Why do babies cry? It's not always clear
exactly why, but you can be sure when
your baby cries he is
trying to tell you something isn't right. It is their main form of
communicating to you.
Babies don't cry to annoy you, or because they
are naturally naughty or grumpy, babies just cry, it's what they
do. Some babies seem to be more sensitive to change and discomfort
than others are, but ignoring their cries won't make them change.
Usually a cuddle with mum or dad is all that is needed to help
settle your baby.
Fortunately, crying hardly ever indicates a major physical problem
or illness. Yet if you are worried about it, then ask for your
doctor's advice, to rule out any illness.
In the majority of cases, crying babies are healthy, even babies
who cry for a long time, and at least once a day. Your doctor will
be able to reassure you your baby's developing well.
Here are the types of things your baby might
cry about, and which you can attempt to deal with:
- Is he hungry or thirsty? This is the most common reason for
crying. Let your baby decide when to come off the first breast, if
you're breast-feeding. Then offer the next breast. Make up an extra
amount of formula and offer it if you're bottle-feeding.
- Is he getting a good, satisfying feed? Check your baby's
position on the breast, to make sure he's stimulating the letdown
reflex, which brings him the calorie-rich hindmilk. If you're
bottle-feeding, check the teat hole is not too small and thus
making sucking and swallowing difficult, or that the hole is too
big and overwhelming him.
- Does he need 'winding'? Sit your baby in an upright position
and rub his back.
- Is he uncomfortably hot or cold? Check his chest with the back
of your hand; it should feel comfortably warm, not hot and clammy,
or cold.
- In the early weeks it is quite common for some babies to suffer
from colic.
- Is he bored and needs some company? Cuddles, soft singing, back
patting, a bath, can all be calming and soothing.
- Is he tired, yet unable to settle down to sleep? Try rocking or
pushing him up and down in the pram.
- Is he irritated by noise, excitement and people? If so go to a
quiet room with him.
- Is he uncomfortable? Check his clothing for tightness round the
wrists or ankles. A baby with diaper rash will cry in a wet or
dirty diaper.
- He might just want a cuddle from mum or dad. He loves the
feeling of security he finds in your arms, your smell and just
being near you.