Baby Development: Why Babies Cry

All babies cry. It is their only way to communicate their needs. Some parents quickly learn to recognise why their baby is crying, whether she’s hungry, wet, dirty, wants a cuddle or is in pain. Others may struggle to understand what baby is trying to say. Here are some of the reasons why babies cry… “I’m hungry” Probably the most common reason why babies cry. In the first few months of baby development her stomach is so small she can only take in tiny amounts in one feed. So she will quickly get hungry again. Unless you know she can’t possibly be hungry again so soon, offer her your breast when she starts crying and allow her to feed until her hunger is satisfied. “I’m uncomfortable” Most babies sleep quite comfortably for a while with a wet or poo-filled nappy. But if her skin is irritated or the nappy becomes cold, or her nappy is too tight, then she is likely to cry her objections. “I’m too hot… or too cold” In these early stages of baby development they cannot regulate their body temperature and may cry if they are too hot or too cold. Check your baby's temperature by touching her tummy or the back of her neck. The temperature of her hands or feet is not an indication of her overall body heat as these extremities are often colder. If the back of her neck feels clammy remove a piece of clothing or blanket. If it feels cold and her hands and feet look blue add more clothing or a blanket. “I’m tired” If a baby gets over-stimulated it can be problematic for them to “switch off” and go to sleep. If she can’t settle take her somewhere calm and darker, maybe sing to her or talk in a slow monotonous voice. Or sit with her while she cries a little. The calmer surroundings should work their magic soon. “I want a cuddle” Babies need close physical contact, so if your baby has been fed and changed but still cries she may simply want to be cuddled. Close human contact is vital for baby development in those early months so you really can’t cuddle her too much! “I don’t feel well” Some babies cry if they have a cold or a stomach ache. Others go quieter when they feel ill. In either case a change in behaviour should indicate something is wrong. If you are concerned that your baby may be ill, talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor. “I’m in pain” The main reason a baby may be in pain is from colic. This would usually result in continuous crying for long periods of time. But it is usually accompanied by other signs such as baby drawing her legs up towards her tummy, become red in the face and passing wind, or she may be off her food and have difficulty going to sleep. See your GP if you suspect colic.