A fussy baby is one of the hardest parts of being a parent.
We just want them to be happy! Plus, as they can't talk, it is more difficult to identify what is causing their discomfort and endless crying can start to take its toll after a few hours…
In this post, we’re going to look at ten reasons why your baby might be fussy.
Let’s get to the root of the problem and bring back those baby smiles!
Ten reasons why your baby might be fussyHere are ten reasons why your baby might be fussy. We’re crossing our fingers that your family can find some relief by the end of this post…
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Hunger
One of the first things to check for when your baby is crying is hunger. Newborns nurse or take a bottle every couple of hours, 24 hours a day. If you’re breastfeeding, it can be hard to know how much milk your baby has had - it’s often worth trying another feed to see if this will settle them!
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Dirty diaper
Whilst some babies won’t be the slightest bit bothered by a dirty diaper, others will immediately let you know that their bottom needs a clean. Try changing your baby’s diaper each time about 20 minutes after you feed them so that they’ll always be clean and dry. It’s a good idea to stick to gentle products that protect your baby’s skin to avoid further discomfort from diaper rash!
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Gas
Newborns can get particularly uncomfortable when gassy - and, unfortunately, it’s a pretty common symptom of newborn life!
If you suspect that your baby might be gassy, try lifting them upright and gently patting their back to release a burp or two. If it needs to come out the other end, a great technique is to lay your baby on their back and guide their feet in circular motions as though they’re riding a bicycle. Massaging their belly in circular motion could help relieve the discomfort as well.
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Fatigue
Try laying your baby down for a nap if you suspect that they might be tired. It’s a good idea to check for hunger, a dirty diaper, and gas before you try this though!
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Boredom
If you feel like you’ve tried everything to get your baby to stop crying, take them into a new environment! Whether you decide to take a stroll or simply move into a different room in the house, your little one may appreciate the change of scenery. Stepping outside might do the trick as all the senses will be stimulated at once (smell, sound, air on the skin, light).
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Overwhelm
Babies, like adults, can get pretty grumpy when feeling overwhelmed by people and new places. Try taking your baby into a quiet and dark space where you can spend a few moments just the two of you. Skin to skin contact can also make wonders on an overwhelmed baby.
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Temperature
The general rule is that babies need one more layer of clothing than adults. If your baby is fussy, check to see whether adding or removing clothing is the solution.
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Pain, discomfort or rash
If the tears just keep coming, check your baby’s toes, fingers, wrists, and ankles to make sure that they don’t have a strand of hair or piece of thread wrapped around a body part.
You might also like to check the inside of their clothing for scratchy material and itchy labels that could be causing your baby discomfort.
Check also their diaper and make sure they don't have a rash or redness on their sensitive bottom. If it happens to be the case, we have the perfect solution for you. Our organic balm, filled with rich natural nutrients, is ideal to sooth any rash or redness and give your baby their usual happy face back.
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Sickness
If nothing of the above worked, it might be time to check if your little one don't have any fever and visit the pediatrician if this is the case. Ear infections for example are common but can be pretty difficult to identify. Check if your baby is pulling their ear often, it might be a sign.Â
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Teething
Still trying to identify why your baby is feeling a bit under the weather? Read our blog about teething to see if your baby is growing their first teeth.