5 Common Reasons Why Babies Cry and How to Soothe Them
Babies cry as a way to communicate their needs and feelings. Understanding why a baby is crying and learning how to stop it can be a challenging but essential part of parenting. Every parent wants their baby to smile and giggle.
Here are five common reasons why babies cry and tips on how to comfort them:
Hunger or overfeeding
Hunger is one of the most common reasons babies cry. To know if a baby is hungry, look for hunger cues such as:
- Putting hand to mouth
- Turning head toward breast or bottle
- Clenching hands into fists
- Smacking or licking lips
- Opening mouth
If you suspect your baby might be hungry, then it’s time to feed them! Newborns typically feed every 1-3 hours (8–12 times per day), consuming about 2-3 ounces of breastmilk or formula per feeding. As a baby grows, they can typically go longer between feedings.
Fatigue
Another very common reason babies cry is because they’re exhausted. It can be tiring to be so tiny and cute!
Newborns need up to 17 hours of sleep every day, which means they get tired very frequently. This is because, while they may not be able to do much on their own, their brain and body are developing rapidly.
If you suspect your baby might be tired, then help them fall asleep.
Dirty diaper
It is very common for babies to have dirty diapers. The feeling of a full diaper on their skin can be irritating and upsetting, which can lead to crying.
Be sure to change diapers as soon as you are able, especially if there is stool in the diaper. Parents can usually tell if there is stool in the diaper by detecting a scent. Typically, babies need their diapers changed every 2-3 hours.
On diapers for younger babies, there may be an indicator strip in the front that turns blue when the baby has urinated. This can help caregivers know when a baby’s diaper needs to be changed.
Internal temperature
If a baby is overheated or cold, they may be uncomfortable and will try to communicate through crying. This can happen if they are swaddled in a thick blanket or if they’re wearing a jacket while in a car seat. Baby should have a jacket they wear in their car seat that is different from a typical winter jacket: one that is not too puffy and doesn’t cause them to overheat.
Pain
Babies sometimes get infections or irritations that can cause discomfort, which can lead to crying. Conditions like earaches, teething, or diaper rash can cause pain. A healthcare provider should be consulted if you suspect your baby is in pain or has an infection.
Additional Tips for Soothing a Crying Baby:
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Holding your baby close to your chest with skin-to-skin contact can be incredibly soothing for both you and your baby.
- White Noise: Use white noise machines, gentle shushing sounds, or a gentle fan to create a calming background noise that may help your baby relax.
- Gentle Motion: Rocking your baby in your arms or using a baby swing or bouncer can provide a comforting motion.
- Check for overstimulation. Sometimes, babies cry when they're overwhelmed by too much stimulation. Move to a quiet, dimly lit room and provide a calming environment.
- Burping: If you suspect gas or discomfort, try burping your baby after feedings to release trapped air.
- Teething: If your baby is old enough to be teething, consider offering a teething toy or a cold washcloth to soothe their sore gums.
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