A newborn is a young child that is between the ages 0-3 months old. Sometimes it can feel like they are a never-ending guessing game, one minute they are quiet and happy, and then they scream so loud you can’t even think straight. In a 2017 study with around 9,000 infant participants showed that newborns can cry up to 2 hours a day! But, if your child cries 3.5 hours or longer, then mention it to their doctor. Reference: https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/crying/how-much-crying-normal-for-baby)

While your child is crying, it can be mentally and emotionally draining on you. It can be hard to cope with, especially if you haven’t slept much. When the girls were newborns I always made sure that I reached out to Brent or family and friends when I needed a break. If you can’t get help right away, put your baby somewhere they will be safe (i.e. bouncer or crib) and take a few minutes to breathe; it may even help your child calm down. Reference: https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/crying/how-much-crying-normal-for-baby

Six reasons why your newborn may be crying

1. Your Baby Needs Sleep

Newborns need an average of 30 minutes – 4 hours multiple times a day. Your baby is probably waking up during the night and having many naps during the day. Some common cues to look out for are rubbing of eyes, yawning, sucking fingers, or needing their soother.

2. Gas Needs Release

Babies get very upset when gas is trapped and needs release. A great article called “Signs Your Baby Has Gas And How You Can Treat It” by Anita K. Henry and Stephanie Wood. It explains some terrific strategies to help your LO with gas.

3. They Need a Diaper Change

Most newborns don’t like having a full diaper. Babies’ skin is sensitive, and it can be uncomfortable for them. Changing their diapers when it’s full will help prevent discomfort and diaper rashes. I put Vaseline on the girls for the night to create a barrier, so that pee doesn’t sit on the girl’s skin all night.

4. They Are Hungry 

A newborn’s stomach at two days old is about the size of a walnut. Once they are one month old, it usually is the size of a chicken’s egg. You can tell your baby is hungry by some common cues such as: putting their fist or fingers in their mouth, hearing the baby swallowing, and if the baby is breastfeeding, they will look for the mother breasts. 

5. Your Baby is Cold

Newborns are still learning to regulate their body temperature. Bundling them up will ensure that they can keep the same core temperature, especially during the winter months. When my girls were newborns, I always referred to a chart I found on Pinterest.

6. Baby Needs Comfort 

Babies enjoy bonding with their parents/caregivers through physical interactions (i.e. Massage, snuggling, hugging, and playing). Taking the time to bond with your baby can help with their overall mood and may improve your baby’s sleep. If you live in Toronto, Yoga Mama’s offers workshops that you can take with your baby to learn different baby massage techniques. http://www.torontoyogamamas.com/infant-massage.html

In Conclusion 

Hopefully, learning these common cues will help you finally get some well-deserved shut-eye. What are some cues your child uses to communicate with you? Let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor; I am just speaking from my own experience. These posts are inspired by what I have learned through research, teaching, different people’s experiences, and my own as a mother. I am not affiliated with anyone or any website included.

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