
All babies cry, and sometimes it's easy to work out what they want, and sometimes it's not. Crying is the only way for a baby to communicate that they need something, and feeding them is often the first thing a parent will try. But is it the right thing to do? Every baby is different, and while some may cry because they are hungry, others may be crying for other reasons, such as discomfort, tiredness, or a need for comfort.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Crying | Normal, but may indicate a need for comfort and care, or a serious issue |
Reasons for crying | Hunger, tiredness, overfeeding, caffeine, clothing, dirty diaper, colic, pain, reflux |
Colic | Crying for at least 3 hours a day, 3 or more days a week, for babies under 3 months old |
Reflux | A common condition where babies bring back milk after feeds |
Action | Try different comforting methods, change diaper, adjust feeding routine, check for illness, seek medical advice if concerned |
What You'll Learn
Crying due to hunger
Hunger is the most common reason for a baby to cry. Crying is their way of telling you that they need something, and that something is usually food. If your baby is crying, it might be time to feed them. However, it's important to remember that crying is not always due to hunger, and there are other reasons why your baby might be crying.
How to tell if your baby is crying due to hunger
If your baby is crying due to hunger, they will usually stop crying at the onset of feeding. By the end of the feed, they will be happy and content. If your baby is still crying after a feed, it might be because they are still hungry.
How to soothe a hungry baby
If your baby is crying due to hunger, the best way to soothe them is to feed them. If you are breastfeeding, let your baby suckle at your breast. If you are formula-feeding, feed your baby if it has been more than two hours since their last feed. For breastfed babies, feed if it has been more than 1.5 hours since the last feed.
It is important to remember that you should not feed your baby every time they cry. Overfeeding can cause discomfort and bloating, which can lead to more crying. Let your baby decide when they have had enough to eat. They might turn their head away or stop suckling to indicate that they are full.
Other reasons for crying
There are many other reasons why your baby might be crying besides hunger. They might need their nappy changed, or they might be too hot or too cold. They could be tired, or they might be going through a growth spurt or teething. If your baby is crying during feeds, it could be a sign of reflux, which is common in babies under eight weeks old.
If you are unsure why your baby is crying, try some of the following ways to comfort them:
- Hold your baby close to you and move about gently, swaying and dancing, or put them in a sling.
- Rock your baby backward and forward in their pram, or go out for a walk or a drive.
- Find something for them to listen to or look at, like music or a mobile above their cot.
- Try stroking your baby's back firmly and rhythmically, holding them against you.
- Give your baby a warm bath.
- If your baby is breastfeeding, improving their positioning and attachment might help settle them.
If your baby is constantly crying and you cannot console or distract them, or their cry does not sound like their normal cry, it could be a sign that they are ill. Contact your health visitor, GP, or a helpline for advice.
When to Switch from a Newborn Pacifier
You may want to see also
Crying due to overfeeding
Overfeeding a baby often causes discomfort as they cannot properly digest all the breast milk or formula. This can lead to crying for several reasons. Firstly, an overfed baby may swallow air, which can produce gas and increase discomfort in the belly. Secondly, the baby may experience intestinal spasms or cramps, which can cause them to cry or fuss. Additionally, overfeeding can lead to frequent bowel motions, which can be sloppy and foul-smelling, especially if the baby is formula-fed.
It is important to note that overfeeding is a common problem, especially for newborn bottle-fed babies. This is because it is harder for a baby to control the flow of milk from a bottle, and they may be pressured to consume more milk than they need. However, overfeeding can also occur in breastfed babies if they are pressured to feed when they are not hungry.
To prevent overfeeding, it is crucial to pay attention to your baby's feeding cues. A baby who is hungry will latch on to the breast or bottle and suck continuously, while a baby who is getting full will take longer pauses between sucking. When the baby is full, they will turn away from the breast or bottle and refuse to suck. Respecting these cues and allowing your baby to self-regulate their milk intake is essential to prevent overfeeding.
It is also important to note that a baby's weight is not a good indicator of overfeeding. An overfed baby can be underweight, overweight, or within a normal weight range. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to their feeding cues and behaviour rather than solely relying on weight as an indicator.
Newborn Insurance: Adding Your Baby to Your Policy
You may want to see also
Crying due to teething
Teething can be a challenging phase for both babies and their caregivers. The pain and discomfort associated with teething can lead to incessant crying and sleepless nights. Understanding the signs of teething and knowing how to manage them can help soothe your baby and ease their distress.
Teething usually begins around six months of age, but this can vary from baby to baby. Some common signs of teething include:
- Irritability and excessive crying
- Drooling and teething rash
- Red and swollen gums
- Red, flushed cheeks or face
- Rubbing their ears or the side of their face
- Gum-rubbing, biting, or sucking
- Decreased appetite for solid foods
- Facial rashes
- Slightly elevated temperatures
- Provide your baby with safe, chilled teething toys. The cold can help numb the gums and reduce discomfort. Make sure these toys are designed for teething and don't have small parts that could be a choking hazard.
- Gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger or a soft, wet cloth. The pressure can provide relief and distract your baby from the pain.
- Offer your baby hard foods they can gnaw on, like zwieback toast, to soothe their gums and hunger.
- Give your baby something to chew on, like a teether, to help relieve the pain. Avoid teething jewellery made from amber or wood, as these pose a choking risk.
- Dress your baby in comfortable clothing to promote sleep and reduce discomfort.
- Create a calming atmosphere and a relaxing bedtime routine to help your baby feel sleepy and relaxed.
- Consult your paediatrician or dentist for advice on oral hygiene practices and teething relief options, such as over-the-counter teething gels or medications.
Remember, teething is a temporary phase, and these strategies can help ease your baby's discomfort during this challenging time.
Abdominal Breathing in Newborns: Normal or Not?
You may want to see also
Crying due to illness
It can be challenging to determine why a newborn is crying, and sometimes it may be due to an illness. If your baby is crying constantly and cannot be consoled or distracted, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry, it could be a sign that they are ill.
- They have a high temperature or fever, especially if they are under 12 weeks old.
- They have a fit, seizure, or convulsion.
- Their skin colour changes, such as becoming blue, mottled, ashen (grey), or very pale.
- They are unresponsive, floppy, or harder to wake up than usual.
- They are having difficulty breathing, such as rapid breathing, making throaty noises, or sucking in their stomach under their rib cage.
- They are vomiting, especially if it is projectile vomiting.
- They have a high temperature, but their hands and feet feel cold.
- They have a spotty purple-red rash anywhere on their body, which could indicate meningitis.
If your baby displays any of these signs, it is important to contact your healthcare provider, such as your health visitor, GP, or a similar service in your country. Trust your instincts and seek help if you feel something is wrong.
Additionally, if your baby is crying a lot and you suspect it might be due to an illness, it is recommended to keep a record of when and how often they cry. This information can be helpful for healthcare professionals in diagnosing the cause of the crying.
Feeding Newborns: Are They Asleep or Awake?
You may want to see also
Crying due to reflux
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that affects fewer than 1% of babies and can cause significant discomfort. It is characterised by frequent crying and irritation due to the immature muscle development in newborns, which causes stomach contents to be pushed up into the oesophagus, resulting in heartburn.
Symptoms of Reflux
Reflux in newborns presents as frequent hiccups, spitting up, and vomiting. It is important to distinguish between reflux and true vomiting. Reflux typically occurs without pain or crying, and the baby generally acts hungry and looks well. On the other hand, vomiting is often forceful and can be accompanied by discomfort, bile, and diarrhoea.
Soothing a Baby with Reflux
To soothe a baby with reflux, it is recommended to feed them in an upright position, whether bottle-fed or breastfed, to avoid swallowing excess air. After feeding, it is important to wind or burp the baby to release trapped air and reduce discomfort. Feeding smaller amounts more frequently is also suggested, rather than less frequent larger feeds.
Additionally, creating a calm environment by dimming the lights and reducing noise can help soothe a baby with reflux. Gentle vibration, such as a trip in the car, or white noise, such as the sound of a washing machine, can also be comforting. Gently massaging the baby's tummy in a clockwise motion can help relieve wind or gas.
Medical Treatment for Reflux
In most cases, infant reflux is diagnosed based on the baby's symptoms. However, for severe cases, medical tests such as a biopsy of the intestine or a special type of X-ray can be performed. Treatment for reflux may include acid-blocking medications, although these are generally not recommended for normal reflux and have been shown to be ineffective in reducing excessive crying. Thickeners such as rice cereal can be added to formula to help manage reflux.
The First Few Weeks: Defining the Newborn Period
You may want to see also