Why Newborn Cries everytime? Causes, Solutions
Discover why newborn baby cries a lot frequently. Learn the common causes, effective solutions, and signs that indicate when you should consult a doctor. A must-read for new parents.
Every parent knows the sound of a crying baby so well as all listen to it everyday. And when you see a crying baby constantly then it leaves you feeling helpless and worried about why your baby is coming so much. But you don’t have to worry crying is a way of communication for babies uses need to understand the reason why and how they can speak their minds. Do you guys know that normally a child cries 2 to 3 hours a day and that is a lot of now just dial into the topic of the common causes and practical solutions and when we should seek help. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel more confident in decoding your baby’s cries!
Common Reasons Why Newborns Cry Frequently
-Hunger and Feeding Needs
The most common reason for newborn to cry is their hunger. Every newborn baby has to be fed repeatedly for two to three hours because they get hungry very frequently and they cannot eat their food properly in one go and when they do not get food on time, they start crying.
-Discomfort from Dirty Diapers
Newborn babies do not like dirty diapers at all. They get irritated. If their diaper is wet or dirty, then due to irritation, they tell us through their crying that they need to change the diaper. If they are feeling any discomfort, we need to do it properly so that they feel comfortable and do not cry.
-Overstimulation from the environment
Newborn babies are very sensitive. They do not like much discomfort, such as noise, light, or crowd, due to which they start crying. If your baby likes a calm and quiet environment, then he cries and tells you that he is feeling uncomfortable and needs peace where he can rest comfortably.
-Gas, Colic, or Digestive Issues
Gas problem is very common in newborn babies which makes them feel very uncomfortable. If your child cries for a long time If your child is crying and his tummy feels hard, then it is possible that your child is having a gas problem or a digestive problem. For this, proper burping and tummy massage helps you.
-Feeling too hot and cold
The imbalance of temperature also makes children feel quite uncomfortable and this can also be a reason for your child’s crying. If the child is wearing too many clothes or fewer clothes, then he tells us through crying that he is not feeling well. The temperature of the child should be assessed by checking his hands and neck.
-Need for Comfort and Attention
Newborns love the warmth and closeness of their parents. If they feel lonely or insecure, they cry so you can hug them. Your touch and soothing voice calm them down instantly.
How to Soothe a Crying Newborn
1. Feeding: Recognizing Hunger Cues
If your baby is crying continuously, one reason could be that he is feeling hungry. Babies communicate their hunger or their needs through crying. This is a common way of communication for them. It is important to know hunger cues, such as:
-Smacking the lips or making a sucking motion.
-Bringing your hands near the mouth.
-Feeling fussy or restless.
-Tip: If you recognize these cues, you can solve the crying problem of the baby before feeding him.
2. Swaddling Techniques for Comfort
Swaddling means wrapping the baby in a cozy cloth, which gives the baby the same feeling that he gets from the mother in the womb. This technique is very effective in calming the crying baby.
-Choose a breathable cotton cloth.
-Gently tuck the baby’s arms in.
-Make the cloth tight but not so much that the baby is uncomfortable.
-Tip: Swaddling makes the baby feel secure and also controls his startle reflex, which is a common reason for crying.
3. The Magic of Rocking and White Noise
Rocking and white noise car combination can be a very soothing experience for babies as both the movement and sound are very relaxing and recreate an inside-the-womb feeling for babies.
-Gently rock the baby in your hands.
-Use a white noise machine or a soft “shh shh” sound.
-Tip: White noise is repetitive and soothing, which helps the baby fall asleep faster!
4. Ensuring a Proper Burping Routine
If the baby does not burp properly after feeding, a gas trap can form which will make the baby feel uncomfortable, so it is very important for you to burp the baby.
-Keep the baby gently upright on your shoulder after feeding.
-Give soft pats to the back and make him burp.
-If the baby does not burp, change the position and try again.
-Tip: Make the baby burp after every feed a healthy habit that will reduce colic and crying.
5. Adjusting the Room’s Temperature and Lighting
For the comfort of the baby, it is very important to create a comfortable cozy, and peaceful environment for him. If he does not get such an environment, then this can also be a reason for his crying.
-Keep the room temperature moderate—neither too hot nor too cold (22-24°C is ideal).
-Avoid harsh lights and use soft lighting.
When Crying Might Indicate a Problem
1. Signs of Illness, Such as Fever or Rash
If your baby has a rash on his skin or you think he has a fever, this could be a sign of a health problem that you should discuss with a professional or first doctor. Fever signifies that the baby’s immune system is fighting an infection. The rash can also be caused by allergies, diaper rash, or a viral infection. If you think the rash or fever is severe, consult a doctor immediately.
2. Excessive Crying and Colic Symptoms
If you feel that your baby is crying continuously without any reason and this has become a routine, then it could be colic. This is a condition in which the baby cries continuously at any specific time of the day without any reason. This usually happens in children aged 3 weeks to 3 months. The reason for this is not completely clear to us but this condition is equally stressful for both babies and parents.
3. Difficulty Feeding or Poor Weight Gain
If your newborn baby is fighting during breastfeeding or the first bottle feeding or seems weak after feeding, then this can be a concern. Poor weight gain of newborn baby and difficulty faced while feeding the child reflects the digestion issues of the baby or it may be intolerance to breast milk. It is very important to identify this problem early so that the child does not face any problems in the future because proper nutrition of newborns becomes very important for their growth.
4. Persistent Crying Despite Soothing Attempts
Sometimes swaddling, rocking, or white noise does not work to soothe the baby. If you have used all these techniques properly but still the child is crying continuously, then this can be a sign of a deeper problem. Sometimes children Whether the pain is uncomfortable or not, it happens due to emotional needs, which it would be better to discuss with your pediatrician.
Tips for Managing Parental Stress During Crying Spells
Taking Breaks and Asking for Help
During crying spells parents feel that they alone can handle everything with their children but this is not the case. They should also take breaks and get help from professionals.
-Taking breaks is important: If you feel that your baby is crying continuously then you can do one thing like take your baby to a safe place like a crib and go there and get away from him for some time and try to calm yourself down.
-Build a support system: You should ask for help from your friends or family or someone close to you. You should not be ashamed of any trusted person, you can leave your baby there and take some rest.
Using Self-Soothing Techniques for Parents
As you must have known there are techniques to soothe babies, similarly, self-soothing techniques are quite effective for parents too.
-Meditation and deep breathing: If you are under a lot of stress like your parents, then you should do one thing, meditate for 5 to 10 minutes, which will make you feel comfortable and improve your focus or will help you relax your mind
-Positive self-talk: You must talk to yourself and repeatedly tell yourself that you are a good parent and this phase is a temporary phase that you will handle well. Appreciate your efforts.
Building a Supportive Routine
Having a structured routine is effective for both parents and children, especially during crying spells.
-Follow a schedule: You need to make a fixed schedule for feeding, sleeping, and playing with your baby. When your baby has a predictable schedule, he will cry less and it will also help you manage your stress.
-Include self-care in your routine: Make sure to keep 20-30 minutes for yourself in your daily routine, in which you should focus on yourself, such as exercise, entertainment, hobbies, etc. It is very important to do this for rest so that you can stay healthy and happy. will stay
-Communicate: If you are with a partner, divide the responsibilities. If you are a single parent, it will be helpful to involve trusted family members.
When to Seek Professional Help
Duration and Intensity of Crying Patterns
If your newborn is crying too much and continuously, it is important to understand whether this is normal or a sign of a problem. Normal crying duration is 2-3 hours a day, but if your baby’s crying pattern seems unusual, such as:
-Continuous crying for 3-4 hours or more in a day.
-Intense crying spells at the same time every day (can be a sign of colic).
-Crying does not stop even after providing comfort.
In such situations, it is safe to consult a doctor. Crying patterns can sometimes be a sign of a major health problem.
Identifying Underlying Medical Conditions
Newborns may sometimes have health issues behind their crying, which are difficult for parents to spot immediately. For example:
-Gas or Colic: If the baby is crying and stiffening his body or curling his legs, it could be a gas issue.
-Reflux or Digestive Problems: If the baby cries a lot after feedings and spits up a lot.
-Infection: If crying is accompanied by fever, unusual rashes, or lethargy, it could be a sign of infection.
-Ear Pain or Teething: If the baby repeatedly touches his ears and cries.
How Pediatricians Can Assist
A pediatrician can help you understand and resolve the root cause of newborn crying. Here’s how:
-Health Check-Up: The pediatrician will do a full check-up of your baby, such as monitoring growth, weight, and vital signs.
-Medical Tests: If there is a doubt about a medical issue, he or she will recommend blood tests, urine tests, or ultrasound.
-Soothing Solutions: The doctor will give you proper feeding techniques, burping methods, or special calming tips that work for your baby.
Conclusion:
Crying is a natural part of a newborn’s communication, but it can be overwhelming for new parents. By understanding the common causes and learning how to respond, you’ll be better equipped to handle those tough moments. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. Parenthood is a journey, and you’re not alone in navigating it. For more insights and tips, explore our other parenting guides.