Why Does My Baby Keep Crying?

The first stages of infancy are often a mixed bag of emotions for both the parents and child. Some days are full of laughter and fun nursery rhymes, other days are just full of stressful crying and frantic lullabies. After a hard day of rocking, nursing, and changing diapers, we often struggle with the temptation to just lie down and rest while the baby starts crying again. During those difficult days, it’s always important to remember that babies aren’t loud, beeping machines. They’re human beings with the ability to communicate feelings and needs through their cries. Here are some reasons why your baby’s tears won’t stop flowing.

“I’m Hungry!”

Babies don’t have the ability to just whip something up in the kitchen, nor do they have the capacity to yell “Food!” to their moms and dads. When babies are struggling with empty stomachs, they usually let out a loud cry for milk or baby food. A good way to find out if your baby needs a bottle of milk or a bowl of baby cereal is to simply pick them up and rock them. If a baby stops after resting in your arms for a while, they were probably just lonely. If a baby doesn’t stop crying even after you rock them in your arms, it’s a sign that they really need something to eat. Some babies with different temperaments don’t often make a sound even when their tummies are already grumbling quite a bit, so it’s also important to maintain their health by keeping track of proper meal and feeding times.

“You’re Not Holding Me Right!”

Contrary to what some people might think, babies can and will let you know when they aren’t feeling too cozy or comfortable in your arms. When you’re learning how to properly hold and cradle your baby for the first time, they’ll often let out a cry if their backs, necks, or heads are moving a little too backward or forward for comfort. They'll also let you know if some part of their skin is being pinched, or if their arms or legs aren’t in a position they’re comfortable with. Don’t fret over this, however, as it always takes a little time for every mother to find out how to best hold their precious little ones in their arms. After some time of trial-and-error, your baby will eventually get used to how you handle him or her and absolutely relish your gentle touch.

“I Don’t Like What I’m Wearing!”

Fashion is definitely not a must-have for babies. So no, you don’t need to get that pricy frilly dress or brand-name jammies from the mall. In fact, the clothing you choose can play a huge role in your baby’s general comfort and temperament for the day. When babies are forced to wear fabric that they aren’t used to or clothes made of itchy, uncomfortable material they’ll often let out a loud cry and beg to wear something else. It’s also a good idea not to stuff your baby in too many or too little layers of clothing, as they can cry very loudly due to feeling discomfort from excessive heat and cold.

The best clothes to get for your baby are those that are soft, durable, and most especially breathable for the skin. Clothes that are too tight can rub against the skin and cause irritation, while clothes that are too loose won’t give your baby the proper warmth and insulation they need. For newborn babies, it’s especially important to get clothes that won’t irritate the skin and rub against the umbilical cord. As much as possible, avoid clothes made from synthetic fiber as they can stain easily and become uncomfortable after weeks of use. Check the inside of your baby’s clothes too and make sure there aren’t any unnecessary, uncomfortable layers inside. Sure, a white dress might look good on your baby girl, but she definitely won’t appreciate it if the lace inside is rubbing against her skin and causing irritation for the whole day.

“I’m Scared! I Don’t Feel Right! My Tummy Hurts!”

A baby that screams for hours on end isn’t doing so out of simple boredom or loneliness. Long, drawn-out crying and fussiness are usually signs of Colic—a group of different behaviors and actions caused by excessive and unusual discomfort. Unlike regular crying, Colic doesn’t go away with a simple diaper change or meal. Colicky crying can often last for a few hours in the early morning or evening and may persist even as you try to rock and comfort your little one. Other signs of colicky crying usually include a sudden reddening of the face, arms and legs that move frantically, and a frown accompanied by excessive screaming. Though there is no single known cause of Colic, most specialists agree that it can be caused by a number of different factors. Some newborn babies might feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by their new environments, and often cry when they aren’t used to too much light and noise. Other babies feel tummy pains due to problems with digestion—the most common being acid reflux and difficulty passing gas. Food allergies and lactose intolerance can also play a huge role in Colic, as some babies can often experience allergic reactions to the milk proteins in their formula. If you’re a breastfeeding mother, it’s possible that a baby might not be reacting well to something in your diet. This second case is quite rare, however, and can easily be assessed by a pediatrician.

The good news about Colic is that it doesn’t last forever. Overwhelmed babies can easily adjust to their environments, and babies can eat and drink milk much easier as their digestive systems develop. Colic usually goes away after around 12-16 weeks and can be remedied with a little love and care. Holding your baby across your knees while he lays on his stomach can help bring some comfort in case of stomach problems, and simply cradling him in your arms can give him some much-needed reassurance. A visit to the pediatrician can also help you find out what adjustments you might need to make to your baby’s diet if problems ever persist.

“My Nose Feels Icky!”

Babies usually start out their early years with small noses that can easily become stuffy and noisy. As their nasal passages grow and become longer, they learn to breathe much easier and enjoy the fresh air. If your baby isn’t experiencing a serious cold or fever, you don’t have to spend so much on cold medicine and antibiotics. Simply clearing out the accumulated snot and mucus from your baby’s nose can bring them some much-needed comfort and help them breathe easier.

There are many different reasons for a baby to fuss, scream, and cry. Though addressing a baby’s various needs can often become quite an overwhelming task, we are blessed with many great tools that can help make caring for our little ones much easier. Our snot aspirator is one such tool that can definitely bring you and your baby some much-needed peace of mind during difficult sick days. We offer safe, gentle, and durable snot aspirators that you can always rely on no matter how easy or hard things get. Why not try one out, today?