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Hearing your newborn (inconsolably) crying can be scary. As a parent, it's normal to feel worried and confused about what causes such intense distress to your baby. While crying usually means your baby is hungry, passing gas, or is overstimulated, it could still mean that your baby is in a state of discomfort or has an emotional need. But how could you tell the reason why your baby is suddenly crying inconsolably? In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning behind these cries, what to do, and when to consult a healthcare provider.
What Is Inconsolable Crying?
Inconsolable crying is when your baby cries for a long time and nothing seems to work to calm them down. Currently, the World Health Organization has recognized that inconsolable crying is linked to infantile colic. Infantile colic can be identified using the “ rule of three ”. It means that your baby is crying for:
- 3 hours per day
- 3 days per week
- for more than 3 weeks.
These cries are often high-pitched, intense, accompanied by a pale face, clenched fist, and a tense abdomen.
“A healthy baby with a period of intense, unexplained crying that lasts more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks can be identified as infantile colic.”
-Dr. Morris Wessel
Why Is Your Baby Crying Uncontrollably?
Most of the time, crying is a normal and healthy part of your baby’s growth. It’s your baby’s way of communicating, as they have yet to learn to speak. Often, cries mean that your baby is hungry, too hot or too cold, or overstimulated. However, when their cries become more intense and longer than usual, parents become worried and wonder if there's something wrong.
Do Babies Cry for No Reason?
As surprising as it is, your baby crying for no reason does happen – pediatricians call this Infantile colic. It’s a scary and stressful situation for parents. It happens when your newborn's inconsolable crying lasts for a long period of time. But why does it happen? Here are some of the reasons why:
- Your baby has gas or their stomach hurts
- Your baby is overstimulated
- Your baby is uncomfortable with the temperature (too hot or too cold)
Even though infantile colic sounds scary, it’s not harmful for your baby. It’s a normal part of your baby’s development. As time passes, your baby will be able to overcome it. For now, you can try to soothe your baby by wrapping them in blankets to bring comfort or singing them lullabies.
“Infantile Colic is common in newborns. It usually starts around 2 weeks old and gets better by 3-4 months. Parents should stay patient and try gentle rocking or soft singing.”
AAP, HealthyChildren.org
Emergency Reasons for Inconsolable Crying
Sometimes, when your baby cries and won't stop after you feed, burp, or rock them. Most of the time it's a normal colic episode. However, when these signs are present, you need to call your doctor right away:
- Fever (100°F (38°C) or higher)
- Vomiting
- Strange cry
- Bulging soft spot
If you notice that your baby’s cry is different than usual, accompanied by strange behaviours, it could be a sign of something serious. You know your baby well; if you feel something is off, always trust your instinct.
“If your baby’s cry sounds different or they behave strangely than usual, trust your gut. It’s always better to check”
-American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
What To Do If Your Baby Is Suddenly Crying Inconsolably?
An uncontrollable and sudden cry can be scary for a parent. Here are some of the recommendations on what to do based on the American Academy of Pediatrics :
Identify And Rule Out Underlying Causes
- Is your baby hungry? Try feeding them
- Is their diaper dirty? Try changing them
- Are they tired? Look for cues like eye rubbing
- Are they uncomfortable? Are they too hot or too cold?
Soothing Techniques
One of the most effective calming techniques for babies is the “ 5s Method ”. Here’s how to perform this method:
- Swaddling - it mimics the security and gentle hug of the womb, which works best for calming your baby.
- Side or stomach hold - hold them in a side or their stomach, then gently rub their back. Just remember that it's not safe for a baby to sleep on their side or stomach. The back is the only safe position for them to sleep
- Shush - the sushing sounds remind them of the sound of the blood flow inside the womb. This helps calm your baby when they are overstimulated or around loud sounds.
- Swing - continued rocking and swinging calms your baby because it feels the same as the swinging that happens inside the womb. These rocking or swinging movements prove to be effective when it comes to colic cries.
- Suck - sucking helps lower the heart rate, and stress level of your baby which helps them relax. Just remember to wait until breastfeeding is settled before moving to pacifiers.
Create a Calming Environment
If your baby is crying due to overstimulation or overtiredness, a white noise machine like the Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine can help recreate a calming womb-like environment that encourages rest and relaxation. You can also try:
- Dimming the lights
- Playing or singing soft lullabies
- Taking them for a stroller or car ride
Emergency Signs (call 911 if)
- Your baby stops breathing while crying (even briefly)
- Lips or face turn blue
- They become limp or unresponsive
- Crying lasts more than 3 hours with fever over 100 ° F (38 ° C)
It's important to note that you should never shake your baby. If you feel overwhelmed because your baby is crying inconsolably, try to take a 5-minute break. Put them in their crib safely and ask for help from family or friends when needed.
Most of your baby’s sudden, inconsolable crying phases pass. Colic often improves by 3-4 months. Trust your instincts – you know your baby best!
When To See A Health Care Provider And Three Questions Doctors Ask If Your Baby Is Crying Inconsolably?
If nothing works to soothe your baby, here's what to look for to know if it's time to see a doctor:
When To Seek Help?
If the crying lasts over 2 hours with fever (100 ° F (38 ° C) or higher), no wet diapers, or vomiting. Always trust your guts, if you feel something is wrong no matter the signs, call your doctor. For doctors to understand your situation, they may ask questions like:
When Did The Crying Start?
Doctors ask this to spot patterns. It helps them diagnose your baby faster. Always keep in mind what your baby is doing when they start to cry – did it begin after feeding? During sleep? Sudden onset may suggest pain (like ear infections). Gradual crying could mean overstimulation.
What Have You Tried?
Doctors ask this to rule out unmet needs. List everything: swaddling, white noise, car rides, feeding. If you’ve tried more than 5 methods with no relief, it may signal reflux or allergies. Honest help, your doctor has no intention to judge you.
What Does The Cry Sound Like?
Crying sounds have cues or patterns that help doctors figure out the reason behind them. High-pitched screams mean pain; weak whimpers could indicate illness. If possible, record a video or voice recordings from your baby monitor. Smart baby monitors like Momcozy BM04 have a recording feature to help you capture both necessary and cute moments.
After The Visit Procedures
Ask for written instructions. If prescribed medications like reflux drops, always clarify the dosing and the time they should be taken. Request a follow-up plan. Remember, you’re not alone – 20% of babies need extra medical support for crying (AAP 2023).
FAQs About Baby Suddenly Cries Inconsolably
How Do I Know If My Baby Is In Pain Or Just Crying?
It can be hard to tell, but pain cries are usually louder and sharper, like a scream. Your baby might also clench their fists, pull their legs up, or arch their back. If the cry gets worse when you touch them, it could mean something hurts. Normal crying usually stops when you feed, change, or comfort them.
What To Do When A Baby Wakes Up Crying Uncontrollably?
First, check if they’re uncomfortable – too hot, cold, or a dirty diaper. Try a dream feed – offer a little milk without fully wanking them. Gentle motion helps too, rocking their crib or singing them lullabies.
What To Do When A Baby Stops Breathing While Crying?
If your baby stops breathing, stay calm but act fast. Lay them flat on a firm surface and sub their chest firmly. You can also blow lightly on their face. If they don’t start breathing in 15 seconds, call your emergency hotline and begin infant CPR. Some babies have breath-holding spells, but you should always inform your doctor.
Signs Your Baby’s Crying is a Problem
If your baby has a fever, has not had a wet diaper for the past 6 hours, or has a bulging soft spot on their head, call your doctor right away. Other warning signs are strange jerking movements or crying that lasts more than 3 hours for several days. Always trust your instinct when it comes to your baby. If something is wrong, get help.
Conclusion
Parenting through your newborn's inconsolable crying can feel overwhelming. However, rest assured that this phase is temporary. Understanding your baby’s sudden, inconsolable cries is important to make sure that your baby can get the proper care they need. Always trust your gut when it comes to your baby, subtle differences in the tones and behaviour can be a sign of something serious.
Tools like the smart baby monitors and sound machines can help ease your caregiving tasks. Smart baby monitors like Momcozy BM04 enable you to step away briefly when needed. It also has a smart feature that monitors temperature to make sure your baby is comfortable. Another helpful tool you can use is the Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine, it can help you calm your baby if they feel overstimulated. This sound machine can mimic a womb-like environment to encourage rest and relaxation.
