Tips for Coping with a Crying Baby
There are few things more stressful for a parent than a distressed baby that will not stop crying. When a baby is upset and screaming, it can be hard to believe that their crying is perfectly normal; in fact, many frazzled parents automatically assume that crying is always a sign that something is very wrong with their baby.
However, the reality is that all babies cry and frequent and lengthy bouts of crying characterise the behaviour of some babies. Because babies have no way to tell us what they want or what is wrong, they cry in order to draw our attention and let us know that they need something. As many parents get to know their baby better, they more quickly realise the different cries of their baby and what each one means.
Reasons why babies cry
In order to cope with a crying baby, it can be immensely helpful to understand some of the main reasons why they cry. Babies tend to cry because:
- They are hungry
- Their nappy is dirty or wet
- They are tired (or over-tired)
- They are frustrated
- They are over-stimulated
- They are experiencing pain from teething or wind
What can you do?
On occasions, it can seem as if absolutely nothing will pacify your baby and stop them from crying. These occasions provide huge amounts of anxiety for parents — particularly first-time parents — who may worry that something is seriously wrong with their baby or believe that they will never calm down or be consoled.
Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to help to settle your baby:
- Allow your baby to feed or suckle (if breastfed) or try giving your baby a dummy. Being able to suck their own thumbs or fingers is soothing for some babies.
- Holding your baby and using rocking, swaying or otherwise rhythmic movements can help your baby to settle, as can talking and singing. Your baby grew familiar with your voice while in the womb and it is amazing how often a baby will be calmed just by hearing your voice.
- Cuddling and stroking your baby can have a very positive effect. More and more, people realise the amazing benefits of infant massage. While it may not be the right time to administer a massage when your baby is hysterical, regular baby massage (particularly using a gentle and natural baby massage oil) can be a wonderful bonding experience and soothing and relaxing for a baby, to the extent that it prevents them from reaching the point of incredible distress.
- Many babies enjoy motion. Taking your baby for a walk, rocking them in a pram or going for a drive can help to calm your baby down.
- Depending on the age of the baby, distracting them with things to look at or listen to can sometimes be effective. Music, a toy such as a rattle or a mobile above the cot can work well.
- Water can be very soothing to some babies and many of them love the bath. A warm bath can therefore be gentle and have a calming, nurturing effect for a baby that is distressed.
Medical reasons
There is no denying that some babies cry because there is a physical problem. Some parents notice that their baby consistently cries at a particular time and comforting them is subsequently very difficult. If this is the case, it could be trapped wind, colic, reflux or another medical problem that is upsetting your baby and perhaps even causing pain and discomfort. It is important to seek the advice of a health professional when this is the case — if nothing else, you are bound to feel reassured by the advice and guidance of a professional.
On many occasions, quite straightforward strategies can be offered to address such problems. For example, baby massage is a frequently and effectively used practice to assist babies with colic and trapped wind.
The reasons for a baby crying can often be a mystery. Sometimes it can feel as if nothing will pacify a distressed baby, and on occasions it can be very difficult to trust that, more often than not, a baby’s cries are completely normal and do not mean that anything serious is wrong.