Crying Baby

Here is a list of reasons why your child maybe crying (tip: bookmark this page for future reference):

• I am hungry - hunger is the most common reason for a baby crying this is especially true for newborns older than 48 hours. During the first 48 hours babies, if breastfed, will feed on the colostrum which is the very nutritious and concentrated breast milk being yellow in appearance. Once the colostrum has passed on to the baby you will find breast milk 'kicking in' after the initial 48 hours. Your baby's stomach is tiny and is not able to hold that much milk so will cry often to get some more milk. A way to test if your baby wants milk is simply to offer him some milk and see how he responds. Take note that your baby may not suddenly stop crying after getting what he wants but crying should stop providing that he does not want more than one thing
• I want to sleep - babies do sleep when they want to but sometimes when they have been overwhelmed with different stimuli. If your baby has been the centre of attention, for example, when friends and relative come round, then it can be very hard for your baby to 'switch off' for a couple of hours of sleep. Some parents find that having friends/relatives over, may cause their baby to cry more often. This is a way for your child expressing the need to go somewhere quiet for a much needed nap.
• I am not comfortable - if your baby has soiled his nappy (diaper) and needs changing or if you have put an item of clothing that is a tad tight then your baby may cry. Some babies may not make it that obvious that their nappy is full as the contents will warm up the nappy and this warmth is something some babies like.
• Hold me please - babies feel very secure when they are held by their parents this is because this action reminds them of being inside the womb, in the warmth, and where all they needs were met. All babies being different, and some babies like to be cuddled while others are happy with less physically contact. If you find that your baby is like this then this need not be concerning quality as you are not going to spoil your child by doing so. This is particularly true when it comes to the first half of the year. Holding your baby can come tiresome so you find that getting a sling for your baby can work wonders
• I feel bored, please help me - if you have done everything you can think of and yet your baby seems like he is going to cry you a river, it could mean that he is some kind of pain. So it is very important to find out the reason behind the crying and obviously, you should seek medical advice immediately. New mums and dads can find that a situation like this is very stressful, with no prior experience. You may find that your baby will cry very often because he has not become use to being in this strange new world, this is a phase that will pass. If the crying is higher pitched than it is usually then there may be something urgent that your baby needs help with. You are the best expert when it comes to working out what your baby wants. If you have any doubts that something seriously wrong with your child then you should seek medical advice ASAP
• I am too cold - there are some babies that dislike being fully exposed to the air as baby are temperature sensitive, thus, feel cold when unclothed. This is one of the principle reasons why babies cry when their nappy is being changed. Babies love being cuddled up and in warmth. As a rule you should put on your baby one more layer of clothing than you would wear in the same room. The way you can check your baby's temperature is by placing your hand on his stomach. Your baby's hands or feet is not a good indicator of your baby's core temperature as these body parts are usually colder than the rest of the body