Why Do Babies Cry so Much? | Proven Techniques to Calm A Baby

Last Updated on March 14, 2023

Babies will cry as they represent everything in crying. But excessive crying is a matter of thinking. It is difficult for new parents to find the reason for their baby’s crying. If your baby is crying too much and you are worried and desperate to know why this article might help you! When you read the full article, you may figure out the reason for your baby’s crying and learn how to calm the crying baby.

Why Do Babies Cry So Much? – The Causes of Inexplicable Crying

A baby less than three months old cries for various causes. As a parent, sometimes, we don’t know why. But there are a few possible causes which we’ve described below:

The Baby is Hungry

When your baby is hungry, they will cry. This is the most common cause of their crying. They normally stop crying after feeding. “Newborns can eat every two to three hours,” says Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, a veteran board-certified pediatrician with more than 30 years of experience. “Crying is baby’s way of communicating they are hungry.”

Baby Needs To Sleep

When the little one wants to sleep, they may start crying. They want you to put them in a comfortable position at that time. The baby would like to have some swaddling, and then a little bit of fuss, finally falls asleep.

Too Much Feeding

We like to feed our baby. But sometimes, overfeeding makes them uncomfortable. It causes a bloated stomach which makes the baby cry. But it does not last long. As they pass gases, they become routine.

Caffeine Intake

Breastfeeding mommy should minimize caffeine intake. It creates trouble for your baby to fall asleep. That is why they can’t sleep and starts crying.

Dirty Diaper

It would help if you changed the diaper when it is dirty. It also makes the baby cry if you don’t clean them. Don’t forget stool is very irritating to the skin that can cause pain and burning.

Baby Colic

Baby colic is the main reason for crying your baby repeatedly. When the baby cries more than 3 hours per day for no reason, and they continue doing this every day regularly, it is baby colic.

You need to swaddle the baby to give her some comfort at this time. For parents, it’s so emotional also as watching their little one crying for long hours.

According to studies, a baby swing aids in soothing colicky babies. That’s why our Amy Baby Review experts reviewed some fantastic colic baby swings. They aid in the reduction of colic and the soothing of your child. If you believe your infant has colic, you may find information about colic swings by following the link.

If you want to learn more about baby swings, we have a more in-depth guide available. You may read it for further information.

Some Serious Pain

Sometimes the baby may have an earache, diaper rash, or ulcers that make the baby cry so much. Even when they are not crying, they are feeling so uncomfortable. You can see the uneasiness clearly on their faces. You have to visit the pediatrician at this time. The little one might have a fever in this age group.

What Is Baby Colic?

When a healthy baby cries for no reason for longer times than most babies, it is called baby colic. You will be confirmed that your little one has colic if you notice she is crying more than 3 hours a day, more than three days a week.

But don’t be panic. Colic is not a disease. It usually goes away at the age of 3 months old, Sometimes 4 months maximum.

How Do I Know Whether It Is Colic Or Normal Crying?

You will notice a different type of crying. Everything seems to be okay. The little one is eating correctly, and growing well. Not having discomfort but crying in spells. It is repeated at the same time of the day, mainly in the early evening.

Baby Colic Symptoms:

Crying so loud or screaming

Difficult to soothe

The face may become red or pale

May pull in the legs, harden the arms, curve the back, or clench fists

How Can You Calm A Crying Baby?

Baby cries for many reasons. Some of them you can handle quite easily. Like when she is hungry, feed her. When she wants to sleep, a little swaddle might do the trick. But there are some other times when it becomes difficult to calm the baby no matter what you do. But don’t worry!

We are sharing with you some proven techniques to help wipe the tears off your baby and make you feel better.

1. Swaddle The Baby

Swaddling is a great way to calm the crying baby. It gives them a womb-like feeling. It makes them feel cozy and secure. They think they are still in the mother’s womb.

You can do this with a blanket. You have to lay the baby face-up on the blanket. The head would be above the folded edge of the blanket, and the body would be straight down to the bottom corner. Then fold it and swaddle the baby from head to toe.

If you find it difficult, there is an excellent swing pod swaddle out there which will make the task so easy for you.

2. Encourage Them To Suck

Baby gets calm when they suck. Even if she is full, you can encourage her to suck something nonnutritive. It won’t fill her tummy but help her calm. If the little one is crying, you can help find her thumb, or offer your finger for a spell. You can use Pacifiers Or Binkies instead.

3. Rock The Baby In A Chair Or Glider

When your baby is fussing, you can rock her in a chair or Glider. There are some excellent quality motorized baby swings, baby bouncers available that will soothe your little one. But before putting her in the calming device, I would suggest you read the manufacturer’s safety instruction guide. You should check the age and weight capacity of the device. If your little one is too heavy for the swing, it may break down, and the baby may get hurt.

4. Take The Help Of White Noise

When the baby is crying, the white noise helps her get distracted and eventually stops crying. Fan, hairdryer sound may help your baby settle down. You can take the help of your mobile phone if needed.

5. Sing A Song

If your little one is cranky, you can sing a classic lullaby for her. No matter whether it is perfect or not, the little one has no idea about it. The matter is that she remembers your voice when she was in the womb. And it makes her feel secure and comfy.

6. Give A Massage

Massaging is a great way to soothe your little one. You can do it with baby lotion or baby massage oil. If not available, you can do it with your bare hands. But make sure you use a gentle touch. It should be firm enough not to be ticklish.

7. Go For A Walk

You can go for a walk to calm the little one down. Fresh air might do the trick. When you see, nothing helps to make the temper down of your baby. She is still fussing. You can go outside. The change in light, air, sound, and environment is likely to improve her mood — and yours too.

8. Sometimes You Need To Be An Entertainer

Sometimes the little one can get bored too. If she does, she might start crying. You need to entertain her at that time to bring her good mood back. You can make some silly noises or animated funny expressions. You may also try sitting with her and showing how her toys rattle and spin. These things will make her giggle, or she will love to look at your activities and stop crying.

You may also see the renowned Dr. Robert Hamilton interview on how to make a baby stop crying by clicking the link.

If you find the baby is still crying for some other issues and that is not colic. You must call for medical assistance if you observe any health concerns.

Dr. Paul On Why My Baby Cries So Much

When to Call Doctor If It’s Not Colic:

Call Pediatrician or Medical Help right away if you see the following:

The little one is not moving or very weak.
You think your baby needs life-threatening emergency
High fever – 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
The baby has not enough strength to suck breast or bottle
Not feeding well
Blood in the stool
Losing weight
Vomiting and
Any other thing that looks weird to you.

FAQs

At what age do babies cry the most?

Babies cry the most during their first three months of life. During this time, they are learning to communicate and express their needs. Crying is the only way they can let us know what they need or want. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies may cry up to three hours a day during this period.

Can it hurt a baby to cry too much?

Crying is a normal part of a baby’s development, and it can be difficult to know what to do when your baby cries. You’d be surprised to know that it can’t hurt a baby to cry too much. In fact, crying is an important way for babies to communicate their needs.

Newborns may cry for two to three hours per day during the first six weeks of life, and this is considered normal. Crying can be caused by hunger, fatigue, or discomfort from wet diapers or clothing. Other causes could include gas pains, colic, teething pain, or feeling lonely or scared.

However, you should respond quickly and calmly when your baby cries, so they know you are there for them and understand their needs. You can try soothing them with gentle rubbing or pats on the back, rocking them in your arms, singing a lullaby, swaddling them in a blanket, offering a pacifier if they take one, or giving them some skin-to-skin contact.

If your baby continues to cry despite your efforts to soothe them, it may be helpful to take a break and give yourself some time away from the situation before trying again. You should also seek medical advice if you’re concerned about your baby’s health or well-being.

Why do I get so angry when my baby cries?

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and frustrated when your baby cries, especially if it feels like they won’t stop. Remember that your baby is communicating with you and their crying is a normal part of development.
Take a break when you start to feel overwhelmed. It can help reduce feelings of frustration or anger and ensure that you are in the best position to care for your baby. It will also help you stay calm and better understand your baby’s needs.
“The best way to handle a crying baby is to stay calm and remember that your baby won’t cry forever. Try different methods of soothing such as rocking, singing softly or swaddling,” says Dr. Rebekah Diamond, a pediatric hospitalist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University.

Final Verdict

So, by far I think you’ve already figured out why your baby cries for! And how you will calm your crying baby. All you have tried and still the baby is unhappy and uncomfortable? — You should ask for a medical emergency without any further delay.

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References:

Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP

Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certiﬁed general pediatrician and has been practicing pediatrics at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000. Since 2005, she has been working as an independently contracted pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey. She also enjoys cooking outside of the medical profession. Read more

Why Do Babies Cry So Much? | 8 Proven Ideas to Calm A Fussy Baby