New born babies cry, some more than others, but that is their only means of communication. It doesn’t mean that you are necessarily doing anything wrong, it’s just how they let you know they’re uncomfortable. These are the main reasons your baby is crying: hungry, dirty diaper, tired, wants to be held, gas or tummy troubles, needs to burp, feeling too hot or cold, teething, wants more or less stimulation, or they’re not feeling well.
Ask yourself if you have tried to satisfy any of these problems. If it’s hunger your baby will eat once they are less distressed and you introduce the breast or bottle. Newborns tend to eat on a cycle of every hour and fifteen minutes. As long as it’s once every one-two hours. If you notice your baby sucking in their sleep, this is a clear sign that they are hungry, other signs are stirring and stretching.
After the baby has fed try to burp them. Don’t give up burping your baby, if they don’t burp after they eat the gas will cause tummy trouble and crying. Just rub the back and pat until your baby burps.
A dirty diaper simply needs to be changed and then your baby would probably enjoy a good cuddling. If snuggling with your baby calms them down then it was your presence they wanted, but make sure you’re not turning into a helicopter mother who is always standing over her baby. They need some alone time too. Tired babies need their sleep, try rocking, swaddling, singing, swinging, anything you have noticed calms them down, do this and they will fall asleep.
Always be aware of the temperature of your rooms and your newborn. Babies should dress for the season. If it’s a hot summers day put the baby in a summer outfit. If it’s a cold winter day dress your baby warmly. Just be sure that you’re not going overboard. If after you dress your baby a few minutes later they crying but it’s not from hunger or dirty diapers, it could be you’ve under or over dressed them.
Teething will always cause crying, it’s a painful experience. The best thing to do for your baby is to buy leak proof, PSB free teething rings, or freeze a damp facecloth for your baby to munch on. This will numb the gums naturally and provide some relief. Over the counter medicines that are advertised as teething aids may contain chemicals that your baby will become used to and become useless the more you use them. Research natural remedies such as Camilia.
If you check your baby and they are hotter than normal take their temperature under the arm in the armpit for the most reliable temperature. Any temperature in a baby less than six months old that is more than 93 degrees or more you should take the baby to see a doctor. Newborns do not typically get fevers, so if your new born has one take them immediately to see your pediatrician.
If you have checked all of the above and the baby is still crying, what should you do? Just relax, the baby is just working through something. It can be hard to listen to, but if you’ve taken care of them then you have done your job. If you feel that it is upsetting you, it’s okay to walk away and take a breather. You’re not a bad parent if you need to do this, all mothers need a break, so just take five and relax, then you can go back to your baby with a clear mind.