Copyright Wise Nanny 2020

Crying

In the first few weeks, crying is the main way that a new baby communicates. Parents quickly get to know that their baby has different cries with different causes; as time goes by, they will begin to recognise each one. How much, how loud and what causes a baby to cry is different for each and every baby and is part of their unique personality. If there are ever concerns about a baby’s crying, if it goes on for extremes of time or on specific occasions, or if their cry changes consult their midwife, health visitor or doctor. In these early days it is fine to respond to a baby and pick them up as soon as they cry, they won’t ‘be spoiled’. In fact, it will be supporting their emotional development by helping them feel secure and understood.

Copyright Wise Nanny 2020

Reasons why a new born baby may cry

Hunger

Hunger is one of the main reasons that babies cry. It is also usually the cry that parents learn to recognise first. If a baby really gets upset when they are hungry it can be tricky getting them calmed down to feed. If this is the case try to start noticing the pre-signs that they are beginning to feel peckish, so that they don’t have time to get themselves in a real state.

A dirty or wet nappy

Many new born babies do not like their nappy being wet or soiled, other babies are not so bothered. It is always worth checking even if they have only recently been changed as this could be a cause for them to cry. (Although if the poo has gone all the way to their neck, they will probably just smile!)

Tiredness

Although babies need and have a lot of sleep it is possible for them to be tired and get overtired sometimes due to overstimulation or just because they haven’t fully got the hang of going to sleep yet. Once they are over tired, they can find it hard to settle and can get themselves in real distress; when this happens a walk in the pram or a ride in the car can often be the solution.

Needing a cuddle

After spending time in the womb arriving in the world and being alone must be daunting. Touch and human contact are an important part of a babies’ basic needs and are essential for them to thrive. Babies cry to get that contact and a cuddle can reassure them and make them feel safe in their new world. If a baby seems to need a lot of contact, a soft wrap sling can give them the contact they need, while giving parents some freedom to move about.

Copyright Wise Nanny 2020

Trapped wind

Wind can create a lot of discomfort for babies and can cause them to not just cry, but scream! Winding regularly during and after feeding and trying different winding positions can help. If a baby regularly seems to have pain from wind breast feeding mums might want to look at their own diet or for bottle fed babies, there are different bottles and formulas that can help, talk to a midwife or health visitor about the options.

Being too hot or too cold

As adults we suffer discomfort if we are hot or cold; for a new baby the problem is increased as their bodies cannot regulate their temperature as well as adults plus they aren’t able to change their clothes or covers themselves to help them adjust, the only way to let us know is to cry. To check a baby’s temperature, feel the back of their neck this will give a good idea of their body temperature. As a rule, use several light layers and give a baby one more layer than adults.

Overstimulation

A baby, just like us, can need some downtime and may feel irritable and tired if over stimulated. Give a baby breaks between activities and new experiences to have some quiet one to one time or a nap.

In Pain

Crying when in pain is natural and it is important that babies can let us know when they are in pain. There could be a number of reasons why a baby is suffering and in pain for example feeling sick, having trapped wind, colic, having a fever or teething (some babies can cut their teeth early).

Copyright Wise Nanny 2020

Discomfort

Just like us babies can be uncomfortable for a whole range of reasons Itchy or sore skin; uncomfortable or tight clothes; loud noise or bright lights. If baby seems unhappy check these things as well as the more obvious ones.

Crying Tips

Although parents will not spoil their baby by picking them up when they are crying, they should try not to leap up every time their baby makes a sound, if possible, they should try and wait to see if the baby can sooth themselves or if the crying develops. (the only exception to this is, as mentioned earlier, is with a baby who is likely to get very upset when hungry, then getting in there sooner is a plus)

It is important to try to stay calm when a baby is crying, as babies can pick up on their parent’s anxiety and be harder to sooth. It can also make it harder for parents to work out what is wrong.

Taking turns to comfort baby is important so that the baby does not become too attached to one person. In the case of a single parent try to use others for support.

Support and advice should be sought if a baby screams constantly and for prolonged periods.

Copyright Wise Nanny 2020

If a baby is unsettled and crying, changing or altering the environment

may help them settle. Giving them a different view and perspective on

their new world can sometimes do the trick. This could something as simple

as -

Moving to a different room in the house

A walk round the block

Sitting in the garden

Walking round the garden

Watching the trees blow in the breeze

Facing outwards in their buggy or baby carrier

Listening to soft calming music or white noise

Giving them the opportunity to feel and watch something sensory

(bubbles, feathers, silk scarves, larva lamps, bubble lamps machines