Seven reasons babies cry and how to soothe them

Your baby is fully dependent on you. You provide her with the food, warmth and comfort that she needs. When she cries, it's her way of communicating any or all of those needs and of ensuring a response from you. 

It's sometimes hard to work out which need your baby wants you to take care of. But as your baby grows she'll learn other ways of communicating with you. For example, she'll get better at eye contact, making noises and smiling. 

In the meantime, here are some reasons why your baby may cry, and what you can try to soothe her:

I'm crying because I'm hungry

Hunger is one of the most common reasons why your baby will cry, especially if she's a newborn. The younger your baby is, the more likely it is that she's hungry. 

Your baby's stomach is small and can't hold very much. So it won't take long before it empties. If you're breastfeeding, offer your breast, even if her last feed doesn't seem that long ago. This is called feeding on demand.

If you're formula-feeding, your baby may not need more milk for at least two hours after her last feed. Every baby is different though. If your baby is consistently not finishing her feeds, she may prefer to drink formula little and often. In this case, you could try offering her another feed early.

Your baby may not stop crying immediately, but let her keep feeding if she wants to.

I just feel like crying

If your baby's less than about four months old, she may cry more in the late afternoon and evening. This is normal, and doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with your baby. 

Persistent crying in an otherwise healthy baby is called colic. Your baby may become flushed and frustrated, and refuse your efforts to comfort her. She may clench her fists, draw up her knees, or arch her back.

Some people associate colic with tummy problems, maybe caused by an allergy or intolerance to something in your breastmilk or a type of formula milk. 

These days though, we have a greater understanding of how normal this pattern of baby crying is. Some experts think colic is not linked to tummy troubles, but is instead a stage called the "period of PURPLE crying®". PURPLE is an acronym and the letters stand for:

·         Peak of crying. Your baby may cry more each week, the most at two months, then less at between three months and five months.

·         Unexpected crying. It can come and go and you don't know why.

·         Resists soothing. Unfortunately, your baby may not stop crying, no matter what you try.

·         Pain-like face. Your baby may look as if she is in pain, but it's unlikely that she is.

·         Long-lasting periods of crying. It can last for several hours a day.

·         Evening. Your baby is most likely to cry more in the late afternoon and evening.

Living with a baby who regularly cries inconsolably can be very stressful, but there are tactics you can try to help you cope.

to be continued...................

Reference : the Baby Centre Medical Advisory Board