Babies cry for many different reasons, ranging from hunger to boredom to discomfort and more. One of the most frustrating things for parents, especially new parents, is figuring out what is causing the baby to cry and then finding the best way to calm the baby's crying. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why babies cry, and what you can do to soothe and comfort them.
Crying is communication
It's tempting sometimes to think your baby is crying just to irritate you or even for no reason at all, but the truth is much simpler. A baby cannot talk, of course, and crying is his or her only form of communication. The good news is that most babies have more than one kind of cry, each one with slightly different characteristics and body language depending on what the baby is trying to communicate. Why is this important? Because understanding the reason for the crying is a big step toward understanding the best way to soothe your baby and bring the crying to an end.
Common types of baby cries
Here are some of the most common types of baby cries and what you can do to help:
I'm Hungry - If it has been a few hours since your baby has been fed, offering the baby a chance to breastfeed or drink a bottle is a good start.
I'm Hungry Again - Babies typically go through growth spurts at 7 to 10 days, two to three weeks, four to six weeks, three months, four months, six months, and nine months of age. During these times your baby will eat more than usual, often needing more frequent feedings to be satisfied.
I'm Tired - A tired baby will typically yawn, rub his or her eyes, and be disinterested in toys, people, and other things that are usually entertaining. If you notice these signs in your baby, it's probably time for him or her to take a nap.
I'm Hurting - Babies can't tell you when they are in pain, so they cry instead. This kind of cry typically happens suddenly, and may sound somewhat like a shriek. When this happens, check your child carefully to determine the source of the pain.
I'm Uncomfortable - Your baby might simply be uncomfortable. This can be due to a wet diaper, feeling too hot, feeling too cold, or feeling tired of being in the same position for a length of time. Check the baby for common areas of discomfort and relieve the discomfort to soothe the crying.
I'm Overwhelmed - It's not uncommon for babies to become overwhelmed or overstimulated when surrounded by a great deal of activity. Noise, being held by a number of different people, lots of different voices, and the like, are all things that can just be too much for your baby. Take him or her into a quiet, softly lit area for some rocking or comforting to soothe the crying.
My Tummy Hurts - Most babies end up with a touch of colic at some point, and a few experience regular, chronic bouts with painful colic. It may be caused by gas, overfeeding, or simply be related to your baby's young digestive system struggling to cope with food. Common signs of a tummy ache include pulling the legs up with each cry, squirming, or experiencing some relief when lying on the stomach.
In breastfed babies, the mother's diet influences the milk she produces so her diet can be a problem as well. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid foods such as chocolate, cabbage, broccoli, some dairy products, and excess caffeine in their beverages. If your baby gets frequent tummy aches, talk to your doctor about using a few drops of simethicone to help get rid of painful gas and soothe an irritated stomach.
What else can help identify why your baby is crying?
A big part of deciphering your baby's different cries is to consider the context of the cries. Did he just wake up from a nap? He's probably hungry and needs a diaper change. Has she been awake for several hours without taking a snooze? She's probably in need of a nap. Did he just eat and hasn't let out a good burp yet? Chances are he has a gas bubble and needs some help getting it out.
It's very difficult sometimes, especially when you're over tired or have been struggling with a crying child all day or all night, to keep an open mind and positive frame of mind when it comes to soothing your baby. The frustration builds and it’s easy to start blaming yourself for "not being good enough" or start blaming the baby for "crying all the time" for no reasons.
If you feel yourself thinking or feeling this way, try taking a deep breath to clear your mind. If possible, enlist the help of someone else who can take the baby for a short while and give you a break. Often times, you will find it easier to deal more effectively with the crying and the baby will respond to the different touch and voice of the other person.
Most important of all, don't fall into the trap of blaming yourself if you're having trouble soothing your crying baby. Every person goes through this at some point in their parenting, so give yourself a break and just keep trying. Most of the time you will quickly learn to distinguish your baby's different cries and know how best to soothe and comfort your child.