Why Do Babies Cry?: How to Calm a Crying Baby?

All babies cry; it’s absolutely normal. By and large, babies cry between 1 - 3 hours every day. Babies cannot do anything on their own, and rely on you for everything. Crying is his way of communicating his needs and ensuring a response from you. Babies may cry for several different reasons and as parents it becomes very important to know what the cry means and how to calm your crying baby.

Why Babies Cry?: Crying and Communication



Frequently Crying Babies can be
distressing for Parents



 It can be rather difficult to understand why your baby is crying; but with time you will learn to recognize what your baby is trying to tell you. With age, your baby will learn other ways of communicating with you and this will reduce the crying. In the meantime, it is vital for you to learn ways to calm a crying baby and attend to their needs. 

It is important to calm your baby as soon as possible, especially during the first few months of the babies life. Not responding promptly to your child's need can increase the risk of eventual development of temper tantrums or emotional insecurities in the baby.  



Crying in Babies: Tips to Calm a Crying Baby

Here are some of the common reasons and tips to calm the crying baby,

• Hunger: Newborns are hungry every few hours and some babies become frenzied when hunger strikes. They get so worked up that they swallow air with the milk; this triggers more crying. To circumvent such agitation, you need to understand and respond to early signs of hunger. If your baby begins to gulp during feeding, take a break.
• Wants to burp: During and after each feed, make sure your baby burps. Indigestion and flatulence cause immense discomfort.
• Wet diapers: A wet or soiled diaper is a definite cause for tears. Check your baby's diaper frequently to ensure that it is dry.

Lesser Known Reasons for Crying among Babies: Managing Crying Baby

While hunger or wet diaper are the most common reasons for crying babies, there are a host of other reasons that are less commonly known. Knowing some of these reasons is important for young and first time parents to reduce apprehension and anxiety,

• Colic: Abdominal pain and cramps can result in immense discomfort and sometimes even agonizing pain, making the baby bawl. Talk to your doctor and start a medicine for colic.
• Exhaustion: Weariness, tiredness and sleepiness make the baby cry. Newborns sleep up to 16 hours every day. Furthermore, they have trouble sleeping, so help them go to sleep.



Carrying your baby around can help
calm your baby

• Wants to move: Rocking your baby or walking through the house can soothe him almost immediately. A baby swing, a stroller or even a ride in the car can help calm a crying infant.
• Wants to be bundled: Babies tend to feel most protected and safe when wrapped and swaddle. Wrap your baby snugly in a blanket.
• Over stimulation: Excessive movement, noise or visual stimulation sets off tears. Move to a calmer environment. What’s more, white noise like a recording of ocean waves or the droning sound of a vacuum cleaner or fan helps the baby calm down.
• Feeling lonely: A baby can feel forlorn and lost; and just seeing you, hearing your voice or being hugged can make him stop crying.
• Feeling hot or cold: Heat can make you baby uncomfortable. And so can cold; make sure that your baby is adequately wrapped.
• Wants to suck on something: Sucking is a comforting and calming activity. If your baby isn't hungry, you may give him a clean pacifier. However pacifiers are not recommended to be used frequently.
• It's just that time of day: Babies may have certain specific episodes of fussiness during the day. This helps your baby dispose of surplus energy. There is little you can do in these situations; however, a soothing massage or even gently patting his back will ease the crying.