Why do my babies cry so much? |
All babies cry! It is effectively there only real means of communication and, as a species, the human race has developed a bawl that can get their mothers' attention immediately.
If you have already had a baby, it won't come as such a surprise that babies do cry, and cry a lot. If these are your firstborns, then the happy smiling infants of your dreams that wake at four hourly intervals and settle after a quick feed
are just that . . . in your dreams.
Newborn babies can spend up to three hours a day crying and if you have twins, you can expect to hear even more of that nerve jangling noise! Babies cry most in the first year of life particularly in the first two / three months.
With a single baby, a mum can simply attend to his needs
but when there are two howling at the same time, this can lead to frustration and distress. Sometimes they take turns one after another and you get no rest. Other times one starts the other one off. Sometimes the two of them will even start you off :-)
It can be frustrating to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but don't forget that babies do not cry just for your attention, particularly at this early stage. They cry because they need something and are relying on you as their mum to look after and protect them.
There is no simple solution to this crying stage. Just remember you are not doing anything wrong and it will improve with time.
Common reasons why babies cry |
HUNGER
Sometimes babies are hungrier some days than others. If it has been a while since their last feed, try feeding them. A baby who hasn't had sufficient will usually cry at the end of a feed as well as before the next one. If you're not sure whether your baby is hungry, offer a feed and see what happens. New born babies experience hunger for the first time after their birth - no wonder they cry.
WIND / COLIC
If your baby cries in the middle of / at the end of a feed and is refusing
more, it could be that they have wind in their tummies. They may arch their backs, draw up their legs to their tummy and become red in the face too. Babies that gulp their milk can swallow a lot of air along with her milk which can make him feel full before he’s had enough milk and can also make him feel very uncomfortable. Pat or rub baby's back to bring up wind (watch out for milk which can also be brought up at the same time).
TOO HOT OR COLD
Small babies can't kick off their covers if they are too warm or pull more on to them when they are too cold. The ideal temperature for your babies bedroom is around 18ºC (65ºF).
DIRTY NAPPY
Fairly self explanatory. You'd cry too if you'd to lie in a wet or soiled nappy.
BORED
Just like ourselves, babies can be bored, in need of a bit of entertainment and want to be with their mummy. This doesn't mean that they are spoilt or demanding but just that they want some company.
TEMPERAMENT
Some babies need more physical contact and reassurance than others. With twins it can be difficult if you havetwo babies who both love being cuddled. Get as much help as you can from friends and family.
Some babies hate being bathed or being undressed. Others hate being overhandled. You'll soon learn your babies personalities.
SUCKING
One of the things babies do very well is suck - they love it and get a lot of comfort from it. Some mums hate them, but dummies can be a godsend when you have twins.
TIRED - Babies will often cry because they need to sleep. Some babies do like to exercise their lungs a little before dropping off to sleep.
STRESSED PARENTS - There is no doubt that babies can sense stress. If babies crying has your teeth on edge and your blood pressure raised, take five. Your baby will often be safer and happier lying crying for a short time than having a frantic, end-of-her-tether mum trying to comfort her / him.
OVERHANDLING - Babies bodies can get uncomfortable being passed from person to person. And they'll object in the only way they know how. Often if you've been trying to comfort a crying baby for a while, simply lying him / her down may ease their crying.
UNWELL - If there are signs that he/she may be ill, then always ask your GP to check your baby(ies).
Babies first year more
How to comfort your babies if they continue to cry more
Helpful tips for mums
of twins more
