Let’s be honest here. Because we’re all friends, right? Here goes: Babies are cute but very scary at times. If you don’t have a ton of experience with small children, baby crying can be alarming — especially if it’s a high-pitched screaming baby. A little one suddenly crying uncontrollably might make you want to call your pediatrician immediately, but it may be nothing. With time, parents will be able to better distinguish these cries. Plus, with time, you’ll learn more about how to soothe a crying baby. But if you’ve got a baby in the house, chances are you’re going to be asking yourself, “Why is baby crying?” And you’ll be asking it, like, a lot.
Babies cry for plenty of reasons. They could be hungry, they could be uncomfortable, or perhaps they’re too warm or too cold. For newborns, in particular, you’ll want to make sure the temperatures are right and also ensure this isn’t colic crying, which is another health concern. Not sure where to start deciphering your baby’s outbursts? Here’s a guide to help answer the question of why your baby is crying and (hopefully) alleviate any fear.
Why is baby crying suddenly and uncontrollably?
This can be very alarming when it happens, especially if you’re the only adult around your baby. If your baby is three-months-old or younger, and crying seems to be the only symptom, it may be colic. Colic crying usually happens for three hours per day. Aside from the crying, it’s very common for there to be no other symptoms. Colic isn’t a disease; it’s more of a behavior that’s baffled plenty of parents throughout the years. Most pediatricians diagnose colic by looking at the “rule of threes” — the crying happens three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks in a row. While it’s alarming, it’s not forever.
If the crying isn’t happening in these durations, ask yourself what may be startling your baby. Think about whether or not they’re sleepy or hungry. Or, maybe they have gas. Since babies can’t verbally communicate with us, crying is the best way to indicate something’s wrong.
Why do babies cry at night?
It’s often tough for new parents to get decent sleep in the first few months. The most often culprit for nighttime baby crying is hunger. Newborns need to be on a strict and constant eating schedule to thrive. So, when trying to figure out why babies cry at night, try giving them a bottle (or breastfeed) first. If a baby cries after that, it may be because their digestive systems are still technically developing. An older baby may also start having nightmares, or generally be a little scared at night, so comforting is also a great maneuver.
What do I do if my baby cries when put down?
Two big reasons for baby crying when put down could be hunger and separation anxiety. If your baby isn’t used to being away from you, they may start crying when they realize you’re about the leave the room. The best thing to do is to form a healthy routine. Babies need to know that they’re not being neglected if you’re out of eyesight for a brief amount of time.
It could also be gas pains! Unhappiness and crankiness may follow a gassy baby. Always make sure that they’re burped after every meal.
How do you soothe a crying baby?
Once you find out the reason why a baby is crying, the next step is figuring out how to soothe them. Babies are different, but there are a few surefire methods that help. A good swaddle often helps soothe a crying baby, since it’ll make them feel warm and secure. Thin materials work best, and there’s a good swaddle method to make sure the swaddle isn’t too tight.
Calming sounds also work well. Baby crying might stop when you play white noise, infant songs, or just relaxing instrumental music. Your own reactions to the cries are also important. Remember, your child is looking to you for support and comfort. If you’re tense and agitated, that’ll be alarming to them. If you’re not parenting solo, it’s important to know when to step back and take a break.
Rocking a baby may also help. Being physically close to you is a nice feeling for them, and even aligning with your heartbeat may provide instant comfort. It’s very important to be gentle with newborns, so make sure you don’t let any of your nerves or fear over the crying translate negatively into a physical reaction.
It’s also important to keep an eye on what they eat. Many babies have a hard time processing dairy so, oftentimes, moms may need to adjust their diets if their babies are breastfeeding and fussy.
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