It can be very frustrating when trying to understand what your baby wants or needs when they don’t know how to speak yet. The only form of communication that they can use is by crying in order to get their parents’ attention and care.
Babies cry for many reasons but sometimes, the reason just cannot be figured out. There will come a time when a baby just won’t stop crying no matter what and you’ll feel incredibly helpless, not knowing what to do. But that’s normal, most parents have been through that at least once.
Reasons Baby Cry
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Hunger
This is usually the first thing parents think of when they hear their baby cry. It’s important for parents to learn and recognise the signs of hunger such as lip smacking, fussing or rooting.
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Stomach problems from colic or gas
Tummy troubles associated with colic and gas can cause a lot of crying. Colic is usually described inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day, at least three days a week and at least three weeks in a row.
If your baby isn’t colicky, then it is possible that gas pain is making them miserable. If you suspect gas, try putting her on her back, grasping her feet and gently move her legs in a bicycling motion.
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Needs to burp
If your baby is crying after a feeding, they probably swallowed air during the breastfeeding or formula feeding. When this happens, a good burp may be all they need.
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Dirty diaper
Some babies will let you know in an instant while some can tolerate a dirty diaper for quite a while. Either way, it’s good to check if it is one of the reasons causing discomfort.
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Needs sleep
It seems like tired babies can go to sleep at anytime, anywhere. However, it’s harder for them than you realise. Rather than nodding off easily, they might fuss and cry when they’re feeling overtired.
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Wants to be held
Babies need a lot of cuddling as they like being close to their parents. Crying can be a way for them asking to be held close. Sometimes all it takes is your heartbeat, smell or voice to calm them down.
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Too cold or too hot
Newborns love being bundled up and kept warm but not too warm. So parents need to make sure not to overdress or put too little clothes on their babies.
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Something painful and hard to notice
Babies can cry over things as difficult to spot as a hair wrapped tightly around tiny toe or finger, cutting off circulation. Some babies can be very sensitive to things like scratchy fabric or clothing tags. They can also be very picky about subtleties like the position they’re being held in or the bottle you offer.
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Teething pain
Babies can feel pain when a new tooth pushes through their tender young gums when they’re teething. Some babies suffer more than the others, but all are likely to be fussy and tearful from teething at some point.
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Not feeling well
If all of your baby’s needs have been taken care of, you might want to check for signs of any illness. The cry of a sick baby is different from one caused by hunger or frustration.
Methods to Comfort
You’ve made sure your baby is fine and that all needs have been fulfilled but your baby is still crying. Don’t worry as you can still comfort your baby without knowing the reason.
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Give them something to suck on
Sucking can steady a baby’s heartbeat, relax their stomach and calm their flailing limbs. Offer them with a pacifier or a finger to suck onto for them to calm down.
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Snuggling and swaddling
Newborns like to feel warm and secure, just like how it felt being in their mother’s womb. You can try swaddling your baby in a blanket or holding them against your shoulder to recreate the feeling.
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Music and rhythm
You can attempt playing some music, singing a lullaby or your favourite song and dancing around the room. Experiment with different kinds of music and see how your baby responds to it.
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White noise
Many babies can be calmed by the steady flow of “white noise” that blocks out other noises as it reminds them of the bodily sounds they heard in the womb. Some examples of white noise would be vacuum cleaners, tap water running or washing machine.
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Fresh air
It’s good to ventilate your home by opening some windows or doors. You can also try taking your baby outside for a walk.
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Warm water
Just like fresh air, warm water can help in stopping your baby from crying. Gently hold onto your baby under a light running warm shower. Don’t force it if your baby doesn’t like the splashing water.
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Motion
Sometimes, all it takes is the movement of being in your arms or a carrier may be enough to stop the baby from crying. Other methods to put your baby in motion is to let them sit on a rocking chair, swing or bouncy seat or you can take them for a ride in the stroller.
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Massage
Most babies enjoy being massaged. Don’t worry about not knowing the proper movements, as long as it’s gentle and soft, it should be comforting enough for your baby.
For more parenting tricks and tips, please visit Motherhood.com.my.