Why Is My Baby Crying?

Crying is your baby’s only way of communicating with you. They are trying to tell you something, and it could be a number of things, so use our checklist to make sure you have everything covered.

Why do babies cry?

The most common reasons babies cry are: a dirty or wet nappy, tiredness, wanting a cuddle, wind, feeling unwell, being too hot or too cold, boredom, overstimulation or hunger.

Let’s go through them:

• Are they hungry? As you bond with your baby, you will be able to learn the difference between their cries, and a hungry one should be easy to fix
• Do they need a nappy change? Even we get irritable when we’re in need of a toilet stop
• They may just want a cuddle. When they’re upset, they won’t develop any bad habits from being held, so don’t worry about spoiling your baby just by comforting them; enjoy these precious cuddles
• Are they cold or overheating? Check the temperature of their chest, or the back of their neck, because their hands and feet tend to feel quite cold even when they’re hot. You may need to de-layer them or wrap them up some more
• Are they crying more in the late afternoon or evening? They might be overtired, so make sure your baby is getting enough sleep during the day
• Are they poorly? If they are feeling unwell, they may cry less, and it will sound different to normal, or they may seem unusually quiet or hard to settle.
• Crying after feeding? They may have trapped wind, so don’t forget to burp your baby during or after feeds. If they still don’t settle, they may have colic

If your baby is refusing food and starting to lose weight, take them to the doctor because weight loss will affect your baby’s health.

Coping when your baby is constantly crying

Did you know that when babies are born, they aren’t able to produce visible tears? This is because their tear glands are still developing, and at first they only make just enough fluid to keep their eyes moist. It is only when they are a couple of months old that they actually start producing tears.

It is hard to ignore a baby’s cry, even if it’s not your own. Looking after a crying baby can be stressful, but you have to remember that crying is a normal part of their development and they are not being naughty when they cry.

Make a plan for times when it gets too much, and you feel upset or angry. If you think you might lose control, it’s always OK to put your baby down somewhere safe, like their cot, and walk away for a few minutes to calm down. Never, ever shake your baby — it can cause serious, lasting harm. Check on them every few minutes until you feel ready to go back and soothe them, and don’t hesitate to ask someone for help.

How to soothe a crying baby

Babies need a lot of soothing when they’re distressed. Here are some tips on what to do for a crying baby to help them settle or fall asleep:

• Hold, rock or keep them close in a sling
• Sing, put the radio on, or use some white noise like the vacuum
• Take them for a walk or a drive
• Try offering a dummy as some babies can comfort themselves with one
• Warm bath or a massage with coconut oil or a plain, unscented baby oil
• Pass them along to your partner, family member or even a friend; everyone needs a break sometimes, so don’t hesitate to ask

If your baby won’t stop crying and it’s affecting your relationship with them, or even between you and your partner, then please seek some help; people are always there for you.

When to seek further support

Crying is a normal part of your baby’s development, and it does get easier as you learn their cues. But if your baby is crying excessively, they seem unwell, or you feel your baby’s crying for no reason, don’t hesitate to speak to your health visitor, GP or a healthcare professional. If your baby is ever difficult to wake, has difficulty breathing, or you’re seriously worried, seek medical help straight away.

For more guidance and tips, explore the Capricare® Parent Support Hub.