It is common for infants to cry throughout the night and the day. However, these instances are expected to decrease in frequency as the baby grows older. Here are some typical reasons for babies to cry late at night:
1. Having a hunger pang
Infants have small stomachs and must frequently eat in the initial few months. The majority of babies need to feed every two to three hours. Be on the lookout for any signs of hungry for example; the baby is putting his hands on his mouth, yawning or smacking his lips. Start feeding your baby when your baby starts crying.
2. Symptoms of colic and gas
Stomach issues related to gas or colic may cause numerous crying. The mysterious colic condition is often described as crying that is inconsolable for at least 3 hours per day, at least three days per week, and at minimum three times in a row.
If your child often fusses and cries after eating, you may be experiencing something to do with stomach pain. Many parents swear by over-the-counter baby anti-gas drops and gripe water (made by combining herbs with sodium bicarbonate); however, neither of them has been proved to be efficient. Make sure you have the approval of your doctor before making use of either.
If your baby isn’t colicky and has never had a problem eating, a brief bout of gas-related pain could cause her to be miserable until it goes away. If you suspect that your child is suffering from gas, try placing your baby on her back, holding her feet and then moving her legs in the direction of a slow-cycling motion.
3. Diaper wetness or a dirty diaper
Some babies can endure a dirty or wet diaper for a brief period, while others might require to change their diapers immediately. A new diaper can help your baby fall asleep quickly. But, make sure you change the diaper fast and avoid interacting with your child as you do so, to ensure that he will be calm and relaxed.
4. A feeling of cold or hot
If your child is cold such as when you take off her clothes to change a diaper or wipe the bottom of her diaper with a cold cloth or wipe, she could protest through crying.
The newborns prefer to be wrapped up and warm, but not too hot. In general, they’re happy wearing an additional layer over what they need to feel at ease. Baby girls are less likely to be unhappy about feeling too hot rather than cold and will not complain as loudly.
5. Feeling the effects of teething
Suppose your child appears to be crying late at night, you need to check if teething might be the reason. Teething pains can begin around four months old and cause babies to drool incessantly and chew everything they can get their hands on. If your baby is getting ready to or has already begun to teeth by gently massaging their gums or providing baby teethers, especially refrigerated ones, it will lessen the irritation.
6. Excessive stimulation
Going with your child to a gathering or out for shopping trips can seem too exciting for your child. The amount of stimulation could prove overwhelming, particularly if you’re trying to put your baby to bed immediately after the event has ended (e.g. returning home just before bedtime for your baby or if he is asleep while driving home). This could cause him to cry throughout the night. Place the infant in a familiar environment and gradually introducing him to his bedtime routine could assist in solving this issue.
7. Desires more stimulation
The “demanding” baby may be curious and keen to discover the world. In many cases, the only solution to stop the crying and crying is to keep them active. It is exhausting for parents!
Consider putting your baby out with a front-facing carrier to let him observe all the activities surrounding him. Make sure you plan plenty of time for activities. Meet other parents who have baby children. Plan regular outings to places for children like the local park, children’s museum, or even the Zoo.
8. Feeling unwell
If you’ve attended to the basic needs of your infant and soothed her, but you still have a crying baby, it may be suffering from something. It’s a good idea to test your baby’s temperature to determine if it’s fever and be aware of other indications of disease.
The crying of a sick baby can be different from the one caused by frustration or hunger. If your baby’s cry does not seem “right,” trust your intuition and contact or visit the doctor.
9. You don’t notice something painful, but it’s there
Babies may be worried by something as hard to recognize as hair tightly wrapped around a tiny finger and restricting circulation. (Doctors describe this kind of painful situation as a “hair tourniquet,” and it’s among the first items they search for when the baby is crying without reason.)
Certain babies are more sensitive to things such as fabrics or clothing tags that scratch. They can also be extremely selective (understandably) about the smallest details that range from the position they’re placed in and the bottle you provide.
10. A burp is needed
It’s not a requirement. If your child is crying during a meal and a burp might be enough for him. Babies swallow air as they nurse or drink out of a bottle. This can cause discomfort when the air isn’t released. Some infants are extremely irritated by the air stuffed inside their stomachs, and some don’t appear to be able to burp or require a burp often.
