12 potential reasons for your baby's cries and how to soothe her

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

A mom needs to know that a baby’s cry means. “I need to say something and I cannot talk yet, so I express them through my cries.” It is how they communicate hunger, pain, fear, the need to sleep and much more. 

Initially, it can be tricky to understand your baby’s cries. You might wonder how are you supposed to know exactly what your baby is trying to tell you? 

Here are the most common reasons why babies cry: 

1. Hunger 

This is the first thing you think of when your baby cries. Some hunger signs to watch out for in newborns include lip smacking, rooting, which is a newborn reflex that makes babies turn their mouths open toward your hand when you stroke their cheek. Babies also put their hands or fists to their mouth to convey their hunger. Feed your baby to quench her hunger. 

2. Wants to burp 

Your baby swallows air when she is breastfed or sucks from a bottle. This may cause discomfort if the air is not released. A good burp is all your baby needs after feeding. Otherwise, the air she swallowed would cause her discomfort and she will express it through cries. 

3. Stomach problems from colic and gas 

When your baby has gone six hours without a feed, she would cry different than the times when she cries due to being mildly uncomfortable. Stomach problems associated with gas or colic can lead to lots of crying. 

5 tips to soothe a colicky baby 

Colic is inconsolable crying in a healthy baby. If your baby is suffering from colic, she is younger than 5 months, cries for more than three hours in a row on three or more days a week. 

• Swaddle 

• Make some white noise 

• Change position 

• Do bicycle kicks 

• Change your diet if you are breastfeeding, or change the brand of formula milk if she is also in formula milk 

4. Needs sleep 

Though your baby wants to sleep she might simply be unable to go to sleep. So, she may fuss and cry when she is overtired. Try to put her to sleep when she is fed, played well, and changed. 

Try to lull by holding her in your arms while she is crying and talk softly and let her cry for some time, slowly you will observe she will be sound asleep. 

5. A wet diaper 

Your baby may be uncomfortable with a soiled diaper and wants to be changed; the only way to express this is through crying. 

Anyway, this is easy to check and change to a clean diaper. 

6. Too cold or too hot temperature 

Normally babies are less likely to complain about being too warm than about being too cold. Your baby may cry when she is taken to the washroom for a bath, when her clothes are removed or when she feels a wet wipe on her while changing her diaper. 

Always see that you keep her changing clothes handy and instantly change and make her comfortable. Her bedroom temperature is also to be taken care of if she cries when she is in her room. Try to keep the temperature at a moderate level. 

7. Teething pain 

Teething is another milestone achieved with great pain. If your baby seems to be in pain and you are not sure about the reason, try feeling her gums with your finger. You may feel the hard nub of an emerging baby tooth. 

You can give her something to chew on, like a teething ring or a cold washcloth that is chilled in the refrigerator. Rub a clean finger gently but firmly over her sore gums to ease the pain. But teething won’t bug the little one at least till she is over four months old. 

8. Not feeling well 

When your baby’s all basic needs are taken care of, yet she is crying, it may be an indication that she is not feeling well. 

Check her temperature. If she is having a mild temperature, as per doctor’s advice, you can give her paracetamol syrup. If she still continues to cry, contact your doctor. 

9. Overstimulation 

Sometimes babies prefer some calm atmosphere when they are in a crowded area. Crying can be your baby’s way of saying, “I want to be alone.” Take her to a secluded place to calm her. 

10. Wants more stimulation 

Some babies prefer to be taken for an outing. They need fresh air and exposure. Go on regular outings to child-friendly places, such as your local park or a beautiful, windy, lush green garden in your backyard. 

11. Wants a hug 

Your baby needs a lot of cuddling. She wants you to hold and hug her. She would love to see your face, hear your voice, and listen to your heartbeats. So, she may cry for that warmth. She would love the feeling of your hands in her and would soothe quickly. 

12. Hard to notice something painful 

Hair tourniquet is the first thing a doctor will look for if a baby is crying for no reason. Your baby can be troubled by something as hard to locate as a hair wrapped tightly around her tiny finger or toe and thereby stopping circulation. 

Grandma’s Tip: Sometimes your baby’s cries can be too loud but the reason for them can be too petty. The light in the room is too bright or the television is annoying, the pacifier tastes awful and needs a wash, or you have simply over clothed your baby. The reason could be anything. Find it and make it right!

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.