
There are many reasons why a newborn may be fussy, including hunger, discomfort, fatigue, teething, or overstimulation. Crying is a perfectly normal form of communication for babies and can help them process an active day, settle down, and fall asleep. While it can be stressful for parents when they are unable to soothe their child, it is important to remember that it is okay to let a baby cry and that short periods of crying can be beneficial. In fact, studies have shown that sleep training, which allows children to learn to self-soothe, results in better sleep for the baby, less stress for the parents, and no negative impacts on their relationship.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When to let a newborn fuss | When the newborn is fed, has a clean diaper and isn't showing any signs of illness. |
How long to let a newborn fuss | Until they fall asleep, which could take 25 minutes, 65 minutes or even longer. |
How to soothe a newborn | Holding and comforting, swaddling, white noise, rocking, singing, etc. |
What You'll Learn
- Fussiness is normal for newborns, especially in the first few months
- Fussiness can be caused by hunger, discomfort, fatigue, teething, or overstimulation
- Crying is a natural form of communication for babies and can help them process their day
- Self-soothing is an important skill for babies to learn, and crying it out can help them develop this ability
- If fussiness is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an illness and should be checked by a doctor
Fussiness is normal for newborns, especially in the first few months
It is normal for newborns to be fussy, especially during the first few months. Fussiness is usually a result of hunger, sleepiness, overfeeding, caffeine, clothing, diaper rash, colic, pain, or discomfort. Fussiness can also be caused by overstimulation, loneliness, or growth spurts.
Fussiness typically starts at about 2 to 3 weeks, peaks at 6 weeks, and is gone by 3 to 4 months. On average, it lasts 2 to 4 hours per day, but there is a wide range of what is considered normal. Fussiness usually occurs at the same time of day and with the same intensity, and it often happens during the time of day that the baby stays awake the most, typically in the evening before the longest stretch of sleep.
If you are unsure whether your baby's fussiness is normal, it is a good idea to have them checked by a doctor to rule out any underlying issues. Some common causes of fussiness include foremilk-hindmilk imbalance, diaper rash, thrush, food sensitivities, nipple confusion, and low milk supply.
There are several comfort measures you can try to soothe a fussy baby, such as undressing them, carrying them in a sling or wrap, giving them a back rub, or laying them across your lap and gently rubbing their back. You can also try dimming the lights, reducing noise, playing music, or using white noise. Rhythmic motion and change of pace can also be helpful, such as nursing the baby while walking around or rocking them.
It is important to remember that it is normal for parents to feel uncomfortable when their baby cries, as there is a hormonal response that gets triggered. Additionally, holding and nursing your baby frequently will not spoil them; instead, it will help them cry less and teach them that they can count on you.
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Fussiness can be caused by hunger, discomfort, fatigue, teething, or overstimulation
It is important to note that there is no standard definition of a "fussy baby", as each child's temperament is unique. Fussiness in newborns is usually a way for them to express what's going on or to inform caregivers that they need something. Fussiness can be caused by a variety of reasons, including hunger, discomfort, fatigue, teething, or overstimulation.
Hunger is the most common reason for fussiness in newborns. They often stop crying when they start feeding and are happy by the end of the feeding. However, some babies may also cry due to a bloated stomach from overfeeding, which can cause discomfort.
Discomfort can be caused by various factors, such as clothing that is too tight, being too hot or too cold, or having a wet or soiled diaper. Stool left on the skin for too long can cause pain and burning. Additionally, issues like earaches, mouth ulcers, diaper rash, or an ulcer on the tip of the penis can be serious causes of pain and fussiness.
Fatigue is another common cause of fussiness in newborns. Babies need their parents to put them in a comfortable position for sleep. Swaddling is a highly effective technique for calming crying babies and preventing them from waking up due to the startle reflex.
Teething can also cause fussiness, as it can be a painful process for babies. This may manifest as crying and fussiness, especially at night.
Finally, overstimulation is another potential cause of fussiness. Newborns can become overstimulated by their surroundings, leading to fussiness and crying. This can be addressed by reducing noise and light stimulation or providing a calming bedtime routine.
In summary, fussiness in newborns is a normal occurrence, and it is essential to identify and address the underlying causes, which may include hunger, discomfort, fatigue, teething, or overstimulation.
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Crying is a natural form of communication for babies and can help them process their day
Crying is the first form of communication for newborns. It is their way of expressing their needs, as they are entirely dependent on caregivers during their early infancy. Research shows that babies cry less than 10% of their waking hours, and this crying is based on reflexes. However, it can be quite frustrating for parents to understand their baby's unknown wants and needs.
Babies have a "vocabulary" of cries, each with its own message, such as hunger or boredom. The piercing cry of pain is hard to misinterpret, but other types of crying may be more challenging to understand. By the end of the first month, a baby will make gurgling sounds when relaxed and tenser sobbing sounds when hungry.
Crying is essential for a baby's survival, health, and development. It is also important for building close relationships with caregivers and forming emotional bonds. While it can be stressful for parents to hear their baby cry, it is important to remember that crying is a natural and healthy form of communication for infants.
During the first 12-16 weeks of a baby's life, their circadian rhythm is maturing, and they are adjusting to life outside the womb. Their sleep is disorganized during this period, and sleep training is not recommended. Instead, parents should focus on creating a calm and soothing environment to help their baby relax and fall asleep.
If your baby is crying, try to relate to it as a form of verbal expression rather than something negative. This will help reduce tension and promote a sense of calmness. It is also important to learn your baby's unique "vocabulary" of cries and respond to their needs accordingly.
If your baby is unsettled, there are several soothing techniques you can try:
- Carry your baby as much as possible, as they love close contact (including skin-to-skin).
- Use sound, such as singing, music, or white noise.
- Try touch, such as a warm bath or gentle massage.
- Gentle movement, rocking, or bouncing may soothe some babies.
- A change of scene, like a walk in the fresh air, can be calming for both you and your baby.
Remember, it is important to take care of yourself while caring for a crying baby. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, and reach out to your health visitor or GP if you are concerned about your baby's crying.
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Self-soothing is an important skill for babies to learn, and crying it out can help them develop this ability
It is natural for babies to cry as a way of communicating their needs. However, self-soothing is a vital skill for them to learn, and crying it out can be an effective method for helping them develop this ability. Crying it out, also known as the extinction or CIO (Cry-It-Out) method, involves letting your baby cry until they fall asleep. This technique recognises that falling asleep is a skill that babies need to learn and practice in a safe and conducive environment.
When to start sleep training
It is important to wait until your baby is ready for sleep training, as attempting it too early can be counterproductive. Generally, it is recommended to wait until your baby is at least 12 weeks old and weighs at least 12 pounds before starting sleep training, including the cry-it-out method. This allows for the maturation of their circadian rhythm and their adjustment to life outside the womb.
Preparing for the cry-it-out method
Before implementing the cry-it-out method, there are several important steps to take. First, ensure that your baby is following an appropriate sleep schedule for their age, including the right number of naps at the right times of day. Additionally, establish a consistent bedtime routine and ensure that your baby's sleep environment is optimised for comfort and tranquility, with a calm and dimly lit room.
Implementing the cry-it-out method
Once you have prepared your baby for sleep and ensured that all their needs are met, you can begin the cry-it-out method. Say goodnight to your baby and leave the room, even if they start to fuss or cry. It is important to remember that your baby is safe and that their crying is a way of expressing their wants rather than their needs. The cry-it-out method can be challenging for parents, but it is important to remain consistent and patient to give your baby the best chance of learning to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
Benefits of the cry-it-out method
Studies have shown that sleep training methods that allow children to learn to self-soothe result in improved sleep for the children and reduced stress for the parents, without negatively impacting their relationship. By learning to self-soothe, babies gain an important skill that will help them regulate their emotions and fall asleep more easily. Additionally, the cry-it-out method can provide much-needed rest for parents, especially those experiencing physical discomfort from constantly rocking their babies to sleep.
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If fussiness is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an illness and should be checked by a doctor
It is important to distinguish between "normal" fussiness and a problem. Fussiness is usually considered "normal" when it occurs around the same time of day, with the same intensity, and responds to similar soothing techniques. It also tends to occur during the time of day that the baby stays awake more, often in the evening before their longest stretch of sleep.
However, if fussiness is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an illness and should be checked by a doctor. For example, if your baby is crying and also has a fever, this could be a sign of a serious illness. Other signs that may indicate the need for medical attention include:
- Nonstop crying that lasts more than 2 hours
- Difficulty being consoled
- Weakness or lack of movement
- Bulging or swollen soft spot on the head
- Swelling in the scrotum or groin area
- Crying when touched, moved, or held
- Refusal to drink or drinking very little for an extended period
- Signs of abuse or neglect
- High-risk factors such as heart or brain disease
- Any other symptoms that cause concern or seem abnormal
In summary, while some fussiness is normal for newborns, it is important to be vigilant for any accompanying symptoms that could indicate an illness or other problem. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to consult your doctor for advice and reassurance.
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