Baby crying
DEFINITION
Babies cry as a method of communicating their needs to their
parents.
parents.
DESCRIPTION
All babies cry at some time and it is not unusual for a new
born infant to cry for up to 2 hours a day. Babies cry so their
needs will be met. Picking up and cuddling or nursing your fretful
baby will not start bad habits or spoil him/her. Responding to your
baby’s crying will provide your baby with a sense of comfort and
security. Prolonged crying, however, can be distressing for parents
and often leads to feelings of despair and anger.
born infant to cry for up to 2 hours a day. Babies cry so their
needs will be met. Picking up and cuddling or nursing your fretful
baby will not start bad habits or spoil him/her. Responding to your
baby’s crying will provide your baby with a sense of comfort and
security. Prolonged crying, however, can be distressing for parents
and often leads to feelings of despair and anger.
Some babies have frustrating periods of intense, inconsolable
crying known as Colic – Infantile. Colic is often defined as crying
for more than three hours a day, three days a week for more than
three weeks in an otherwise well-fed, healthy baby. Colic episodes
are most common in the late afternoon or evening. The crying often
begins suddenly and for no apparent reason. During an episode, your
baby may be difficult, or even impossible, to comfort.
crying known as Colic – Infantile. Colic is often defined as crying
for more than three hours a day, three days a week for more than
three weeks in an otherwise well-fed, healthy baby. Colic episodes
are most common in the late afternoon or evening. The crying often
begins suddenly and for no apparent reason. During an episode, your
baby may be difficult, or even impossible, to comfort.
Below are some common reasons why your baby may be
crying;
crying;
- I’m hungry. Most newborns eat every few hours around the clock.
Some babies become frantic when hunger strikes. They may get so
worked up by the time the feeding begins that they gulp air with
the milk, which may cause spitting up, trapped gas or more crying.
To avoid such frenzy, respond to early signs of hunger. If your
baby begins to gulp during the feeding, take a break. - I need to burp. During and after each feeding, take time to
burp your baby. Your baby may need to burp between feedings as
well. - I’ve got a wet/dirty nappy. For some babies, a wet or soiled
nappy is uncomfortable. Gas or indigestion may have the same
effect. Check your baby’s nappy often to ensure it is clean and
dry. - I’m tired. Tired babies are often fussy. Make sure your baby is
getting enough sleep. For newborns, this often means up to 16
hours, or even more, every day. - I’d rather be bundled/wrapped. Some babies feel most secure in
a swaddle wrap. Snugly wrap your baby in a muslin/cotton or other
small, lightweight blanket. - I want to move. Sometimes a rocking session or walk through the
house is enough to soothe a crying baby. In other cases, a change
of position is all that is needed. Keeping safety precautions in
mind, try a baby swing or vibrating infant seat. Weather
permitting, take your baby for a walk in the stroller. - I’m lonely. Sometimes simply seeing you, hearing your voice or
being cuddled may stop the tears. Gentle massage or light pats on
the back may also help. - I’m hot. A baby who is too hot or cold is likely to be
uncomfortable. Add or remove a layer of your baby’s clothing as
needed. - I want to suck on something. Sucking is a natural reflex. For
many babies, it is a comforting, soothing activity. If your baby is
not hungry, try a clean finger or pacifier/dummy. - I’ve had enough. Too much noise, movement or visual stimulation
may be upsetting to your baby. Move to a calmer environment or
place your baby in the crib. White noise, such as a recording of
ocean waves or the monotonous sound of an electric fan or vacuum
cleaner, may help your baby relax. - It’s just that time of day. Many babies have predictable
periods of fussiness during the day and require extra comfort and
closeness during these times. - I’m not feeding properly. If you are breastfeeding your baby
who is constantly fussing and fighting and the breast you may need
to talk to your Doctor or lactation consultant who can help with
problems like poor positioning and attachment of your baby at the
breast, milk let-down reflex problems or hunger.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Most crying babies are not sick, however if your baby cries
inconsolably for long periods each day, you will want to make sure
he/she is not sick by having a thorough check-up with your Doctor
or Paediatrician. Many crying babies end up with the label ‘windy’
or ‘colicky’ because no other reason can be found and the problem
resolves itself after three or four months. This can be a very
difficult time for parents and it is very important that during
this time you eat well, take every chance to rest, and accept help
from friends and relatives during these difficult weeks that the
crying lasts. It also helps to talk to other mothers who are
sharing this experience.
inconsolably for long periods each day, you will want to make sure
he/she is not sick by having a thorough check-up with your Doctor
or Paediatrician. Many crying babies end up with the label ‘windy’
or ‘colicky’ because no other reason can be found and the problem
resolves itself after three or four months. This can be a very
difficult time for parents and it is very important that during
this time you eat well, take every chance to rest, and accept help
from friends and relatives during these difficult weeks that the
crying lasts. It also helps to talk to other mothers who are
sharing this experience.
