When a baby cries during the first few months of life, it is his way of communicating to his mother that he needs something. Crying also helps the baby distract himself from whatever is bothering him. There are a number of different reasons why a baby might cry, ranging from something as simple as hunger to something as serious as a fever.

When breast-fed babies cry

• There may be a shortage of breast milk
• Try feeding the baby more often.
• The mother may need to eat more, drink additional liquids, and get more rest
• Contact your doctor or lactation specialist if nothing else works

When bottle-fed babies cry

• Powdered or concentrated formula may not be mixed properly
• The mixture of formula might be too weak
• The rubber nipple hole may be too small.
• Check with your pediatrician to see if you should switch brands of formula

When teething babies cry

• They may rub their gums or drool as the tooth erupts
• Know that within a few days after tooth eruption, the baby should stop crying
• Give them acetaminophen, teething tablets or topical anesthetics
• Have them chew on a cold wash cloth
• Give them teething toys

When babies with colic cry

• They most often cry at the same time everyday (usually late afternoon or early evening)
• They draw up their legs and pass gas (indicating they have a stomach ache)
• Burp the baby thoroughly throughout every feeding
• Soothe the baby with vibrating and repetitive sounds

When babies with a fever cry

• Take their temperature
• Recognize that fever in a baby under 6 months old is dangerous
• Contact your pediatrician if the baby’s rectal temperature is above 100.5 degrees

Things to consider with a crying baby

• Does he have a diaper rash?
• Is he hungry?
• Is she too hot or too cold?
• Is he teething?
• Does she have bites from insects or pets?
• Consult a doctor or nurse regarding the possibility of allergies or an illness

Actions to soothe the baby

• Feed your baby
• Burp her
• Hold him and rock him
• Change his diaper
• Change her position
• Wrap him in a small blanket.
• Change his clothes accordingly (if he is too warm or too cold)
• Rub her back.
• Wash his face with a cool cloth.
• Run a fan
• Play soft music
• Talk soothingly to him
• Sing to her
• Offer her a toy (if he is over three months old)
• Take him away from noisy places
• Put him to bed

Tips for the mother

• Do not get upset
• Relax
• Stay patient
• Talk to a friend, relative, or neighbor
• Ask someone you trust to watch the baby so you can get away for a while

Within time you will learn how to differentiate between your baby’s different cries. When you respond to his needs, he will cry less often and be more easily comforted. Do not be embarrassed to contact your pediatrician if you have any additional questions or concerns.