Babies, newborns in particular, definitely cry quite a bit. This is unavoidable as crying is their only mode of communication till they can use sign language, point or speak. Seeing the baby cry can be very stressful for parents. Yet patience comes with practice. There are some obvious reasons for crying. Parents must make a mental checklist and see which one of them is applicable.
Physical and Bodily Needs Make Babies Cry
The most obvious reason for babies to cry is hunger. There are some typical signs like smacking the lips, putting fingers or an object in the mouth and fussing. Once parents know these telltale signs, they are likely to feed the baby just about the right time before he/she cries.
A soiled diaper is another common reason for a baby to cry. Some babies do manage to communicate this reason while in most cases parents have to check the diaper if the baby cries. Sleeping difficulty can cause crying bouts in babies too. They need assistance from their parents. They need to be put to sleep and they cry when trying to communicate that to their parents.
Babies can also cry if they feel extremely hot or cold. When babies come out into the room after bathing, when wet wipes are being used to clean them or when their clothes are being changed, they may cry if they are feeling cold. Similarly if they feel hotter than normal they signify by crying. Although babies cry more if they feel cold, it is more dangerous to keep their body too warm. In such cases, the baby's cry is whiny, nasal and continuous.
Different Kinds Of Pain Cause Babies to Cry
Tummy trouble is another cause for crying in babies. When babies develop gas they cry severely. Abdominal pain is at times caused due to excessive trapping of gas in the tummy – a condition called colic. Pediatricians prescribe over the counter infant gas drops or gripe water.
Even if a baby does not have a colic tendency there may be occasions when he/she will cry due to gas pain. Little exercises such as rubbing the baby's back, trying to generate a burp, making the baby lie down and holding his/her legs up to his/her stomach, or making a cycling motion with the legs is very helpful for gas release. It is important for parents to know that if the crying persists, there may be other more serious possibilities like a urinary tract infection, reflux, stomach flu, milk allergy, lactose intolerance or constipation.
Some babies can do without burping after mealtimes while others feel clearly uncomfortable unless they burp. Air gets trapped in the baby's body when he/she breastfeeds or bottle feeds. Trapped air causes discomfort and resultant crying. These babies need to be burped (holding the baby against the shoulder and rubbing the back) after every feeding till the time they do not feel the need anymore.
Teething can be a reason for babies to cry too. When a tooth comes out tearing apart the gums, it can be painful. Some babies tolerate it, others cannot. If the baby is crying for no apparent reason parents can check if a tooth is coming out (by feeling the gum with a finger to see if it is hard). In case of intense pain, the pediatrician may prescribe painkillers.
Less or More Stimulation Affects Crying
Sometimes less or more stimulation causes a baby to cry. If the baby is shy and peace-loving in nature he/she may need less stimulation. He/she needs to be away from too much noise, crowd, hullabaloo, loud music, and bright lights. Crying is their form of expressing, "I've had enough." Such babies need a quiet and calm environment. On the contrary, babies who are more outgoing like to be admired, love being amidst people, enjoy lights and shopping malls to satisfy their curiosity. When denied all these and kept indoors with just the toys for company, they cry for more entertainment.
Little things too can make babies feel frustrated. A frustrated baby who cannot operate a toy, or whose leg is entangled with something, may cry to express his/her feeling.
If the baby's basic needs have been met with following the above and yet he/she continues to cry parents need to check if the baby is about to have fever. The baby might not be feeling well. A cry of hunger or boredom is far different from a cry of distress. If the baby is crying inconsolably, calling the doctor is a wise decision. At times, babies just need to cry to release energy. No amount of hugging, cuddling and showering love and care, particularly in the first six months, will spoil the baby. They need their parents to be there for them.
References:
Babycenter.com. Twelve Reasons Why Babies Cry and How To Soothe Them (accessed August 2, 2010).
Mayo Clinic. Crying Baby: What to Do When Your Newborn Cries (accessed August 2, 2010).
Diparati Ghosh - Hello everyone! I am Deepa Ghosh Dutta, a contributing writer of Suite101. A Masters degree holder in English Literature from Calcutta ...
Join the Conversation