Decoding baby's cries

Crying is the only form of communication a baby has with his parents or caregiver. Babies cry for the same reason as children and adults – to heal their hurts – but they also cry to tell us they’re hungry, in pain, frustrated or need more love and cuddling.

Reason for Baby’s crying
He may be too hot or too cold.
What to do
Feel the nape of baby’s neck to check that he has a comfortable body temperature. If his neck is clammy, it means he’s too hot and if his neck is comfortably warm, his body temperature is just right.

Reason for Baby’s crying
A red, angry face, flexing limbs, held up knees and an abdomen that feels like an ironing board may indicate colic.
What to do
Feed Baby more often and not according to a schedule, reduce dairy and grain products in your diet if breastfeeding, consider changing formula milk to a specialised one if not breastfeeding and massage baby’s tummy and the instep of Baby’s feet in a clockwise direction. If all this doesn’t work, talk to your child’s doctor.

Reason for Baby’s crying
Crying spells at predictable times of the day mean that Baby needs the tissue salt remedy, Mag phos.
What to do
If Baby posits or vomits forcefully and seems to be in pain, but is generally well and gaining weight, the anti-spasmodic action of Mag phos may relieve his crying very quickly.

Reason for Baby’s crying
If Baby is tired, he’ll pull, rub or swipe his ears while crying.
What to do
Learn to recognise these signs and make sure that your little one has regular naps.

Reason for Baby’s crying
Your little one may be experiencing discomfort.
What to do
Check the colour of his hands and feet to make sure that there are no ribbons or garments restricting his blood flow.

Reason for Baby’s crying
Loud crying is seldom associated with a serious illness, but sometimes certain types of colic and structural urinary tract problems may be accompanied by loud crying.
What to do
If your home remedies aren’t helping, take your child to the doctor.

Reason for Baby’s crying
Sick babies often whimper or cry more softly and pitifully and will show other signs of illness.
What to do
Use your intuitive sense and if at all concerned, or Baby is listless and weak, see the doctor.

Reason for Baby’s crying
A peevish, fretful, impatient and irritable cry might come from a high-need child who’s more difficult to satisfy.
What to do
Homeopathic Chamomilla tablets generally improve matters.

Reason for Baby’s crying
A higher pitched cry than you’re used to may indicate that your baby has an ear infection.
What to do
See your doctor if Baby seems ill. You can also use homeopathic remedies for natural care of ear infections like ear ache and infection.

Reason for Baby’s crying
A dry, raspy cry may indicate a sore throat or a cry that ends with a bark-like cough may mean Baby has croup.
What to do
Use homeopathic remedies for sore throat, breastfeed Baby more often and if there is no improvement, see the doctor.

By Xanet van Vuuren

Tips to soothe baby's cries


crying, sleep deprived, baby, Xanet van Vuuren