Why does my baby keep crying?
Quick Answer
Babies cry because it is their primary way to communicate needs like hunger, sleepiness, or physical discomfort before they can speak. Since infants rely entirely on caregivers, crying serves as a vital signal to get attention for issues like a wet diaper, gas, or overstimulation.
Understanding Baby Crying
Crying is the most natural way for an infant to talk to the world. Since newborns lack the ability to use words, they use vocal distress to signal that something in their environment or body is not quite right. It is helpful to view crying as a functional tool for survival rather than a sign of unhappiness or a behavioral problem.
Most babies go through a period of increased fussiness during the first few months of life. This often happens because the world outside the womb is very different and can be overwhelming for their developing nervous systems. Lights, sounds, and even the feeling of air on their skin can be intense experiences that lead to tears.
As infants grow, the reasons for their crying often change. A newborn might cry mainly for food and sleep, while an older baby might cry because they are frustrated while trying to crawl or because they miss a familiar face. Recognizing that crying is a form of communication helps caregivers stay calm while they figure out what the baby needs.
How Baby Crying Works
The process of crying usually starts with a physical or emotional trigger that the baby cannot resolve on their own. When a baby feels a sensation like hunger pangs or the chill of a wet diaper, their brain sends a signal to release stress hormones. These hormones trigger the physical act of crying, which is designed to grab the attention of nearby adults.
Many caregivers notice that different needs create different types of sounds. A hunger cry often starts low and becomes more rhythmic, while a cry of pain might be sudden, loud, and high-pitched. Babies also use body language alongside their cries, such as arching their backs when they have gas or rubbing their eyes when they are tired.
Once the need is met, the baby's body typically moves back into a state of relaxation. This transition happens as the soothing touch or the satisfaction of a full stomach sends calming signals to the brain. Over time, the baby learns that their signals will be answered, which helps them develop a sense of security and trust in their environment.
Common Mistakes to Know About
A common mistake is assuming that every cry is a sign of hunger. While feeding is a frequent need, offering milk every time a baby cries can sometimes lead to overfeeding or increased gas if the real issue was actually fatigue or a need for a diaper change. Observing the baby's cues for a few moments can help determine the actual cause.
Another pitfall is waiting too long to respond because of the fear of spoiling the baby. Scientific research shows that infants are not capable of manipulation and cannot be spoiled by having their needs met quickly. In fact, responding promptly to cries often leads to a more secure and eventually calmer child because they feel safe.
Many people also overlook the possibility of overstimulation. In a busy room with many people or loud music, a baby might cry simply because they need a quiet, dark space to rest. Trying to entertain a crying baby with more toys or movement can sometimes make the fussiness worse if they are already overwhelmed by their surroundings.
Things Worth Knowing
It is worth noting that many babies experience a period of fussiness in the late afternoon or evening, often called the witching hour. This is a normal developmental phase where the baby may be processing the sensory input of the day and simply needs extra comfort and soothing. It does not usually mean there is a serious problem with the baby's health.
Temperature is another factor that people often miss. Babies generally need one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same environment to feel comfortable. Checking the chest or the back of the neck is a better way to see if they are too hot or cold than checking their hands or feet, which often feel cool to the touch.
Physical growth spurts can also lead to temporary increases in crying. During these times, babies may seem hungrier than usual or more irritable as their bodies use extra energy to grow. These phases typically only last a few days before the baby returns to their usual temperament and sleep patterns.
The Clear Answer
A baby keeps crying because they have an unmet need that they are trying to communicate. To resolve the crying and help the baby feel better, caregivers can follow these steps to identify and fix the issue:
1. Check for hunger by looking for signs like rooting, sucking on hands, or smacking lips. Offer a feeding if it has been a while since the last one.
2. Inspect the diaper to ensure it is clean and dry. A wet or soiled diaper is a very common cause of sudden fussiness.
3. Look for signs of tiredness such as yawning, rubbing eyes, or turning away from lights. If the baby is over-tired, they may need help falling asleep in a quiet room.
4. Check for physical discomfort by feeling for a fever, looking for tight clothing, or checking for hair wrapped around a toe or finger. Gently burp the baby to see if trapped gas is causing pressure in the stomach.
5. Provide comfort through rhythmic motion, soft sounds, or skin-to-skin contact. Sometimes a baby simply needs to feel the warmth and heartbeat of a caregiver to feel regulated again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is colic in babies?
Colic is a term used when a healthy baby cries for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for at least three weeks, often with no clear cause.
Why do babies cry during diaper changes?
Many babies cry during changes because they dislike the feeling of cold air on their skin or the sudden loss of the security of their clothing.
Can a baby cry because they are bored?
Yes, older infants may cry or fuss because they want more interaction or a change of scenery to keep their developing brains engaged.
Why does my baby cry in their sleep?
Babies have active sleep cycles and may whimper or cry out briefly as they move between different stages of sleep without actually being awake.
How can I tell if a baby is overstimulated?
An overstimulated baby might turn their head away, stiffen their body, or let out a sharp, continuous cry that gets louder with more interaction.