What are the top 10 reasons why babies cry at night?

Crying is the main way for babies to communicate, but it is also the expression that makes mom and dad feel the most distressed. In a sense, since babies cannot speak, crying is the only way for them to communicate with mom and dad, and every cry of theirs is for a reason. If your baby cries, don't be upset, because that is the child telling you that he needs you. Let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons why babies cry at night, and how you, as a new parent, should deal with them.

Reason 1. I’m hungry

[Explanation of the situation] Generally speaking, babies may get hungry within 2 to 3 hours. Some elders always like to feed their babies milk every 3 or 4 hours to help them develop a regular living habit. This method may drive babies crazy who are extremely hungry. Either she cries non-stop because of anger, or after she gets milk, she drinks it so voraciously that she swallows too much air, which results in a stomachache, and she has to cry again.

What's worse is that some parents think their baby hasn't had enough to drink, so they make the milk again! Did you know that the baby's nerves are not yet fully developed and sound, and they still have the sucking reflex ability. As long as anything is put in the baby's mouth, the baby will suck it hard. This will be terrible, and the baby's tummy will become even more uncomfortable.

[Solution] How often you feed your child depends on the child's personality and temperament. For babies who always drink milk quickly and anxiously, you can pat their backs to release the air halfway through the feeding to prevent them from inhaling too much air.

Reason 2. Stomach bloating

[Explanation of the condition] Babies may sometimes experience abdominal distension between meals, and the frequency varies from baby to baby.

[Solution] Pat your baby's back to relieve gas, or apply some anti-flatulence ointment containing peppermint oil for infants and young children, and your baby will feel more comfortable. If your baby often suffers from bloating, parents should consider switching to another formula, or breastfeeding mothers should eat less gas-producing foods (such as beans, soy milk, and sweet potatoes). As for which formula milk to change to, new parents are advised to discuss it with professional pediatricians.

Reason 3. The diaper is wet

[Situation Description] It is relatively easy for new parents to judge whether the diaper is wet. Currently, many newborn diapers have a wetness indicator to remind new parents that it is time to change the baby's diaper to a dry one! Otherwise, the baby's butt will touch the wet urine or feces, which will make the baby feel very uncomfortable.

[Solution] Change the diaper by checking the wetness indicator or by touching the diaper to see if it is inflated.

Reason 4. Want to be hugged and act cute

[Explanation of the situation] Newborn babies sometimes miss the feeling of being in their mother's belly, and cry in anticipation of hugs or care from their parents. This is a way of acting like a spoiled child.

[Solution] According to a survey, as many as 90% of mothers feel that holding their baby has considerable benefits. Hugging can promote the baby's digestion and circulatory system, and also affect the development of personality. Therefore, new parents should hug their babies more!

Reason 5. I want to sleep

[Description of the situation] Some babies always seem irritable before going to bed. Newborns need about 16 hours of sleep a day. If the baby's eyelids seem heavy or he keeps rubbing his eyes, it means he wants to sleep.

[Solution] Providing your baby with a warm and quiet sleeping environment will greatly help your baby fall asleep.

Reason 6. Mom ate something spicy

[Explanation] Breastfeeding mothers, if you eat foods with strong flavors, such as peppers, onions, curry or coffee, your baby may be affected and cry!

[Solution] Breastfeeding mothers should try to avoid consuming stimulating foods or drinks containing caffeine or alcohol to avoid affecting the baby's emotional response.

Reason 7. The environment is too noisy and stimulating

[Situation Description] Too many noisy noises, too much vibration or visual stimulation can also make babies become restless and cry.

[Solution] Moderate comfort and touch can effectively stabilize the baby's emotions.

Reason 8. Too cold or too hot

[Situation Description] The change of seasons, whether hot summer or cold winter, will affect the indoor temperature. If the indoor temperature is too hot or too cold, the baby will feel anxious or uncomfortable and prone to crying.

[Solution] Depending on the weather, use air conditioning or heating to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature (about 25℃ to 26℃).

Reason 9. Intestinal colic

[Description of the condition] When the baby has colic, his face will become red and his lower limbs will curl up on his stomach. This condition usually comes on suddenly, often happening in the afternoon and at night, and is more common in newborns between 3 and 6 weeks old. Doctors are unable to determine the exact cause of colic in babies, but this unexplained stomach pain will usually return to normal when the baby is about 3 months old.

[Solution] There are some tricks to deal with baby colic. You can hold the baby, rock him regularly and gently, apply some anti-flatulence ointment on the tummy and massage it, or put a warm towel on the stomach, sing a song, or take a warm bath, all of which may relieve the baby's discomfort.

If your baby is really uncomfortable, the doctor may prescribe some antihistamines, sedatives, etc. to help him get through this uncomfortable stage. On the other hand, exhausted and worried new parents should also take turns to rest. After all, your baby can feel your emotional reactions!

Reason 10. Other Pediatric Diseases

[Condition Description] Factors such as otitis media, gastroenteritis, or hernia may also be the reason why the baby cries when he is unwell.

[Solution] If your baby won't eat, won't sleep, isn't gaining weight, behaves differently than usual, or cries out of pain, fever, etc. instead of a temper tantrum, these are warning signs that you should take your baby to the doctor!

If you understand the various reasons and conditions of a baby's crying, you will have a solution to the problem of a baby always crying at night. In fact, every baby has a different temperament. Some babies cry less, while some babies cannot be comforted no matter what they do when they cry. So as a parent, you should learn to listen to his crying and comfort him quietly every time he cries, so as to best ease the baby's mood.