We all know that babies can't tell us what they need or if they are having trouble. The only way for him to communicate is for them to cry. Babies will show signs like kicking their feet, waving their hands and turning their head, but the best way for them to get some ones attention is to cry.
Excessive crying does not have an exact definition because crying habits changes from one baby to the next and some babies can be calmed easier than others. If crying is upsetting for the mother, it may be called excessive. Many times a baby will become quiet by giving him some breast milk or by carrying and gently rocking. Sudden, excessive crying means a baby is distressed and needs your attention. The cause of crying varies from simple reasons to life threatening conditions. So a crying baby should not be ignored. Most of the time it is difficult to diagnose why they are crying. Here are some common causes.
Common reasons for crying:
1 - Hunger: - A hungry baby will cry until he gets some milk.
2 - A Wet Diaper: - Urination and defecation will cause some discomfort and results in crying until their parts are cleaned and made dry.
3 – Being Lonely: - The majority of Babies need somebody near them. They will cry if they are lonely. Even if their favorite toy falls from reach they will cry for help.
4 - Tired: - When the baby is tired after a journey and unable to sleep, they may just simply cry. Being in uncomfortable surroundings or in an unhealthy climate will make them feel tired.
5 – Hot or Cold Conditions: - If a baby feels too hot or too cold, they will become restless and start to cry. Babies are most comfortable in a room with good ventilation.
6 - Tight Clothing: - Tight clothing in warm conditions can be intolerable for kids. The tight elastic of a dress can produce soreness and discomfort.
7 - Darkness: - When the baby wakes up they need some dim light. If there is darkness he will start crying. He will also be irritated with a strong light.
8 - Mosquito: - These creatures will disturb a baby’s sleep by biting them, causing them to cry.
9 - Nasal blocking: - Babies may not be able to sleep when they have a cold and will continue crying till the nasal passage is clear.
10 - Phlegm in the throat: - This also makes it difficult to breathe and results in crying.
11 - General Body aches: - General body aches with restlessness as seen in flu and stages of some infectious diseases can result in crying.
12 - Habitual cry: - Some babies cry without any real reason which can drive the parent’s crazy trying to figure out what’s wrong. Many times a doctor will be called in for help.
13 - Nappy rash: - A tight and wet nappy kept for a long time can cause this condition.
A rash can also be due to an allergic reaction to the elastic material of the nappy. A rash causes soreness and baby will become sleepless and begin to cry.
14 - Earache: - Ear infections are very common in wet climates. The infection may spread from the throat. Ear infection can result in the rupture of the ear drum which will cause a discharge of pus. This usually gets worse at night while lying down. A child will become restless and cry. They may not allow you to touch the ear.
15 - Colic: - When a baby cries continuously, most people blame this on colic. This problem is still a topic for debate because exact cause for colic is not known and diagnosis is also difficult to confirm. Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of the abdomen. Babies often feel better when lying on the abdomen. Some children may not allow you to touch the abdomen. If the child cries continuously a doctor, help is needed.
16 - Infections: - All infections cause some kind of pain or irritation which will make a baby cry. Infections can be anywhere in the body and usually will cause fever, redness and swelling.
17 - Reactions to certain food - Some foods produce allergic reactions. Allergies usually show signs of redness, breathlessness, gastric symptoms and continuous cry.
18 - Hard stools: - Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge to defecate and may hesitate to pass stools because of pain.
19 - Gastro esophageal reflex: - Here babies cry with spilling of food after feeding. If this continues, it may be due to gastro esophageal reflex. This is due to failure of the lower part of an esophagus to close after food causing regurgitation from the stomach. It is difficult to diagnose this condition and can be confirmed by giving anti reflex medicines.
20 - Detrition: - During Detrition children becomes restless with crying. Often associated with gastric troubles and diarrhea.
These are just some of the reasons that a baby might cry. Hopefully these tips will help in diagnosing why they are crying. If crying persists, it is recommended that you contact your doctor immediately.
