Why is my baby crying constantly?

Written in association with: Dr Ramnik Mathur
Published: | Updated: 08/03/2019
Edited by: Jay Staniland

 

All children cry. But when your child is crying excessively, and you don’t know the reason why, it can be very stressful and upsetting. Children cry for a reason, but they can’t tell you the reason they are upset, especially when they are newborn. Crying is the only way they are able to communicate a problem or a need.

 

 

Crying newborn: Why do babies cry excessively?

 

There can be multiple causes for your child to be crying so much. It is usually common in children younger than 1-year-old, especially as they have no other way of telling you that something is wrong.


Here are some of the reasons your baby may be crying excessively:

 

  1. The baby is hungry – The most common cause of an excessively crying baby is hunger. You should always make sure that you are feeding your baby a healthy amount.

    Sometimes babies may not be getting enough milk, and fail to gain weight correctly. If you're concerned about your babies weight gain, always consult your GP or paediatrician.
     
  2. The baby is too hot or cold – Babies will often cry if they are not at a comfortable temperature, or if they are wearing comfortable clothes. This can be easily solved by ensuring the room is at a comfortable temperature, or that the baby is wearing enough comfortable clothes.
     
  3. Wet or dirty nappy – it may be obvious, but a wet or dirty nappy can cause babies a lot of discomfort, causing them to cry a lot of the time. Make sure your baby always has a clean nappy, and don’t leave a dirty nappy on the baby for a long period of time.
     
  4. An indication of an illness – some of the most common causes of persistent crying in a baby is an illness. Common illnesses that affect babies include:
  • Colic – the condition that causes excessive crying in babies that are only a few weeks old, and usually stops after the baby is 4 months old. This problem usually passes, and is nothing to worry about.
  • Blocked nose
  • Ear infection
  • Urine infection
  • Gastroeosophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This is a common condition in children in which food and stomach acid travels back up the food pipe towards the throat, causing pain in babies like heartburn. This can be avoided by regularly burping your child after feeds, and allowing the baby to sleep with its head raised to around 30 degrees. This can be done by placing 2 pillows beneath the mattress at the head end. Feed thickeners or anti-reflux medicine can also be used.
  • Some more serious but rare conditions can cause excessive crying, such as meningitis.

If you are worried about excessive crying in your child, you should see a specialist paediatrician who will be able to advise on the most appropriate course of action. If your baby is crying excessively and has fever you should see your GP as soon as possible as this may be a sign of a more serious illness.

By Dr Ramnik Mathur
Paediatrics

Dr Ramnik Mathur is a distinguished consultant paediatrician based in London. With over two decades of professional experience, Dr Mathur has solidified his reputation as a leading practitioner in the realm of paediatrics. His areas of expertise include allergic reactions, neonatology, abdominal pain, headache, asthma, and eczema. He currently practises privately at the Syon Clinic.
 
Dr Mathur's foundational medical education took place at the University of Rajasthan, India, where he graduated in 1996. He earned his MD in Paediatrics in 2000 and subsequently achieved the CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) in General paediatrics in 2011. His pursuit of knowledge also led him to attain an MSc in Paediatric Allergy from Southampton University.
 
In addition to his clinical work, Dr Mathur actively contributes to the medical community through teaching roles. He imparts his knowledge and experience to medical students at Imperial College, as well as to junior doctors and nurses. Moreover, he shares insights with general practitioners, offering valuable guidance on common paediatric conditions.
 
Dr Mathur's professional affiliations include membership of the prestigious Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. His dedication to paediatrics, extensive experience, and commitment to education make him a trusted and respected figure in the field. Patients and colleagues alike benefit from his wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach to healthcare. Dr Ramnik Mathur stands as a beacon of expertise and reliability in the realm of paediatric medicine.
 

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