Why Do Babies Cry

There are many reasons why babies cry. While crying is a way of babies communicating, excessive crying can be stressful to both parents and baby. Let's look at some of the reasons why babies cry and how we can help them to stop crying.

 

 

 

 

No. Reason for Crying Handling Methods 1. Mode of communication Try to understand why your baby cries. Patiently study and understand what your baby wants and by attending to their needs you can stop the crying. Sometimes the baby just needs some love and attention from you. 2. Empty belly Since babies have small stomachs, they have to feed more frequently, hence the frequent cries. It’s best to feed your baby on a scheduled basis and ensure that they are not hungry. 3. Soiled diapers Soiled diapers are a source of discomfort and if left unattended could cause painful and uncomfortable diaper rash. Changing your baby's diaper regularly could avoid unnecessary cries and help your baby stay clean and healthy. 4. Too hot or too cold Babies are not that good at regulating their body temperature.  They could be experiencing heat or cold and will show signs of discomfort.  Attend to your baby by adding or removing layers of blankets or clothing to regulate baby’s temperature.  This will also promote a healthy sleeping environment for your baby. 5. Too bright or too noisy Bright lights and noise can disrupt a baby's sleep and drive them to tears. Find them a calm and cosy environment to sleep in and avoid unnecessary cries. 6. Uncomfortable Rough edges, sharp tags, tight fittings or even prickly heat could cause discomfort and make your baby cry.  Choose comfortable and breathable sleeping attire for your baby to ensure uninterrupted sleep. 7. Other reasons: Fever Colic Vomiting Trouble breathing (Stuffed nose) Injuries and falls Babies can cry due to many other reasons such as fever, colic, insect bites, etc. Parents should be alert with their baby’s condition and find the cause of the baby’s discomfort and fix the situation as soon as possible. If symptoms show signs of deterioration or baby’s cries and conditions get worse, PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!

When Babies Cry at Night
Newborn babies can't distinguish between night and day and tend to wake up at night. Let us look at babies' feeding habits according to their ages.

No. Baby’s Age Reasons for Waking Up 1. From birth to 2 months Most babies wake up twice each night for feeding. 2. 2 – 3 months Most babies need one feeding in the middle of the night. 3. By 4 months Most bottlefed babies will sleep for more than 7 hours without feeding. 4. Over 5 months Most breastfed babies can sleep through the night without feeding.

Parents can follow these few simple tips to help put your baby to sleep:

1. Cuddle, lullaby or rock your baby till they are drowsy, but place them in the crib to sleep (stop rocking the cradle).  This will help baby to learn to sleep on his own.
2. Gradually minimise your visits and shorten your stay with your baby to instil a sense of security of being on his own.
3. Try to switch the light off to further instil baby’s confidence when being alone.
4. Don’t pick up baby from the crib; instead introduce a security object such as a doll, stuffed animal, pillow or blanket to replace you.
5. Try moving the crib to another room, but within monitoring distance.
6. Avoid long naps during the day.  Wake baby up if he has slept for more than 2 hours.