All babies cry quite a lot and for a variety of reasons. The
common reasons why a baby cries vary depending upon the age of
the baby. This factsheet will help you to identify the reasons
why your newborn or young baby may be crying and suggest some
steps that you can take to help soothe your baby.
Crying is the only means of communication for young babies;
therefore at first your baby will cry for all their needs. These
include physical needs such as;
* Hunger,
* Tiredness,
* A wet nappy,
* Being too hot or too cold,
* Or even discomfort from tight clothing.
Your baby will also crying because of anxiety or an emotional
need such as affection.
Fortunately, babies' cries usually vary with these different
needs. Within the first few weeks of life you will become able to
recognize your baby's different cries and respond more quickly to
their needs. At this stage it is impossible to spoil a baby with
attention so if (s)he cries you should pick up your baby for a
cuddle and find out what it is (s)he wants. This also reassures
your baby that you are there for him or her.
Whilst getting to know your baby's cries will help you narrow
down the need, it will often be a matter of trial and error. The
first things to try are;
* Offering your baby a feed,
* Checking whether (s)he needs a nappy change,
* Give your baby something to suck,
* Rock or pat,
* Or simply talk to your baby.
If none of these help then check to see if (s)he is too hot or
too cold. Room temperature should be around 20-23oC(68-73oF) and
baby's normal body temperature 37oC(98.6oF).
Colic
Crying due to colic is often more high pitched than usual crying.
Your baby may also draw up their legs and become red in the face.
This crying tends to occur at the same time every day, usually
the late afternoon or evening and is not helped by any of the
usual remedies. Colic can start from as early as three weeks and
continue until about twelve to 16 weeks. The cause of colic is
unknown. You should try a range of methods to soothe your baby,
for example;
* Rocking,
* Walking,
* Frequent feeding,
* Rubbing or massage,
* Music,
* A change of room or environment,
* A drive in the car.
It is not advisable to use medicines to give your baby relief
without first consulting your GP or health visitor.
Nappy Rash
Nappy rash is a skin irritation that occurs on the skin of a baby
in the nappy area. Various things can cause the irritation
including;
* Ammonia, which is found in urine and faeces,
* Alcohol, which is sometimes used in baby wipes,
* A change in diet eg from breast milk to formula,
* Strong detergents/soap additives, which have been used to
clean terry nappies.
However, not all nappy conditions are nappy rash. Other
conditions that can cause similar symptoms include heat rash,
dermatitis (eczema) or thrush.
Symptoms of nappy rash vary from mild sore red spots to cracked
or broken skin and even blisters. You may also be able to smell
ammonia strongly on the nappy. Treatment of nappy rash is usually
simple, and the problem should clear up after a few days;
* Change the nappy as soon as it is wet/dirty, * Let your baby
play without a nappy as much as possible, so their bottom is
exposed to the air,
* If you're using a barrier cream, stop using it, it could be
causing the rash or preventing the rash from healing,
* Avoid using plastic pants,
* Keep your baby's bottom dry, but don't use talcum powder,
If the rash lasts longer than three days, gets worse or shows
signs of being infected, (inflammation, discharge or your baby
develops a fever) ask your health visitor or GP for advice.
Coping with a Crying Baby
A new baby that is frequently crying can be very stressful for
the parents and carer’s alike. It is helpful to try not to become
tense, as your baby will sense this and it may make things worse.
If possible find someone who can take turns with you soothing the
baby. Make sure that you rest when you get the chance. Put on
some soothing music that you enjoy. Try to keep things in
perspective and not to worry about things that are not getting
done such as the laundry or the washing up. Remember that most
colic disappears before your baby is three months old and nappy
rash is usually easily treated, so relief is in sight.
If you are still finding it difficult to cope, then there are
many good self-help books available with further advice on
dealing with your baby's crying and helping your baby sleep
through the night, and you can always talk to your GP or
health visitor about getting local support and advice.
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