7 Reasons Why Babies Cry
For new mothers it is always a mystery why their baby cries. Often only one of these 7 reasons comes into question – just check it out!
It cries and cries and cries and cries. She cries until mummy is about to cry – out of desperation about what is going on with her baby. What is wrong with him? What does it want to say? What does it need?
Dear Mamas, don’t panic. Take a deep breath. We’ve all been through this. Because when it comes to crying, babies (almost) all tick the same. They just can’t talk yet and communicate in the only way they can: crying.
A little reassurance beforehand: over time, mothers develop a feeling for why their baby is crying at what moment. But until they do, here are the 7 most common reasons why babies cry:
1. The baby is crying because he is hungry
The most common reason a baby cries is hunger. The rule of thumb is that the younger the baby is, the more likely it is that the breast or bottle will be required. In the first few days anyway, it is advisable to breastfeed the baby as often as possible to stimulate the flow of milk.
By the way: Some babies demand something called cluster feeding. This means: On some days they want to breastfeed all the time. Refusing them makes no sense. Midwives recommend simply giving the babies what they want.
2. The baby cries because it wants to be carried
To be happy and content, a baby needs love, security, attention and physical contact. A baby with its relentless crying can only demand to be taken in your arms and cuddled. A belly carrier can help with this. The closer you carry the baby to your heart, the sooner it will calm down.
If the baby doesn’t stop crying quickly, it often just means that it wants to cry. In this case, the only thing that helps is to remain calm as a mummy, to take deep and regular breaths and to give the baby peace of mind in this way. The only rule that applies equally to all babies: There is no “too much” when cuddling!
Tip: A deeper, calmer audition or reading aloud also helps the baby to feel secure – and perhaps even fall asleep peacefully …
3. The baby cries because he is tired
Babies can fall asleep anytime and anywhere – regardless of the noise level of the environment. But every rule has its exceptions. In this case it is: When a baby has had a “too” exciting day, has seen many new faces, has gathered many new impressions, it is unfortunately very difficult to switch off. The more sensitive the baby is, the harder it is for him to fall asleep in the turmoil.
What helps is retreat. Mothers can grab their baby and take him/her to a quieter place, such as a crowded room. Make sure the room temperature is right (about 18 to 19 degrees Celsius) and keep it as dark as possible. It is important that you stay with your child as a mummy to make him feel safe.
4. The baby cries because he is too cold/warm
A rule of thumb says: A baby always needs one layer of clothing more than an adult would wear to avoid freezing. To find out whether the baby is crying because of cold or heat, a neck check helps: If the neck is sweaty or cool, you can tell whether the baby is freezing or too hot. Socks in the sleeping bag prevent cold feet and help the baby to fall asleep.
By the way: Your baby is best kept in a cotton baby sleeping bag. Feather and down duvets are bad for your baby, as they can accumulate heat and, in the worst case, lead to Sudden Infant Death.
5. The baby is crying because his diaper is pinching
When a baby cries, it can also indicate a poorly fitting or full nappy. Is the diaper too tight? Does it pinch? Is it full? An odour test or a look in the diaper is always worth a try.
Tip: For a sore baby’s bottom, zinc ointment, healing wool or careful washing with camomile tea can help. Rubbing a few drops of breast milk on the reddened bottom (caution: let it dry before closing the nappy again!) can also help.
6. The baby cries because it wants to cry
If you are younger than five months, you probably cry regularly in the afternoon and/or evening. Bad? Nope, normal! It’s very nerve-wracking for mums to feel powerless and not be able to help their little darling – but a small consolation: the baby will usually grow out of it.
What moms can try:
- Cradle the baby in their arms
- massage the baby gently
- put the baby on your shoulder so that he burps if necessary
- give the baby soothers or fingers to calm it down
- calming yourself (e.g. with quiet music), so that the calm passes over to the baby
By the way: If the baby cries excessively for more than three hours in a row for three days in a row over more than three weeks, mothers should get help, ask the midwife or the pediatrician for advice to rule out health problems.
7. The baby is crying because something is wrong
If you have checked all six points, but your baby is still crying, he may be in pain or sick. If you intuitively have the feeling that something is wrong with your baby, take him to the paediatrician as a precaution.