The Crying Baby

To read the Introducton to Baby Worries Click Here

What is normal?

When a baby cries constantly or is difficult to comfort it can be distressing for a mother.

If you are suffering from postnatal depression you may be more sensitive to noise than normal and find the crying more intrusive and irritating. You may also perceive that the crying lasts longer than it actually does.

It is quite normal for a newborn or young baby to cry for up to two hours per day (not all at one time!). Crying is a babys form of communication and their way of letting you know they want something.

Studies show that babies begin to cry more from about four to six weeks old.

What is wrong?

Sometimes you may know the reason but often you can only guess. Your baby may be hungry, tired, have wind or colic, be uncomfortable, or in pain, feeling hot or cold, have a wet or dirty nappy or be unwell. They may just want to be close to you or have a loving cuddle. It takes time to get to know your baby.

Can I spoil my baby?

Parents often struggle with conflicting feelings regarding a crying baby. On the one hand they may wish to respond immediately and make things better for the baby but on the other hand worry that by responding to every cry they may make their baby clingy or dependant. However, responding to your baby does not spoil them you cant spoil a baby. In fact, babies who have been responded to quickly and consistently especially newborns and young babies, tend to cry less than babies left to cry.

Babies should not be left to cry for more than a minute or two.