While babies are indeed bundles of joy, crying fits can cause new parents to pull their hair out. Since newborn babies can cry between two and three hours every day, according to the Mayo Clinic, understanding the causes of the screams and tears will help you cope and ultimately be a better parent.
Hunger and Its Aftermath
Eating is one of the most basic needs of any living creature, and your newborn is no exception. When he gets hungry (and he's probably hungry all day, every day), he will let you know by crying. The Mayo Clinic suggests responding immediately to keep his crying from getting out of control.
After eating, your newborn may experience stomach pains--especially if you're breastfeeding and eating new foods. She may also have gas bubbles build up that need to get out. To help reduce these painful or gassy tears, burp your baby during, after and even before feedings if needed and change your diet if your breastfeeding daughter seems to cry after eating.
Sick
Unfortunately, your newborn's tears may indicate something more serious than tiredness or overstimulation. It may be a sign that your child doesn't feel well. Take her temperature and try to calm her crying through other means. If she has a fever or other calming techniques don't work, call her pediatrician.
Uncomfortable
New parents are often very aware of the need to keep their little ones warm, but your baby might cry if you keep him too warm. Pay attention to your newborn to make sure he is not too warm or too cold, and you'll keep him happy and comfy.
Dirty
When your child has urinated or defecated in her diaper and you don't notice right away, she may cry out for attention. If your daughter is crying and you can't figure out why, check her diaper and change it if it is wet or dirty.
Tired
A tired newborn is often a crying newborn. Since newborns can sleep more than 16 hours every day, it is easy to keep your baby from getting enough sleep. Do yourself and your baby a favor by helping him get plenty of rest.
Stimulation Issues
Whether your newborn is growing weary of bright, flashing lights or wishes you would entertain her a bit more, a lack or excess of stimulation can result in crying. Your understimulated newborn can be calmed with some fun and games, while a quiet room will help when she has been exposed to too much stimulation.
Tooth Pain
The process of growing new teeth is painful, and your newborn lets you know when it hurts. Teeth typically begin breaking through the gums between the fourth and seventh month of life, but teething can start before then. If you notice teeth showing up your child's mouth, offer him a cold teething ring to reduce the pain and crying.
