Why Do Babies Cry Excessively? Causes Parents Should Know

Crying is how babies communicate with the world. It’s how they signal hunger, pain, tiredness, or even boredom. But when your baby cries more than normal and you have tried all the usual strategies to soothe them and nothing seems to work, it’s normal to feel anxious. Excessive crying can create an overwhelming situation for babies and parents alike

However, there are often understandable reasons. 

In this blog, we will look at the common cases of excessive crying in infants and how/when to seek medical help.

What is considered normal crying?

All babies cry. Newborns will cry for one to three hours a day during their first few months of birth. The crying bouts can be short bursts or long and typically occur in the evenings. Crying typically peaks at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and gradually decreases at 3 to 4 months of age.

But crying is excessive when it is continuous, louder than usual, and/or appears to be without any identifiable cause. When this happens it is worth further investigation.

Common Reasons Babies Cry a lot

1. Hunger

This happens the most. A diapered child should be fed very young every 2 or 3 hours. If your baby is crying, rooting (turning toward the breast or bottle) or sucking their hands, they are most likely hungry. 

2. Dirty Diaper 

Babies can feel uncomfortable from a wet or dirty diaper. Some babies don’t mind, but many will get fussy right away. A quick check of the diaper can change the mood of most newborns.

3. Tired

When babies don’t fall asleep when they are overtired, they often cry. If your baby has been awake a long time, rubbing their eyes or yawning or turning their head away from you, they probably need a nap.

4. Need to be Comforted

Sometimes babies want to just be held, and there can be many things that help babies feel safe and secure, including skin to skin contact with a parent, cuddling, and sounds that soothe.

5. Gas or tummy discomfort 

Gas and /or tummy discomfort cause lots of squirming, crying, and distress after eating. Symptoms of gas or tummy discomfort include arching their back, pulling the legs to the tummy, and passing gas. 

6. Colic

Colicky babies continue to cry for more than 3 hours a day, for more than three days a week, for at least three weeks. Usually colicky babies cry in the evening and this crying is not directly related to hunger or dirty diapers. The cause of colic is unknown and usually resolves on its own by 3 or 4 months.

7. Reflux 

For some babies, gastroesophageal reflux causes them to spit up their milk after feeding. If this condition is painful to your baby, chronic crying can result, usually after feeding or lying flat. 

8. Overstimulation 

Too much sound, bright light, or busyness can overstimulate some babies. They may cry simply to ease their tension or allow their body to settle into a calm, quiet space. 

9. Temperature sensitivity 

Babies can be sensitive to heat and cold. Your baby may cry if they are too hot because they wear too many clothes or too cold because they are underdressed.

10. Illness or Fever

Crying could be your baby’s communication that something is wrong. If you experience a sudden high-pitched or unusual cry, or combine with symptoms, such as; fever, poor feeding, vomiting, or changes in sleep – contact your doctor immediately. 

11. Teething

Teething can happen as early as 3-4 months. The gum discomfort can make babies fussy, have more drool and cry more, and even at night.

Ways to soothe a baby who is crying

• If it’s close to feeding him/her, consider feeding him/her right away.
• Holding him/her skin-to-skin or moving him/her gently back and forth in a cradle rocking motion.
• You can also consider offering a pacifier.
• You could use soft humming or white noise or any quiet lullaby.
• If you suspect gas, he/she may benefit from a warm bath or a gentle tummy massage.
• You can also feed your baby in a soft, calming environment created by low light and soft noise.

Keep in mind that all babies are different and what works for one baby will not work for another baby.  Over time, you will begin to learn your baby’s body language or signs and how he/she likes to be comforted.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Crying that is combined with at least one of the following should be concerning:

• A high-pitched or weak cry
• Crying that lasts for hours contributing to their exhaustion and distress
• Refusal to eat or trouble with weight gain
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration.
• Fever or abnormal temperature
• Your baby is excessively sleepy or hard to awaken

If you are feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, listen to your instincts. It is always best to be on the side of caution and consult with a pediatrician earlier rather than later.

It can be tiring emotionally to cry too much. However, that doesn’t indicate that you’re doing anything incorrectly. Baby cries as it is only the tool they have to express feeling uncomfortable, unsatisfied, or even stressed out. 99% of the time, it is something very small and doesn’t last long.  

Each step of the way, our best pediatricians in Chennai are ready to support you at Sugam Hospital in Chennai. Whether it’s crying too often, feeding problems, or sleep trouble, we help empower you to know what your baby needs from you, and we give the care that makes your little one feel better.