Healthspring World Clinic
1. Hunger: This is probably the first thing a parent think of when your baby cries. Learning to recognise the signs of hunger will help you start your baby’s feedings before the crying stage. Some signs to watch for in newborns: fussing, smacking of lips, rooting (a newborn reflex that causes babies to turn their head toward your hand when you stroke their cheek), and putting their hands to their mouth.
2. A dirty diaper: Some babies let you know right away when they need to be changed. Others can tolerate a dirty diaper for quite a while.
3. Needs sleep: Aren’t babies lucky? When they’re tired they can simply go to sleep – anytime, anywhere. Or so adults like to think. In reality, it’s harder for them than you might think. Instead of nodding off, babies may fuss and cry, especially if they’re overly tired.
4. Wants to be held: Babies need a lot of cuddling. They like to see their parents’ faces, hear their voices, and listen to their heartbeats, and can even detect their unique smell. Crying can be their way of asking to be held close.
5. Tummy troubles (gas, colic, and more): Tummy troubles associated with gas or colic can lead to lots of crying. In fact, the rather mysterious condition called colic is defined as inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day, at least three days a week, at least three weeks in a row. If your baby often fusses and cries right after being fed, he may be feeling some sort of tummy pain. Many parents swear by over-the-counter anti-gas drops for babies or gripe water (made from herbs and sodium bicarbonate). Get your doctor’s okay before using either of these.
6. Needs to burp: Burping isn’t mandatory. But if your baby cries after a feeding, a good burp may be all he needs. Babies swallow air when they breastfeed or suck from a bottle, and if the air isn’t released it may cause some discomfort. Some babies are intensely bothered by having air in their tummy, while others don’t seem to burp or need to be burped much at all.
7. Too cold or too hot: When your baby feels chilly, such as when you remove his clothes to change a diaper or clean his bottom with a cold wipe, he may protest by crying.Newborns like to be bundled up and kept warm — but not too warm.
8. Something small: Babies can be troubled by something as hard to spot as a hair wrapped tightly around a tiny toe or finger, cutting off circulation. (Doctors call this painful situation a “hair tourniquet,” and it’s one of the first things they look for if a baby seems to be crying for no reason.) Some babies are extra sensitive to things like scratchy clothing tags or fabric. And they can be very picky (understandably) about subtleties ranging from the position they’re held in to the bottle you offer.
9. Teething: Teething can be painful as each new tooth pushes through tender young gums. Some babies suffer more than others, but all are likely to be fussy and tearful at some point along the way.
10. Wants less stimulation: Babies learn from the stimulation of the world around them, but sometimes they have a hard time processing it all — the lights, the noise, being passed from hand
11. Wants more stimulation: A “demanding” baby may be outgoing and eager to see the world. And often the only way to stop the crying and fussing is to stay active. This can be exhausting for you!
12. Not feeling well: If you’ve met your baby’s basic needs and comforted him and he’s still crying, he could be coming down with something. You may want to check his temperature to rule out a fever and be alert for other signs of illness.The cry of a sick baby tends to be distinct from one caused by hunger or frustration. If your baby’s crying “just doesn’t sound right,” trust your instincts and call or see a doctor.
