“Your baby’s cry is their way of saying: help me figure this out.” crying is not the problem, but disconnection is.
Assume in calm environment everyone is enjoying the tea peacefully suddenly you hear –WAAAH! The baby start crying like it’s the end of the world. Calm down! Baby don’t want to ruin your wonderful evening. But that’s the thing about babies they don’t care it’s a wonderful evening or a stormy night. Actually, they want your help, they trying to reach you. A baby cry is not a manipulation but it’s their way of communication. Following are some reasons due to which the, Tiny soul is in tears.
- They just need your attention: Crying is not always a sign of danger it is their way of communication so relax
- They want emotional safety: When your baby cries or cling, they are just searching for emotional safety that time they just want to be loved.
- Maybe they are hungry: The other reason maybe they are hungry as new Borns have tiny stomach they need food every 2-3hours during day and every 3-4 hours night.
- Maybe they are tired: If baby turns its head away or avoiding eye contact this means they are over simulated and need a break.
- Maybe they feel cold: If babies hands and feet are cold like ice, it could mean they are feeling cold other signs are shivering, sneezing, cool chest and back. Babies lose heat faster than adults, so it is always better to dress them one more layer.
- Maybe they are adjusting: Sometime a loud noise, a strong perfume or even a new bedsheet can trigger them.
Health-related reasons, why a baby crying
Usually most babies cry due to hunger, tiredness or wet diaper but, there can be a health reason like
- Gas or colic
- Ear infection
- fever
- Cold
- Teething
- Reflux
Babies can’t explain symptoms, so we have to listen them carefully.
When to see a doctor for a crying baby
Crying is normal but sometimes it goes beyond your control
- If a baby cries continuously for more than 2-3 hours.
- Crying is not usual has high pitched or seems unnatural.
- If a baby has fever specially if baby is under 3 months, then doctor consultation is required.
- If a baby refuses to eat or breastfeed for several hours.
- If baby has vomiting or diarrhea, or signs of dehydration means the diapers are not as wet as usually they are.
- If baby sleeps overly or hard to wake up.
- Crying more when touched or moved.
- If baby pulls his ear or shows a sign of pain than it could be ear infection.
- If a baby has rash, stiff neck, or bulging soft spot-on head need to see doctor.
Always trust your instincts if your instincts are saying that something wrong with baby than don’t give a second thought and visit to doctor.
What are infant’s sleep pattern
Babies don’t come with a manual we have to understand their patterns one powerful tool to support that patterns is nap chart. A nap chart can bring clarity and consistency by this you can understand more of your baby’s need
| Age in months | Average daily nap time | Number of naps |
| 0-3 months | 4-6 hours | 4-6 naps |
| 3-6 months | 3-4 hours | 3-4 naps |
| 6-9 months | 2.5-3.5 hours | 2-3 naps |
| 9-12 months | 2-3 hours | 2 naps |
| 12-18 months | 1.5-2.5 hours | 1-2 naps |
| 18 -24 months | 1-2 hours | 1 nap |
| 2-3 years | 1-1.5 hours | 1nap |
| 3-5 years | 0.5-1hours | 1 nap or none |
| 5- 12 years | varies often no nap | 0 naps (sometimes short naps) |
| 13+years | typically, no nap is needed | 0 naps |
Above table helps you to understand your baby’s sleeping time and duration
conclusion – A baby cry is not a problem it is a message which baby want to give you. Cry is baby’s first language so respond with love, presence, and patience. When next time your baby cry, do remember that they are not giving you hard time they are looking for you to communicate.