COMMON REASONS BABIES CRY

and what you can do to soothe them

1. I AM LONELY

For nine months, your baby was a part of you, but now she finds herself completely separate from you and alone at times.

She could be crying because she misses your presence, your warmth and touch. All she needs is to feel you close and to hear the familiar sound of your voice. Hold her, rock her gently and talk to her in a soothing tone. If you find your baby is particularly needy of your constant presence, find a baby sling that suits your needs and carry her around with you as you go about your day. Not only will she be calmer because she’s close to you, but your constant movement is also reminiscent of being in the womb, and she’ll be very soothed by this.

2. I AM OVERWHELMED

Loud music, dogs barking, bright lights, crowds of people, excessive touching – especially by strangers – sometimes it all just gets a little too much for your baby. If she suddenly starts crying, turns her head away and closes her eyes tightly, she is overstimulated and in need of some peace and quiet.

Help her by taking her into a semidarkened, quiet room, away from the noise and hubbub. Swaddle her tightly in a blanket, hold her snugly against your body, and rock her gently. You could both relax for a while in a rocking chair.

3. I’M HUNGRY

If three or four hours have gone by since your baby’s last feed, and she has just woken up, or you have just had to clean a dirty nappy, chances are that she will be hungry.

Offer her a feed. To feed on demand is very good for both mother and baby.

4. I AM EXHAUSTED

Babies tire easily and quickly. One minute, you might have a happy, cooperative baby, and the next she might be rubbing her eyes and fussing.

You would do well to make a concerted effort to learn the signs your baby shows you early on when she is tired. You will avoid hours of fussing and crying if you do, as you’ll be able to take your baby into a calm space and put her to sleep before she becomes overtired. Common tired signs are:

■ Yawning

■ Rubbing eyes

■ Red rings around the inside of her eyes

■ Arching her back

■ Clenching fists

■ Jerking leg movements

■ Glazed stare

■ Looking away

■ Facial grimacing

■ Grizzling, squirming and wriggling As your baby gets older, she may display other signs like pulling her ears, becoming clingy, falling over or bumping into things. Help her by rocking her gently, and try to establish a calm and peaceful routine for night-time sleeping as well as naps. If you stick to good routines, you’ll become familiar with your baby’s sleepy times and will be able to plan your day around her naps and bedtime.

5. I JUST DON’T WANT TO

Sometimes your timing will not coincide with what your baby wants or needs. You might want to talk to her or play with her, but she wants to sleep. Or you bath her when she actually wants to eat. The only way she can let you know she is not happy is by crying. Help her by not forcing her into a very strict routine – let her lead you into a less rigid routine that suits her needs. In the long run it will benefit you both.

6. I HAVE COLIC

Does your baby scream until she is red in her face after meals? Does she pull her legs up towards her stomach and arch her back? Does she cry inconsolably for long periods at a time? There is a good chance that she has colic. A trip to the doctor will rule out any other causes for this behaviour.

Help your little one by being there for her, even if it feels as if there is nothing you can do.

Be patient, and when it gets to be too much for you, try to take a break. Rest assured, she will outgrow her colic at approximately 3 to 4 months.

7. I AM UNCOMFORTABLE

Your baby’s skin is very sensitive and delicate and something that may not irritate or hurt you may cause your baby great discomfort. If she’s crying, and you’ve checked all the other signs for why this may be, then go through this checklist for things that might be causing discomfort:

■ Check her nappy. She may need a change, or it may be too tight.

■ She may be too hot or too cold. Tiny babies cannot regulate their own temperatures. Place your hand at the base of your baby’s neck, between her shoulders. If that patch of skin feels warm or cold to your touch, then you need to add or take away a layer of clothing. The rule of thumb for cold days is to dress your baby in one more layer than you’ve got on. But keep checking to make sure your baby’s not too hot.

■ Headbands or hats may feel too tight on your baby’s head and cause her to cry. Check to make sure you can easily slide your finger in between her head and the band or hat.

■ Check her clothing for tags that may be bothering her.

8. I AM ILL

Your baby’s weak wailing is unstoppable, and she looks pale and listless. If she is in pain, she could start crying inconsolably.

Help her by keeping a good eye out for any signs of illness, and get help as soon as it becomes necessary. A wind can also cause pain, so make sure you wind her properly after each feed.