Every mum has at some stage been completely stumped as to why her little one is crying.
He or she has been fed, cuddled, winded and has had a nice long nap - so why all the tears?
If your baby is crying and you can't work out why, try the following check-list before you start pulling your hair out.
Baby is hungry
Easily fixed – feeding time!
Easily fixed – feeding time!
Baby needs a change of nappy
Give baby's bottom a quick check or sniff to rule out a needed nappy change. Also check to see if they have a rash that needs tending to.
Give baby's bottom a quick check or sniff to rule out a needed nappy change. Also check to see if they have a rash that needs tending to.
Baby has wind
Generally, if your baby is crying because of a gassy pain, they’ll also be squirming or pulling their knees up to their little tummy. Try burping him or her over your shoulder or gently massaging his or her tummy. Moving baby’s little legs in a slow bicycle motion while they’re lying down can also help.
Generally, if your baby is crying because of a gassy pain, they’ll also be squirming or pulling their knees up to their little tummy. Try burping him or her over your shoulder or gently massaging his or her tummy. Moving baby’s little legs in a slow bicycle motion while they’re lying down can also help.
Baby wants to suck
Babies find sucking very soothing so try offering a dummy or help him or her to find their own little thumb or fist. You might want to try slipping your own very clean pinkie finger into your baby's mouth too as this can work wonders.
Babies find sucking very soothing so try offering a dummy or help him or her to find their own little thumb or fist. You might want to try slipping your own very clean pinkie finger into your baby's mouth too as this can work wonders.
Baby wants a cuddle
Sometimes there's nothing wrong and your baby just wants to be held and comforted. Mums also need a cuddle too, so enjoy every moment of it.
Sometimes there's nothing wrong and your baby just wants to be held and comforted. Mums also need a cuddle too, so enjoy every moment of it.
Baby’s uncomfortable
Check that baby’s arms and legs aren't caught up in his or her wrap or that they're not lying on anything uncomfortable. Check that baby is not too hot or cold. As a general rule, your baby should have as many layers of clothing as you plus one extra layer - usually a singlet. It's also a good idea for baby to have socks and a hat on if you’re planning a trip outdoors.
Check that baby’s arms and legs aren't caught up in his or her wrap or that they're not lying on anything uncomfortable. Check that baby is not too hot or cold. As a general rule, your baby should have as many layers of clothing as you plus one extra layer - usually a singlet. It's also a good idea for baby to have socks and a hat on if you’re planning a trip outdoors.
Baby is crying because something's medically wrong.
If your baby is crying persistently, you should get medical advice. Take baby’s temperature and do a complete check of their little body for any signs of a problem.
If your baby is crying persistently, you should get medical advice. Take baby’s temperature and do a complete check of their little body for any signs of a problem.
Baby needs a break.
Babies are very sensitive to mood, so if you’re getting frustrated by the tears, then you can both find yourselves in a tense cycle that is hard to break out of. Either hand baby over to another adult or put him or her down in a safe place and walk away for a minute or two. Take some deep breaths and calm yourself before returning to your little one.
