Just like you as parents, your baby has various needs (e.g. hunger, sleep, love). However, they are not yet able to express these needs in the same way as we as adults. Instead, they whine or cry. In this way your baby can be sure that you are looking after him or her. This is vital for your child’s survival – which is the reason that the ability to cry is innate. Crying is therefore completely normal.
Some reasons why your baby may cry:
Your baby is hungry or thirsty.
Pay attention to possible “warning signals” for hunger or thirst (e.g. sucking on the hand).
Your baby is tired.
Pay attention to possible “warning signs” of tiredness (e.g. rubbing eyes, yawning).
Your baby is overstimulated.
Too many stimuli at once (such as hectic handling, being passed around frequently, loud noises like voices, television, bright light, etc.) or transitions (such as going from awake to asleep) can overwhelm your baby.
Your baby needs comforting.
Sometimes your baby needs to feel that you are close by. Often he or she just needs your touch to feel safe.
Your baby does not feel physically well.
Check whether he or she needs a diaper change, needs to burp, is dressed too warm or cold or the clothes are too tight or scratchy.
Your baby has a tummy ache or is sick.
If you have the impression that your baby is crying because he or she is ill or in pain, please contact your pediatrician.