What’s wrong with Jeremy? He is 3 weeks old but he keeps crying. I gave him his bottle, I changed him but my baby won’t stop crying. I wanted to sleep but he just wouldn’t sleep. When he cries, I’d get nervous and I’ll start crying too. Having a baby is all new to me, I am getting impatient and I can’t cope with my crying baby. Adriana, 22 years; Jeremy 3 weeks
Dr. Stork says: When you come home from the hospital, you will probably be tired, and your baby’s demands won’t give you much time to rest. Most parents experience this overwhelming tiredness. However, most parents too experience the joy of early parenting. Holding your tiny helpless baby is a special and usually wonderful feeling for both mum and dad.
You must understand why babies cry, a baby may cry for many reasons other than colic. Most often, he may simply be hungry. The solution hence is simple, feed him. Some babies may need to be burped several times during a feeding while some maybe unhappy if you interrupt his meal to burp him. Have patience with him and you’ll soon get the hang of his likes and dislikes.
Some babies cry because of a wet or messy nappy. Again, the solution is simple, change him.
Other babies can’t seem to fall asleep without fussing a lot. If you are sure your baby isn’t hungry, too cold or too warm, and doesn’t need his nappy changed, and he still cries, he may need to be held for a while. Some baby may like to be held on your shoulder and pat or rub his back until he falls asleep. A ride in the car or swinging movement may calm him. Perhaps he would like some soothing music beside his crib.
Newborn baby crying may be frustrating but please remember that you baby is NOT crying to make you upset. He cries because it is the only way he has to tell you he needs you. If you are there when he needs you, you are helping him learn to trust his world and he is likely to cry less in the future if his needs are met now.
Find out more tips on Helping Your Newborn Sleep Better