New parents often are faced with crying whose cause they can’t isolate. Babies don’t have words or even gestures yet, so you have to learn to read the eyes, face, expression, or sound. It takes a while to acclimate to this odd form of communication. There are so many possibilities, so maybe to speed things up you should have a list. 

Here are the most common reasons why baby is fussy:

1. Hunger

The number one and most obvious cause is hunger…  Babies give off signs of being hungry; they may start to move in a familiar wiggle; or make a particular sound by smacking their lips or touching their mouths with their own hands.  If you can spot it, you can start the feeding before it culminates in a feed-me wail.

2. Need to change the diaper

Diaper changes might be required. Babies are perfectly happy to enjoy the warmth but if they happen to move and it cools they’re likely to set up a howl. It only takes a second to check, and it’s easily fixed.

3. Gas and colic

Gas and colic can be prime causes of crying. Check and see if she needs to burp. See what your obstetrician says about gripe water for settling her down. Lots of parents swear by it or anti-gas drops. If it is a touch of flatulence that you suspect, raise the buttocks a little higher than the chest while moving the legs like a slow walk or gently move the knees to her chest a few times…  You might get a little toot and a happy baby!

4. Tiredness

Of course it might just be tiredness from too much stimulation. Ifs he isn’t sleeping well yet, you may try keeping her awake longer so she’s more tired. Sometimes that can backfire and leave you with an exhausted baby that can’t settle enough to sleep. Bedtime at the first yawn is usually best. If you’re not getting enough sleep yourself, switch nights with your partner so you’re guaranteed a full night’s sleep every second night. And if this is your night to tend to the baby, go to sleep when she does so you maximise your rest before she needs attention.

5. Temperature

Maybe they’re too hot, or too cold. Sometimes they just want to be held, hear a heartbeat, and be allowed to doze off feeling secure. It can be that simple.

The reason could also be that she might not be feeling well. Check her temperature for a fever; maybe she has gotten a bit of a cold, or nasal congestion. If she seems a little off it might be time to check with your doctor.