Crying is a normal communication response that babies use but unfortunately, it can be hard for parents to listen to. A young baby's cry tugs at a parent's heart strings which can leave an adult feeling anxious, tense and guilty for not knowing why their baby is crying.
Should they be responding to their baby's cry straight away? Or should they leave him or her to 'cry it out'?
When a parent gains experience, coupled with professional knowledge and facts about why babies cry, it allows them to make parenting choices with confidence.
Why do Babies Cry?
· Hunger
· Physical discomfort such as too hot, cold, abdominal bloating, pain, sick or wind
· Overstimulated
· Tired/overtired
· Passing a bowel movement
· In need of a reassuring cuddle
· Colic
· Release of accumulated 'stress'
During a baby's first 8 weeks of life they often experience a "fussy" period which can last 4 - 5 hours each day. This period is often known as the 'witching hour' and usually occurs in the late afternoon from about 3 -4pm. During this fussy period, a baby will cry fitfully and appear hungry, gassy and unable to sleep. Settling techniques and patience from parents will be needed to cope during this time. These settling techniques may include carrying your baby in a sling or carrier, a deep warm bath, an extra feed, a walk outside, cuddles, electronic swing or handing them to another carer.
Once a parent has learnt to identify their child's different cries, it is then a matter of what can they do to help. Below are some ideas based on both personal and professional findings over many years. Remember not all crying is 'bad' and does not necessarily need to be stopped. A parent's knowledge and perception of their baby's crying will determine their response to it.
1. A Hunger Cry
During the first few days after birth, a baby can be nursed from both breasts whenever they cry and at least every 2 hours during the day until breast milk has 'come in'. When there is breast milk present, a baby should be encouraged to nurse from one breast each feed until the breast is empty (approximately 30-40 minutes). Babies need to be kept awake while nursing to ensure a good nutritive suck. Offer the second breast only if they are still hungry.
From 3 weeks old a breastfed baby should be nursed at least every 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours if a baby is formula fed. This may mean waking your baby if they sleep too long during the day.
Tips: Feed more frequently during a growth spurt. (approximately 7 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months)
and ensure good attachment to the breast otherwise they will tire themselves out by feeding without getting enough milk.
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