Crying Is a Call for Help

When your baby cries, he is trying to tell you something. You just have to figure out what it is. Here are some things your baby may be trying to tell you.

He may be hungry. Babies may need to eat more often than you expect. If it has been an hour or more since your baby was fed, he may be telling you he's hungry.

He may be lonely. If your baby calms down and stays calm as soon as you pick him up, he missed you. Your baby’s need for closeness is very real. You can’t spoil a baby by cuddling him when he needs it.

He may have a wet diaper. Some babies don’t mind; others do.

He may be sleepy. Some babies fuss a bit before sleeping.

He may be in pain. He may be uncomfortable because a pin is pricking him or his clothes have sharp tags or zippers.

He may be cold or hot. Feel your baby’s back or tummy to see if he is too cool or too hot. Adjust clothing to make him comfortable. Dress your baby as you would yourself or add one extra layer of clothing.

He may be overstimulated. Sometimes your baby may get too excited about everything going on around him. Rock your baby in a dimly lit room to calm him.

Never Shake a Baby!

Do not shake your baby. Shaking can cause permanent damage to her brain.

Babies do not intend to upset you. At this age, they can’t control when they start to cry. They are too young to understand how much their crying can get on your nerves and will cry more if you spank them or treat them roughly.

If you’ve tried everything - feeding, changing, cuddling - and your baby still cries, call a friend or relative to watch your baby for an hour while you take a break. Everyone needs a little time away every now and then.

What Is Colic?

Colic is a name given by doctors to explain hard, continuous crying by healthy babies. During these crying attacks, babies scream loudly, draw their legs up sharply, frown, and turn bright red. This might last for hours. Try to comfort your baby as soon as the crying starts.

To comfort a colicky baby, try holding him across your knees on his stomach. Other things that might help are rocking, burping more often during feeding, cuddling, swinging in a baby swing, or riding in the car. Be sure to place your baby in a child safety seat in the back seat of the car.

No one knows for sure what causes colic. Some think it is due to gas, which causes the baby to be uncomfortable. By the time a baby is 3 months old, colic usually stops. If it doesn't, be sure to tell your doctor.

If your baby has any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away: unusual bowel movements, poor sucking reflexes, vomiting, or discomfort when being held.