6 Reasons Why Babies Cry

Crying is how babies tell us about their feelings, desires and needs. Getting to know the reasons why your baby cries will help you console them.

Most new mothers and fathers are anxious to know the reasons why their babies cry, particularly when they won’t stop.

After a few weeks of living with a newborn, almost all parents worry and want to understand the reason why their baby is crying.

However, crying is perfectly normal for babies. Crying is how newborns communicate. It allows them to express their wishes and needs.

Babies’ cries also let their parents know when they’re in distress or if something is bothering them.

Reasons why babies cry

It’s normal for the newest member of the family to cry for between one and three hours every day.

There are many reasons why babies feel the need to communicate with their parents by crying.

Below, we’ll take a look at a few reasons why babies cry.

1. Hunger

Hunger is often the first thing that parents think of when they hear their baby crying. And they aren’t wrong: this is one of the main reasons why babies cry.

One way to know for sure whether your baby is ready for a feed is if they try to put their fingers or other objects in their mouths.

2. A dirty diaper

A dirty diaper can be a cause of discomfort for babies. The sensation is uncomfortable and irritating.

This problem is easy to detect, however. You’ll be able to tell by the smell when your baby needs a new diaper.

3. They’re tired

Tiredness makes babies grumpy and irritable. Newborns need to sleep several times throughout the day. It’s important to keep up with nap times, and put them to bed at the right time every night.

Many parents think that rocking their baby to sleep in their arms is the best way to achieve this. However, some babies can actually take longer to get to sleep when their parents hold them.

Usually, putting them to bed in their buggy or crib is best.

To avoid letting your baby get tired and grumpy, watch the signs to see when they start feeling sleepy. When your child starts yawning frequently, they’re telling you that it’s time for bed.

4. They’re too hot or cold

Just like adults, newborns can feel variations in temperature. While it’s important to keep them well wrapped up against the cold, they’ll feel uncomfortable if they overheat.

As an adult, it’s easy to detect the temperature. Newborns should wear one more piece of clothing than the adults in the room.

Another reason why babies cry is if something very hot or cold touches them. For example, when you change their diaper and clean them up, make sure the moist towel you use isn’t too cold.

When you feed your baby, make sure their milk or food isn’t too hot.

5. They need attention

From the time they’re born, babies become the center of attention. Sometimes, when a baby cries, it’s just because they need or want attention from their parents.

Your baby might want you to play with them for a little while, or pick them up and go for a walk.

Keeping your baby occupied so they don’t cry can be a complicated and exhausting task.

Babies get tired of playing, too. And it’s important to know when to stop so they don’t start crying again.

6. Something hurts

Babies also cry if they’re in pain or discomfort. During the first few months and years of life, infants are vulnerable to certain illnesses, particularly fever and stomach upsets.

One of the main causes of stomach pain in little ones can be lactose intolerance. This can happen if the mother’s breast milk contains a lot of lactose from the dairy products she consumes, or if they’re on a formula which isn’t suitable.

Of course, if your little one goes on crying and the cause isn’t one of those mentioned above, it’s best to see a specialist.

Continuous crying can be an indicator of more serious problems in newborn babies.