Why do babies cry?

Crying, just like a glance, laughter or a frown, is your baby's way of communicating with you.  It's just unfortunate that crying, for the unaware new parent, can send us into an anxious panic, desperately waiting for that moment when all is peaceful and quiet again!

Some babies do tend to cry alot for the first year of their life, just like my first born did.  It's just their way of expressing themselves to let you know that they are uncomfortable or in need of something, whether it is food, a nappy change, attention or sleep. Babies often need to cry simply as a release of tension from exess mental stimulation.

If you are positive that your baby is not crying due to a medical problem (if unsure, consult your family doctor), mentally go through a list to eliminate the reason behind the excessive crying and adjust accordingly.  Example:

* Is baby Ill or in pain? Eliminate medical issues first.

* Is my baby hungry?

* Is my baby too hot or too cold?

* When was the last time my baby had a diaper change?

* Does my baby just need a hug?

* Is my baby tired and need a sleep? This is the main reason babies cry.

* An overtired Baby will often cry inconsolably? And often refuse to sleep for more than a few minutes.

An overtired baby is sometimes a baby who is hard to settle.  A way to remedy this is to act upon your baby's tired signs as soon as you notice them.  Newborns tend to get twitchy and make jerky movements with their arms while older babies tend to rub their eyes or pull at their ears.
You will soon learn to recognise "that look" the eyes are open but "no-ones home" in tired babies.

Consoling baby usually takes the form of giving them a cuddle, distracting them with something different, a toy they have not seen for a while or perhaps putting baby in the car capsule and going for a drive.
Beware not to continue stimulating an overtired baby, as this will aggravate the situation. Overtired babies just need sleep.
A final word: you'll be delighted to know that most screaming babies do eventually become delightful little toddlers!

Questions and comments: Marg@BedtimeAndToiletTrainingSolutions.com.au