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Babies cry, but why?

Crying is a normal communication response used by babies, but unfortunately, it can be difficult for parents to hear. A crying baby tugs at a parent’s heartstrings, which can make an adult feel anxious, tense, and guilty about not knowing why their baby is crying.

Should they respond to their baby’s cry right away? Or should they let him or her ‘cry’?

When a parent gains experience, along with professional knowledge and facts about why babies cry, it enables them to make parenting decisions with confidence.

Why do babies cry?

· Hunger
Physical discomfort such as being too hot, cold, bloating, pain, vomiting, or gas
・Overstimulated
tired/too tired
Passing a bowel movement
Needs a reassuring hug
Colic
Release of accumulated ‘stress’

During the first 8 weeks of a baby’s life, they often experience a “fussy” period that can last 4-5 hours each day. This period is often referred to as the “witching hour” and usually occurs in the late afternoon between 3 and 4 pm. During this fussy period, a baby will cry irregularly and appear hungry, gassy, ​​and unable to sleep. Adaptive techniques and parental patience will be needed to cope with this time. These adaptation techniques may include carrying your baby in a baby carrier or sling, a deep warm bath, extra feedings, a walk outside, cuddling, an electronic swing, or handing over to another caregiver.

Once a parent has learned to identify the different cries of their child, it becomes a question of what they can do to help. Below are some ideas based on both personal and professional findings over many years. Remember that not all crying is ‘bad’ and should not necessarily stop. Parents’ knowledge and perception of their baby’s crying will determine their response.

1. A Hunger Cry

For the first few days after birth, a baby can be nursed from both breasts as long as they cry and at least every 2 hours during the day until the breast milk has ‘come in’. When breast milk is present, the baby should be encouraged to nurse from one breast at each feeding until the breast is empty (approximately 30 to 40 minutes). Babies need to stay awake while nursing to ensure good nutritive sucking. Offer the second breast only if he is still hungry.

Starting at 3 weeks, a breastfed baby should be nursed at least every 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours if formula-fed. This may mean waking your baby if he sleeps too much during the day.

Tips: Feed more frequently during a growth spurt. (approximately 7 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months)
and ensure a good latch on to the breast, otherwise they will tire from feeding without getting enough milk.

2. Physical discomfort

has. Massaging your baby daily will facilitate a conditioned tactile relaxation response that is beneficial to your baby’s maturing central nervous system.

b. Have your baby evaluated for ‘Reflux’ if they are:

-Always restless and crying.
-He will not lie happily on his back.
-Screams after spitting.
-Swallows and swallows even when not feeding.
– Hiccup often.
-Wakes up after 20-30 minutes of sleep on a regular basis.

against Identify any food intolerances, particularly dairy and wheat products. There are telltale signs and symptoms with a breastfed or formula-fed baby that can be evaluated by a local healthcare professional. Some of these signs include, but are not limited to, eczema or rashes, vomiting, bowel changes, and bloating.

d. Prevent excessive weight gain by not overfeeding.

me. Dress a baby in one more layer than the parent who feels the heat the most.

F. Try to use a pacifier.

gram. Sing or read to them. Babies are soothed by the rhythmic sounds of your voice, and don’t worry if it’s out of tune!

H. Watch for fever, listlessness, and fewer than 6 wet diapers in a day, which would indicate a need to see a doctor.

3. Overstimulated

Allow the baby space after each feeding to move his limbs and not be picked up.

· Be aware that some babies find the lights, too many people, smells and noise of shopping malls and other ‘crowded’ areas overwhelming and will be fussy and cry during the visit or after they have returned home.

4. Tiredness

· Be aware of how much sleep your baby needs and make sure he or she gets regular sleep opportunities.

· Establish ‘cues’ for sleep, such as swaddling or offering a pacifier. These cues can help your baby recognize that it is time to sleep.

· Be aware of and watch out for signs of fatigue such as jerking movements of the extremities, facial grimaces, yawning, breaking eye contact, and clenched fists. These are signs that your newborn baby is ready for sleep.

5. too tired

Try not to ignore the signs of tiredness described above, as this is the window of opportunity that makes it easy for a baby to fall asleep.

· A baby will not attend to a bottle or breast if he is too tired. Therefore, he always feed them right after they wake up before they are about to sleep.

If a young baby needs to cry, they don’t need to ‘cry’ alone in their crib, but can hold them close and be calm and comforted as they cry in your arms.

When an overtired baby finally falls asleep, their sleep may be fitful and shortened, lasting only 15 to 20 minutes. Therefore, try to prevent your baby from reaching this stage.

6. Passing a bowel movement

A young baby often cries before having a bowel movement, which is called ‘infantile dyschezia’. This condition lasts for only 2 weeks and is not associated with any other intestinal changes such as blood, mucus, foam or anal fissures, which are signs that must be evaluated by a professional.

7. I need a hug

Before birth, your baby has been close to its mother’s heartbeat and aware of other muffled, rhythmic sounds from the womb and outside noises. They have been floating in the warmth of the fluid and felt safe being encapsulated and placed in the womb. Exposure to the outside world filled with sudden loud noises, smells, brightness, wearing clothes, tasting milk, and bodily functioning can be a great adaptation for your baby. A safe, reassuring, and comforting hug may be just the thing to help them feel like everything is okay.

8. Colic

The term colic is often used to describe a baby who is extremely fussy, irritable, and cries regularly. This is a time when all the techniques that have been working or could work to calm your baby are no longer working. Your baby is raising his legs and crying a cry that sounds desperate. They can stiffen their backs and not want to be picked up. All the usual comfort measures aren’t working and your baby (and most likely you) is getting more and more desperate. This is a difficult time for most parents, and not just first-time parents. You feel useless and hope that you are not missing something serious.

There is often a good explanation for why a baby behaves in this way and with careful diagnosis and appropriate measures this distress can be reduced. These may include:

– “Growth smearing” (occurring over approximately 24 hours at 3 days, 7 days, 2-3 weeks, and 6 weeks of age).
-The ‘witching or arsenic hour’ lasting 3-4 hours, which usually disappears between 8-12 weeks and is thought to be related to the development of the baby’s nervous system.
-Being too tired.
-Misreading your baby’s cues, for example, trying to feed when she cries from exhaustion or sleeping when she is hungry.
-The temperament of your baby.
-Being handled by an overly anxious and nervous parent or caregiver in a tense home.
-Internal rhythm known as “circadian rhythm” not yet established.
-Overstimulation.
-Reflux, which can also be ‘silent’ without vomiting.
-Allergies and/or intolerances to certain foods.

If all of these options are explored and nothing is found, then that could be labeled as true colic, which can last up to 3 months of age. Not knowing why a baby is crying, as well as dealing with crying, can be extremely difficult and exhausting for parents. A good support network is vital for parents whose child is suffering from colic, as it can be a very draining time both emotionally and physically.

Some settling methods to try:

· Use the stroller to rock them to sleep.
· Use an electronic swing, carrier or sling.
Give your baby a relaxing bath either alone or in a deep one with you. Try putting a cup of chamomile tea in your bath water and a warm washcloth on your tummy.
· Breastfeed quickly or suck on a pacifier.
Go out and meet someone or brisk walk with them in a stroller or baby carrier.
· Lie down with them and hold them gently.
Play loud ‘white noise’ or music in your sleeping area
· Do whatever else you think would work for your baby, making sure to keep his or her personality in mind. Try to stay calm and always give your baby the one who is calmer.
· Relax with the idea that they will pass with time: colic usually starts at 3 weeks and continues until around 3 months.
If you’re concerned about unstable behavior, have your baby checked by your pediatrician or child health professional.

9. Release of accumulated ‘stress’

Due to a baby’s immature nervous system, overstimulation of any of their five senses through excessive touching, overfeeding, loud noises, strong fragrances, and excessive brightness can be overwhelming. Expose babies to the sensations of the world gradually, as they will be less likely to feel overwhelmed. This is particularly true for the premature baby.

What parents can do to help themselves cope with the demands of a crying baby.

1. Have realistic expectations: All babies cry.
2. Say ‘yes’ to anyone who sincerely offers to help you.
3. Network with other like-minded parents with babies and toddlers
4. Be realistic about what you hope to accomplish each day.
5. Slow down your life, since this precious phase of raising your baby will not last long.
6. Eat nutritional whole foods regularly and avoid eating too much takeout.
7. Rest every day, especially in the afternoon.
8. Get some form of outdoor exercise every day.
9. Allow each parent “alone time” to do something they really enjoy.
10. If you are alone and your baby’s crying causes you a lot of anxiety or frustration, put your baby safely in his crib or basket and leave the room until he is calm. Ask someone for help if you are afraid of hurting your baby. Staying with them when you feel this way could result in you lashing out aggressively.