets and cellular blankets as bedding in your baby’s crib or bassinet.
If the baby’s belly feels too hot, remove a blanket or layer, and if the belly feels cold, just add one.
If you use a sleeping bag, make sure it is the right one for the season and the right size for your baby.
6. The baby needs their diaper changed
Your baby will start crying if his or her diaper is wet or dirty.
Some babies don’t seem to care unless their skin feels irritated.
If your baby doesn’t like having his or her diaper changed, it may be because of the strange sensation of cold air on their skin.
After a week, you’ll probably be an expert at changing diapers quickly.
If not, distracting your baby with a song or a toy they can look at during changes can work well.
7. The baby is not feeling well
If your baby is not feeling well, he or she will probably cry in a different tone than you are used to.
It may be weaker, more urgent, continuous, or sharp.
If he or she normally cries a lot but has become unusually quiet, it may also be a sign that he or she is not well.
Teething can also make your baby cry more than usual.
Babies are often irritable and restless in the week before a new tooth emerges.
You know your baby better than anyone else does.
If you think something is wrong, trust your instincts and call your doctor, midwife, or health visitor.
Health professionals will always take your concerns seriously.
Call the doctor right away if your baby cries persistently and has a fever of 38 degrees or higher (if he or she is less than three months old) or 39 degrees or more (if he or she is between three and six months old), vomits, or has diarrhea or constipation.
If your baby has difficulty breathing while crying, take him or her to the nearest emergency department.
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How to Stop Your Baby From Crying
Have you not been able to calm your baby?
You should know that as you get to know your baby’s personality, you will learn what techniques work best for him or her.
If a hug or breastfeeding doesn’t work, these suggestions may help:
1. Play a constant sound
In the womb, your baby could hear your heartbeat.
Surely now they like to be close to you because the beat of your heart is very familiar to them.
The repetitive noise of a vacuum cleaner, washing machine, or hair dryer can help lull your baby to sleep.
You can use white noise to soothe your baby.
Get an app on your phone or a toy that makes calming sounds like ocean waves or raindrops.
2. Rock and swing your baby
Most babies love to be rocked gently.
You can rock your baby:
• In your arms while you walk
• In a rocking chair
• On a swing
• You can also try taking him or her for a walk in your car or stroller.
• Try giving him or her a massage or a belly rub
Using unscented massage oils or creams specially formulated for babies, gently rub your baby’s back or tummy in a clockwise direction.
Massaging your baby’s tummy can help with digestion, and your touch will help calm and comfort him or her.
A regular massage can help your baby cry and complain less.
The best time for massage is when the baby is calm and alert.
If the baby cries during the massage, he or she is telling you that they’re fed up, so you stop doing it and hug them.
3. Try a different feeding position
Some babies cry during or after feedings.
If you breastfeed, changing the way your baby latches may help him or her feed calmly, without crying or fussing.
Ask your health visitor or lactation consultant to check your posture.
If your breastfed or bottle-fed baby seems to have painful gas during feedings, he or she may prefer to feed in a more upright position.
Burp your baby after feeding by holding him or her against your shoulder and gently patting or rubbing his or her back.
If the baby cries right after feeding, he or she may still be hungry, so offer the other breast or more formula.
4. Let the baby suck something
Some babies like to suck on things like toys or teethers.
If you breastfeed, you can let them suck on your breast for comfort.
You can also let them suck on your finger or knuckle if it’s clean.
Or, you can give them a pacifier if you think it might help comfort them.
5. Give the baby a hot bath
A relaxing bath can help your baby calm down.
Check the water temperature before putting him or her in the bathtub.
It should be between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius.
If you don’t have a thermometer, put your elbow in the water.
It should be warm(not too hot and not too cold)
Keep in mind that bathing can also make some babies cry more if they don’t enjoy the feeling of being in the water.
Over time, you will get to know your baby’s tastes.
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What Should You Do if Nothing Works?
It’s normal for babies to cry, so don’t blame yourself if your baby just won’t calm down.
Your baby may naturally cry a lot during the first few weeks.
Crying tends to peak around two months and usually begins to subside afterward.
But in the meantime, it’s likely to make you and your partner stressed and unhappy.
If the baby resists all efforts to be calm, you may feel rejected and frustrated.
Keep in mind that you’re not the reason they’re crying.
Sometimes just accepting that you have a baby who cries a lot can help.
If you’ve already taken care of your baby’s immediate needs and tried everything you can to calm him or her, it’s time to take care of yourself by:
• Put your baby in his crib and let him or her cry for a few minutes out of your reach.
Take a deep breath and relax for a few moments.
• If you and your baby are upset and you’ve tried everything, call a friend or family member for support.
Take a break and allow someone else to take care of things for a bit.
Conclusion
You have learned the main reasons why babies cry, make sure you look after your wellbeing as well.
If you don’t take care of yourself, it will be difficult for you to stop your baby from crying.
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