Why babies cry and how to sooth them?

Reasons that make babies cry

• Hunger

Hunger is the main reason anyone becomes cranky, especially babies. Crying is the last sign of hunger, you need to watch for the earlier cues to avoid reaching the crying stage. A hungry baby will cry like a Ferrari, he will go from zero to 100 in just seconds, it is a sharp cry.

• Sleepiness

Admit it mom you felt like crying for being so sleepy before! Imagine this feeling in a baby. Help your baby get enough sleep so that he is not overtired, and you don’t suffer through a crying concert.

• A dirty diaper

Some babies tolerate staying in wet or dirty diapers, while others can’t stand this at all. When your baby cries do a quick diaper inspection or do the universal diaper test and just smell it! Change the diaper if it is wet, clean your baby’s skin, and dry it to protect your baby from any diaper rash.

• The need to burp

This is one of the main reasons babies cry, especially after feeding. Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, eating solids, and even sucking a pacifier cause the baby to swallow air, making him need to burp. There are many ways to help burp your baby use the one that suits your baby the most.

• Teething

Your little one may start teething as early as four months. If your baby cries continuously without a clear reason, teething pain might be the cause. Massage your baby’s gum with your finger, allow him to suck on a wet cloth, or give him a hard cold vegetable to ease the pain. Avoid folk recipes and consult your doctor about the best treatment for teething pain.

• Stomach troubles

Tummy ache is another popular cause for crying, if your baby is rubbing his feet together, and arches his back when he cries he may have a troubled stomach or is colicky. 

• Illness

Babies can’t talk, so their way of telling you they have a sore throat, ear pain, or any other illness is crying! With time you will be able to differentiate your baby’s regular crying the one caused by daily reasons, and the unusual cry caused by something like illness. If your baby’s crying is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or fever, take him to the doctor for a check-up and treatment.

• Need for attention

Are you busy cleaning, or working from home? Your baby may cry just to get your attention. Drop what you are doing pick your little one and play together for a while.

• Overstimulation

When you are visiting family or friends and your baby is passed around and is overstimulated by different sounds and images, this will upset him and make him or her cry. Go home and let your baby sleep in a quiet room away from stimulants.

• Discomfort

A reason why babies may cry can be as futile as an eyelash in their eye or a thread wrapped around their toe, or unsuitable room temperature. You may need a few minutes and a few trials and errors to figure out the reason and soothe your baby.

Tips to help soothe a crying baby

• Swaddling.
• Using a pacifier. 
• Breastfeeding.
• Holding the baby.
• Gently rocking the baby without shaking.  
• Using a white noise machine.
• Play some quiet music or lullabies.
• Holding the baby on one shoulder while gently patting his or her back.