Why Do Babies Cry? What Must You Do When They Cry?

It is normal for babies to cry, especially the newborn. A typical cry of a baby can last up to 2 to 3 hours for the first 6 weeks. However, they can cry more at any given time during the first 3 months.

Infants cry when hungry, thirsty, tired, lonely, or in pain. For babies, crying is their way of communication. However, too much crying may be a sign that something is wrong.

Excessive crying

Babies who cry more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks might be suffering from colic. Usually, it starts when a baby is 2 to 5 weeks old and ends when the baby is 3 to 4 months old.

Doctors are not sure what causes colic. However, it does not mean that a baby has any health problems. Fortunately, with time, colic goes away on its own.

While keeping the baby from crying, be careful, and make sure to do it right. You may feel frustrated or angry because they will not stop crying; however, it is not a reason enough for you to cause harm to a baby.

Shaken baby syndrome

Shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma is a head or neck injury due to physical child abuse. It happens when someone shakes a baby - hence, the name - or hits the baby against something hard. It usually happens when a parent or caregiver is angry, upset, or frustrated because a baby will not stop crying. Such injuries can lead to permanent brain damage or death. People should never shake a baby for whatever reason.

To help stop this from happening, a parent or caregiver must find a way to help ease their stress and frustration.

What to do when they cry?

To soothe a baby who is crying, you can:

• Check if the baby has a fever. For babies, a fever is a temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F. Call and consult a doctor immediately if the baby has a fever indeed.
• Babies usually cry because when they are hungry. Make sure that they are well fed and has a clean diaper.
• Rock or walk with the baby. While doing so, you can also sing or talk to the baby.
• Offer a pacifier
• Take the baby for a ride in his/her stroller
• Hold the baby close and take calm, slow breaths
• Pat or rub the baby's back
• Put the baby in a swing or vibrating seat. The motion from those may be soothing
• Play music. Some babies respond to sounds as well as movement

Some babies may need less stimulation. Babies who are 2 months old and younger may do well being swaddled, lying on their back in their crib with very dim lights or dark. Make sure that the swaddle is not too tight and stop swaddling when the baby is starting to roll over.

On the other hand, if the baby will not stop crying despite doing all those things above, you ought to call for help or support. 

You can also try putting the baby in the crib - without toys or loose blankets - close the door, and check in on the baby after 10 minutes. During those minutes, try to relax and calm down. Take deep breaths, wash your face, or listen to music.

Remember that babies do cry as their way of communication, and in time, it will get better. Take care of yourself, and keep taking good care of your baby.