Why does your baby cry? Everything you need to know

Although every baby is unique, the common “language” of babies is crying, and it is through crying that they express their needs and feelings. That is why the midwives at Happymami have put together this post with everything you need to know about why your baby cries.

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Why does your baby cry?

To start with, we want to tell you that your baby crying is completely normal, and it is very common for mums and dads to have lots of doubts when they see their baby cry. Especially when the cause of the crying cannot be found. We are going to help you understand what your baby means when they cry, and what the AEPED recommends about baby crying.

Why do children cry?

It is important to understand that your baby, like most babies, expresses their emotions quickly and directly, with crying being their way of saying that they need something.

My baby cries a lot: how much crying is normal for a child?

OK, you accept that your baby communicates by crying, but how long is normal? Well, during the first few months your baby may cry for between 1 and 3 hours a day. But breathe… As they grow, they will cry less. This is because they find other ways to calm down.

What are they trying to tell us when they cry?

By using crying to communicate, your baby is telling you that they have a need or that they feel unwell. For example, they cry if they are hungry, hot or cold… if they feel lonely and want you to pick them up, or if they simply want to play for a while. There will be times when it is difficult to know what the specific need is that makes them cry, but as the days go by you will get to know your baby much better and you will learn to tell whether it is hunger, a wish to be held or anger. Did you know that crying out of anger is the easiest kind to soothe? It can be difficult, but try to identify the cause without rushing yourself or losing your calm.

Causes of crying and how to respond

Next, let us look at the different possible causes of your baby crying and what the AEPED recommends you do. Remember that the “physical” causes of crying are the most common and the easiest to identify, so they will also be the easiest to solve.

Hunger

Anticipating any situation that may delay your baby's feeding is essential to maintain their wellbeing and prevent episodes of excessive hunger. This means identifying the early signs of hunger and acting accordingly, whether by preparing the environment for breastfeeding or by having bottles of breast milk or formula to hand. It is also essential to stay calm and reassure your baby before offering the feed, as stress or anxiety can make the feeding process more difficult. Taking a moment to comfort your baby and create a relaxed atmosphere can help make feeding more effective and enjoyable for both your baby and you.

Sleep

If your baby is tired but cannot sleep, they become restless, which will end up turning into crying and irritability. This type of crying is soft and rhythmic, as if your baby were singing to themselves to relax and fall asleep.

Wetness and dirt

For your baby, as for anyone else, the feeling of being wet and/or dirty causes discomfort that can lead to crying that won't stop. This crying usually stops as soon as the nappy is changed.

Discomfort

By discomfort we mean a bad position, too many layers of clothing, or clothes that are too tight. They can make your baby uncomfortable.

Too much stimulation

Sometimes mums want to stimulate their baby’s development too much and can end up overexciting them. For your baby, more movement around the house or visitors at odd hours can also be irritating.

Anger

When your baby, or a child, is not allowed to do what they want, or is not picked up when they want to be, they get angry and cry. A baby's irritability can be a very common cause. This crying is usually similar to their usual crying but shriller.

Noise

A sudden sound can also frighten your baby and trigger crying. On the other hand, using white noise to get your baby to sleep is not recommended.

Infant colic

The famous infant colic usually occurs between 2 weeks and 4 months of life and is often linked to wind or tummy pain. It means crying and irritability almost every day. Often in the late afternoon or evening, lasting around 2-3 hours, with a sudden start and end.

If your baby suffers from it, they will usually start crying and become restless, drawing their legs up towards their tummy, with sudden, rapid movements.

If you give a bottle, we recommend that you use Happymami, a bottle with a double anti-colic system that will help you prevent these symptoms. It can also help to give them a bath, give them a relaxing massage on their tummy or make circular movements with their legs bent up on their tummy.

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When should you see the paediatrician?

To see the paediatrician, your baby will need to show intense crying, especially in a first inconsolable episode or if it is linked to symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or if you have already met all your baby's basic needs and they are still crying.

In any case, if we suspect it could be due to a health problem, we should discuss it with a paediatrician

Bonus: why does your baby cry?

Every baby is unique, and that is why these tips will help you a great deal to get to know your baby, but above all be patient and try to understand that your baby is trying to tell you something. And nobody can understand it better than their mum. Lots of encouragement, and remember that at Happymami we always want to offer you the very best for you and your baby.

My baby refuses the bottle and cries

“My baby cries when they take the bottle”. It is common for some babies to refuse the bottle and cry when you try to feed them this way. The reasons can vary and range from a preference for breastfeeding, as the baby may be used to the breast and find the bottle less comforting, to the shape of the bottle teat, which may not suit their mouth. Other factors can include the temperature of the milk, which they may not like, or even pain or discomfort, such as colic or teething, which makes sucking uncomfortable.

To help your baby accept the bottle, you can try several approaches: offer the bottle when they are not too hungry or upset, make sure the milk is at the right temperature, try different types of teats to find the one that fits their mouth best, and let someone else give the bottle, as babies sometimes associate their mother only with breastfeeding. If the problem persists, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician to rule out any underlying health problem and get specific guidance.

Conclusion on why your baby cries

So why does my baby cry? In conclusion, every baby is unique and it is therefore essential to bear in mind that the advice given will help you understand your little one better. However, the most important thing is to be patient and to understand that your baby is trying to communicate with you in some way. As a mother, you have a special bond with your baby that allows you to understand their needs in a unique way. Remember that at Happymami we are committed to always offering you the very best for you and your baby, giving you support and resources to help you through this beautiful and challenging stage of motherhood. Lots of encouragement!