7 Common Reasons Why Babies Cry

Ever felt stressed out and helpless at the same time when your baby is crying excessively? Tried all means and ways under the sun to pacify your little one? Hey, that's very normal. Both crying babies and what you're feeling.

Here are 7 common reasons why babies cry and some tips on handling each situation.

1. Hunger & Thirst

   Food and water are basic needs for any human to function, babies included! Crying is just your baby's way of saying "feed me". A baby's stomach is only as big as an orange at 3 months old so they need constant replenishment of food and fluids.

   Singapore's weather is also notoriously hot and humid, giving babies water can help to cool them down and make them feel better.

   
   
2. Pain from Colic

   What exactly is colic? It mainly refers to prolonged periods of crying several hours each day for weeks even though the baby is not hungry nor thirsty. Wind or indigestion from drinking milk too quickly could be contributing factors, but doctors are still unsure of the exact cause, making it a sticky situation to handle.

   Bring your baby to the doctor for a check up to find out the real cause of his prolonged crying, but in the meantime, here are some simple methods to soothe crying:
   

   1. Playing some relaxing music for babies

      Check out this Spotify playlist for some great tracks:

      The World's Most Relaxing Baby Music

   2. Rocking and patting

      Keep a steady rhythm!

   3. Place a heat pack that is warm to touch on your baby's tummy

      The heat and slight pressure from the pack will provide some comfort.

   
   
3. Pain from Abdominal wind

   Abdominal wind is trapped air bubbles in babies' stomachs that they can't expel on their own because their digestive tracts are still developing. They're new to the world, new to consuming milk, and of course new to digestion too. Do not worry mummies and daddies, this is very common in 0-3 month old babies.

   Try burping your baby if he seems uncomfortable after a feed to relieve some gas. Daily gentle tummy massages with warm hands are great too.

   
   
4. Throat Infection

   Throat infection due to viral (e.g. Hand Foot Mouth Disease) or bacterial infection causes inflammation in your baby's throat and can make him feel awful. In some cases, it could lead to a fever.

   See a doctor as soon as you can.

   
   
5. Teething

   Teething can be uncomfortable for babies and sometimes result in fever. Your baby is just starting to grow his first set of teeth and it’s a weird sensation to have something hard sprout out of his gum. Teething can start from as early as 3 months old and last all the way till they’re 3 years old.

   To ease the pain and soreness, here are some things you can do:

   1. Apply teething gel onto their gums.

   2. Let them gnaw on teething toys or DIY your own with a cold washcloth.

   3. See a doctor who may prescribe pain relievers for your baby

    

   If the above solutions don't resolve your baby's discomfort, bring him to a dentist for a check-up.

   Visit our partner - Thomson Paediatric Dentistry for a consultation at special AptaAdvantage member rates.

   
   
6. Temperature

   In this sunny air-conditioned nation, temperature changes can be very extreme for sensitive babies. If it's too hot or too cold, your baby will cry to let you know he's uncomfortable. When it's too cold, switch off the aircon or take him out for some fresh air.

   During hotter days, bring your baby down to our partner - Swish Swimming for some splashing fun in their temperature controlled salt-chlorinated baby pool. What's more, AptaAdvantage members get special rates for baby swimming classes!

   Find out more at https://www.aptaadvantage.com.sg/privileges

   
   
7. Dirty and Wet

   Both adults and babies feel irritated when it gets humid or when they feel dirty.

   Time to take a bath and change those diapers for your baby! Try to keep your baby's skin dry and comfortable at all times.

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