Introduction:
It is a commonplace experience for all parents to observe their babies crying endlessly. Everyone knows that when babies feel discomfort or any kind of pain they resort to crying to convey their message.Crying is the most effective way babies have of communicating their needs.
In fact crying is a natural phenomenon for babies and the first few months of life almost all babies cry to prove their needs as they lack the skill of language.Most babies spend as much as seven per cent of the day crying.
It can take parents some time to learn to recognise what a baby’s cries mean. But by about four to six months most are able to differentiate between a cry of pain from a grizzle of hunger or a whine of boredom.
Most tiny babies have episodes of crying, which is often a sign of discomfort such as colic, but the cause often isn’t proven. Even by the age of nine months, one in four babies has episodes of crying for no obvious cause.
But sometimes when the child cries in a chronic fashion this can prove to be a worrying factor for the parents. It is imperative for one to know why babies cry without pause sometimes or what can be done to stop that incident. When babies cry endlessly one needs to first check out the obvious reasons that is if the child is wet or hungry. Often colic is thought to be another probable reason for babies crying endlessly.
How to Differentiate?
As a matter of fact, babies cry for almost 7% of the time of a day. The parents of a baby can usually take some time to make out the meanings of the baby’s crying. It is more so with a newborn. But as the child grows up, things get easier. When the kid is about six months old, the parents can clearly distinguish between a cry of hunger and a cry of pain or irritation. Babies crying endlessly, which can be considered excessive crying, sounds different from normal cry. There are some babies, who whine even when they are 9 month’s old for no specific reason.
In fact on careful listening one can distinguish between a child crying normally and the endless crying of a distressed baby. Such crying often has an unusual sound and the baby finds it tough to breathe or breathe in short grasps. An experienced ear may easily demarcate between both the sounds and decide if the child needs medical intervention.
Reasons of Crying:
Babies can not talk like the grown up human beings as they lack the skill of language. Therefore crying is only natural for them to communicate their requirements and problems. It might indicate the child is suffering from a physical problem or feeling distressed. In these cases, the breathing pattern may become uneven and the child may gasp for breath at times. Medical problems and minor hassles like a nappy rash may also cause excessive crying.
Some babies may also resort to crying to draw attention and if the parents respond they develop a habit. In some cases, turmoil in the family can cause stress to a child and he or she can cry profusely. Also, in most households, the babies are accustomed to a particular schedule of feeding and sleeping. If it is disrupted for some reasons the babies can cry for prolonged periods
When the teeth starts growing in babies they have to go through a number of symptoms like moderate fever, sleep disorders and these can make the babies crying endlessly during the period. Sometimes, chemicals and toxic elements can pass through the mother’s body to the child during breastfeeding. This can happen when the mother eats a food that has chemicals.
It can cause irritations in the baby’s body and he or she might start crying profusely. A parent should also be careful when a baby is continuously crying and treat him or her for ailments such as otitis media or infection of the middle ear. Meninigities of gastro enteritities are other causes which can cause a baby to cry continuously.
Causes Behind the Cry:
It’s important to be alert for medical problems, especially infections such as otitis media (infection of the middle ear), gastroenteritis, meningitis or a respiratory tract infection, as well as problems ranging from severe nappy rash to rarer conditions such as intussusception or a strangulated hernia.
If you’re worried, especially if there are abnormal signs such as a skin rash or a fever, get medical advice.
Inconsolable crying is often put down to colic, but there’s no definite test for it. It tends to affect babies for the first three to four months. They may show signs of tummy pain, such as pulling their legs up to their abdomen, while others pass a lot of wind.
Ask your health visitor for advice on your baby’s diet and your own if you’re breastfeeding. Some foods, such as cow’s milk, citrus fruits or grapes, seem to aggravate colic. When the mother eats these, chemicals from the food may pass into her breast milk and reach the baby.
Signs of teething include crying, alongside gnawing, mild fever, sleep problems and mild diarrhoea. The first tooth usually appears at about four months.
Often though, the cause is more benign. Some babies are sensitive to tensions within the family or to changes in routine. Others just need a lot of attention or company. Some babies just seem to cry for no obvious reason.
Possible explanations include birth trauma, an attempt to release stress, liking the sound of their voice and simply a baby’s personality.
How to solve the problem :
Parents need to eliminate all the probable causes that can make Babies crying endlessly. They need to see if the baby is feeling the pangs of hunger. They also need to check out if the baby’s nappy has become cold or wet. Babies love a warm and snugly feel around them. Their clothing should not make them feel too hot or cold. Some babies prefer company of people and some others prefer to be alone.
The parents should try to make out what suits their child the best. Besides, music is something that affects different babies differently. While some babies have a penchant for music, others detest it strongly. The parents need to keep the child in a suitable environment. If none of the aforesaid policies work, the parents of a whining baby may consult a child specialist and follow his advices.
Small babies need to be snugly wrapped in clothes in a moderately warm environment. In their cot, they need thin layers they can kick off if hot. Babies don’t need to wear a hat indoors. Babies don’t need to wear a hat indoors.
Some babies find it hard to settle into a routine, while others can’t get themselves off to sleep easily. It takes babies around 12 weeks for brainwave patterns to develop a regular routine.
Some babies just need to be left in a safe spot in a quiet, dark, warm room, while others want to be held, massaged and stroked. Some like silence, while others prefer a tape of music.
Some infants just like to be held constantly. Try carrying them round on your back or front held secure in a cloth or sling.
A regular routine of bath, feed and song seems to be most successful.
When there’s no answer:
If all possible causes can be ruled out and you’re desperate for a rest, put your baby somewhere warm and safe, such as in their cot, and close the door. Go into another room and listen to music or the TV, or practise stretching and breathing exercises.
It’s difficult not to get anxious, and you may want to listen at their door or peep in after a few minutes – try to leave longer and longer breaks between each check.
Some babies will suddenly stop crying endlessly as mysteriously as they started, while others take months, or even years, to grow out of it.
Make sure you get plenty of breaks and rest. Find help wherever you can and take up any offer of help from family or reliable friends.
If you find you’re still struggling, talk to your GP or health visitor. Ask for help before you reach crisis point.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.
Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/crying2.shtml
http://www.ayushveda.com/healthcare/babies-crying-endlessly.htm
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/baby_crying_closeup.jpg
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