Newborns cry. It's their only way of communicating. Babies cannot "fake cry," which means they are not trying to trick or manipulate you. Their brains and nerve centers are just not fully developed. That will occur as they grow older, later in their toddler years [1].
Then why is a baby screaming?
Until recently, baby lived in mama's belly, where they were warm and comfy and had all of his desires met automatically. Suddenly, the baby is in a completely new environment, where it is cold or hot, scared, lonely, something aches, hunger or tiredness overwhelms them. And yet they are unable to convey their needs [2].
The one thing the baby can still do is to scream, which is key to their survival [1].
Babies cannot express their exact concerns, but the most common ones include the following:
Physical discomfort
Dirty or wet diapers can irritate the skin [1]. Baby may be uncomfortable and unable to adjust to a more comfortable position [3]. Baby may be too hot or too cold. In this case, it is not difficult to soothe the baby; simply eliminate the source of displeasure. It might just take a moment to figure out the cause.
Hunger
Food is a baby's basic need, so they will undoubtedly let you know when they are hungry. In this case, sobs are rarely sudden: first there are whimpers, then the crying becomes increasingly louder [1].
Intestinal colic
This is a common reason for extended sobbing. Babies with colic are often restless, grabbing at their chests, flinging their arms, and kicking their legs. Your pediatrician can help you figure out what's causing the digestive problem. Eliminating dairy from mama's diet often benefits baby. However, as a first aid, position the baby upright and rub the abdomen clockwise [1].
Overexcitation
Excessive body movement might cause irritation in newborns. They are used to being constrained in the womb, so the numerous novel positions can be uncomfortable at times. Swaddling can aid in this situation [1]. If your baby isn't calming down, hold them close and gently swing them from side to side, or touch their back. Relaxing music can be played in the background [3].
It turns out that baby is crying only because of the physical condition?
Overall, yes. But there is another cause, a psychological one. Babies can cry even when they are full, dry, and healthy. There is simply not enough motherly warmth and affection. It is normal and healthful for a baby to stay with his mother at all times, as evolution has dictated. If mom is not present, there is a danger, and the baby is concerned. Pay attention to him by picking him up, rocking him, or singing a song.
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