4 week newborn fussy: 4 Week Old Baby – Newborn Baby Tracker

4 week old baby development: Your baby’s feeding, sleeping, cognitive and physical development explained! | Baby

Your 4-week-old baby has been in your life for almost one month and by now, you’ve probably begun to notice your baby reaching development milestones already as you start to get the hang of this whole parenting business. If you still have a lot of questions, don’t worry – it’s completely normal – we’re here to tell you what you can expect from their week-by-week development when your baby is in their fourth week.

4-week-old baby physical development

By the four-week mark, your baby will start growing one inch per month and gaining 140-200 grams a week.

Their hearing is also fully developed after one month, which means they will begin to listen for the source of sounds and notice when you’re making loud noises around the room. With somewhat stronger neck muscles, they should start lifting their head briefly when they lie on their stomach and even turn it from side to side! You can encourage this with some tummy time.

Now they’re past the three-week-old baby mark, their vision should be improving, as is their ability to focus. However, it takes a lot of effort to do this, so they may look cross-eyed at some points. To help this, hold something in front of their face and move it from side to side slowly, they should start to try and follow it.

4-week-old cognitive development

By now, your baby is starting to notice all the new things going on around them- including their hands and feet. Since they don’t understand that they are a different person from you, they are unlikely to know exactly what their hands or feet are, but soon they will be able to coordinate a bit better.

As well as being able to recognise sounds they heard in the womb – including the theme tune to your favourite TV show- they may also be able to recognise familiar faces now. It’s a great idea to hold up a mirror in front of them to make funny faces, then they can even start to recognise themselves. Don’t be too upset if they don’t recognise you though, as their memory is still only just developing properly.

Continue having conversations with your baby and allowing them to focus on your face and watch your facial movements. They should start copying them and even reaching out to your face soon enough. Around 4 weeks, they start to get excited as they recognise you and your partner, or family members. Just from observing you and listening to your voices, this will make every difference in their social development. They show excitement through widening their eyes and making noises in response to your actions but you’ll have to wait a little while until their first baby smile.

4-week-old baby sleep

Your baby will be sleeping up to 18 hours a day for at least the first two months, of course, this will be throughout the day, not just when you want some shut-eye! You may be starting to feel the effects of new mum exhaustion at this point until baby starts sleeping through the night.

One great piece of advice is to perfect swaddling if you haven’t already, as it creates the womb feeling they were so used to before bursting into the world.

How much should a 4-week-old baby be eating?

You may be settling into a better sleeping schedule now, which means fewer interruptions for eating. However, nighttime eating is still quite frequent for one-month-olds, so soldier on with those sleepless nights.

For a guideline feeding amount, weigh your baby and then feed them about 150ml-200ml per kilo. Although don’t worry if your baby seems to be overeating, she knows how much she should or shouldn’t eat at this stage and will only eat when she wants to. Whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed, follow your baby’s lead.

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, it might be time to seek help and make sure there’s nothing else going on, so book an appointment with your GP and ask for some support as they will be able to advise on the best positions to try when breastfeeding.

How much should a 4-week-old baby be pooing?

Worried your baby isn’t regular enough? Don’t fret, as long as they’re going between one and ten times a day – plus wetting their nappy at least six times a day – they’re perfectly fine. You may want to check out a poo colour chart if you’re concerned that something isn’t quite right with what you’ve been finding inside their nappy to put your mind at ease.

4-week-old baby milestones

Finding their fingers and toes: Your baby is starting to realise they have some handy attachments – their hands and feet! Don’t worry if they still seem oblivious to them though, as each baby will develop at their own pace.

Let the cooing commence: Finally, a break from the crying, your baby will realise they can make some other noises too. That means the cutest cooing sounds are bound to begin while you chat away to your baby.

Vision: At 4 weeks, your baby might be able to see much more clearly. They may now be able to see up to 18 inches in front of them, so keep holding their head close to your face like normal. You can expect their sight to develop even further into their fifth week of baby development.

Tight fists: Your baby will hold their hands in tight fists. This can be a sign that they’re hungry. They tend to start to reach for things around now too, and their hands will fully open up by the time baby is eight weeks old. You will see how fascinated they are by their hands as they will stare at them. They should be discovering a lot about their bodies in their fourth week.

Head lifts: After their first month, you’ll be seeing a lot of body changes and developments. By now you’ve probably noticed a loss of puffiness in their face. At this point, they will be able to hold their head up solo for a minute or two. Already a big change from weeks 2 and 3 with more control over their head as well as turning their necks from side to side.

Things to be aware of at 4-weeks

Dealing with colic: If your baby is crying for hours on end, three times a week for at least three weeks, they might be suffering from colic. It affects up to 40 per cent of babies, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Talk to your doctor if you notice your baby is crying for hours for no reason.

Sleep deprivation: You may be almost getting used to living off no sleep by now, but just in case you’re not, it’s worth trying a change in your diet with some energy-boosting foods. Plus, some mummy beauty products to disguise all those sleepless nights!

Postnatal Depression: Your hormones should be settled by now and the baby blues finally over. If you’re still struggling with feelings of failure, or as though everything could go wrong and that it’s all your fault, you may be experiencing postnatal depression. With one in ten women experiencing postnatal depression, it’s something you must talk to your doctor about to ensure the best possible recovery. If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing postnatal depression or your baby blues hormones are clinging on, check out these key differences.

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1-Month-Old Baby: Milestones, Sleep, and Feeding

Having your baby at home with you in the first few weeks might have felt daunting. As the weeks progress and you gradually adjust to this new little person in your life, you’ll become more confident and comfortable. Don’t get too comfortable though! Newborns grow and change rapidly, and your baby will be keeping you on your toes in weeks five, six, seven, and eight. To help you feel more prepared, we’ll outline some typical milestones for a 1-month-old baby, cover what you need to know about feeding and sleeping schedules at this stage, and give you a heads-up on potential conditions your baby might develop, like colic and cradle cap.

Baby Development Milestones for a 1-Month-Old

Your baby is unique (you knew that, of course!) and it’s normal for them to grow at their own pace. Don’t be surprised if your baby’s development in one area seems to lag for a few weeks, only for them to catch up soon after. Here are some of the baby milestones to look forward to now that your baby is 1 month old.

Growth and Physical Development: Chubby Cheeks

Does it seem as if your baby’s growing out of their clothes at supersonic speed? On average, babies gain about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length and about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds in weight this month. At the upcoming checkup, your baby’s healthcare provider will look at your 1-month-old baby’s weight, length, and head circumference and plot these key measurements on baby growth charts. What matters is that your baby grows at a steady rate. However, your baby will go through growth spurts from time to time.

You might notice that your baby’s head is disproportionately larger than their body. This is perfectly normal: their head’s growing a little faster and their body will soon catch up. Your baby will also start to lengthen and develop stronger muscles. Luckily, they’ll still have those cute chubby cheeks for some time to come!

Senses: Eyes on That Rattle

In every waking moment, your baby is slowly taking in the sights, sounds, and smells around them. So, what can babies see at 1 month? Your baby’s vision at 1 month old is still developing, but by now they may be able to better focus on faces and track objects moving in front of them. In the next month or so they may also start to reach for objects. For example, if you hold a rattle in front of them, they may start batting at it.

Movement: Working on Those Leg Muscles

This month, most of your 1-month-old baby’s movements will still be reflexive, but some of your baby’s reflexes present in the first four weeks may gradually disappear and be replaced by more controlled movement. For example, your baby may briefly hold their head up when they’re on their tummy, and they may start to stretch their arms instead of holding them close to their body.

Your baby may also start to stretch and kick their legs. It might seem like a little thing but they’re working hard to strengthen their leg muscles and improve their motor skills. Be careful: Even very young babies can roll over from time to time, so make sure you keep an eye—and hand—on them when they’re up somewhere high like a changing table.

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Crying and Communication: Mom, I’m Bored (or Hungry)!

This month your baby can probably start communicating in a clearer way. If they’re bored, they may let you know by crying out until they’re shown something new. If they’re amused, they may respond by smiling. Around this time, you might also start being able to tell the difference between their hungry cries, tired cries, and irritated cries.

If you haven’t experienced it yet, this month you might see your baby’s first true smile, sometime called the social smile. They’ll flash that little grin when they’re awake, in response to something like the sound of your voice—and your heart will melt.

Activities for Supporting Your 1-Month-Old Baby’s Development

Here are some things you could try this month:

• Cuddle time. Cuddle your baby as much as possible. Experts say the more quickly and consistently you comfort your baby when they’re upset in the first six months, the less demanding they may be when they’re older.

• Visual stimulation. At this stage, your baby might be drawn to objects with bold patterns, such as stripes or checkerboard designs, in black and white or bright, contrasting colors. A mobile hung safely over the crib is a good choice.

• Tactile toys. Your baby is getting to know the world through touch, too. Show them toys with different textures, shapes, and sizes.

• Talking with your baby. Have a conversation with your baby by letting them “talk” using their coos, gurgles, and smiles, and talking back to them using words, sounds, and facial expressions. In time, your baby will learn to imitate you, so these early “conversations” are an important part of their development.

• Getting physical. Gently stretch your baby’s arms in front of them to form a “clap”; move your baby’s legs as if they were cycling; and continue to practice tummy time. These movements and exercises help develop muscle strength and coordination.

• Playing peek-a-boo. If you’re wondering how to entertain or play with your 1-month-old baby, a game of peek-a-boo always works! That’s because babies love seeing faces, especially those of their parents.

• Bonding. Establishing security and trust with your baby allows them to reach their full potential. Find out more about bonding with your newborn in those everyday moments.

Keep in mind that there’s only so much stimulation young babies can handle. Watch for signs that your baby has had enough—they might look away or cry—and give them a chance to rest.

Watch the short video below to learn more about bonding with your baby through touch.

Feeding Your 1-Month-Old Baby

You may be wondering how often “should” a 1-month-old baby eat as they grow. It’s best to continue to feed your baby whenever they seem hungry. Your 1-month-old baby’s feeding schedule may likely look like this: about eight times in a 24-hour period for babies who are breastfeeding or about every three to four hours for babies on formula. If your baby is mid-growth spurt, they may want to eat a little more often.

If you’re new to nursing, read more about the how-tos of breastfeeding and check out our go-to breastfeeding guide.

Burping Your Baby

Babies can swallow air when they feed—more often when they’re bottle-fed than when nursing. This swallowed air can make them feel uncomfortable and fussy. To help ease their discomfort, burp your baby during bottle feeds, or when you switch them from one breast to the other. Try one of the burping positions and techniques listed below, using a burp cloth or a small blanket to protect your clothes from spit-up:

• Hold your baby upright with their head resting on your shoulder, patting their back with your other hand.

• Rest them on your lap with their tummy down and gently rub or pat their back.

• Sit your baby on your lap supporting their chin and chest with one hand while rubbing or patting their back with the other.

Tracking Wet and Dirty Diapers

At this stage, babies may produce about four to six wet diapers a day. If you’re wondering what “should” a 1-month-old baby’s poop look like, know that there is a wide range of “normal” baby poop. And, when it comes to your 1-month-old baby’s poop frequency, even that can vary from baby to baby.

Most babies will have at least one bowel movement a day, but some babies may go several days or a week without pooping. This is likely OK as long as the consistency of the stool is normal—in other words, soft and a little runny—and your 1-month-old baby is eating well and gaining weight. Consult your baby’s healthcare provider if you think your baby may be producing too few wet or soiled diapers, which may indicate your 1-month-old baby is eating less than usual.

Given all the diaper-changing going on in your life, you deserve a reward! Download the Pampers Club app and start earning cash back for all your diapers and wipes purchases.

A 1-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule: How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need?

If you’re wondering how much “should” your 1-month-old baby sleep, by around 4 weeks of age many babies sleep about 14 to 17 hours a day—including roughly five daytime naps. However, every baby is different. With some luck, your baby might start sleeping for longer stretches overnight from about 6 weeks of age, though your 1-month-old baby sleeping through the night is still a ways off.

If you’re feeling super tired, take heart: Over time, your baby’s natural biological sleep cycle will emerge, but for now it’s important to allow your baby to sleep whenever they’re drowsy. A key point to remember: Always put your baby to sleep on their back,which can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The Fundamentals of Baby Sleep

For more insights and advice on your 1-month-old’s sleep schedule, check out the Newborn Sleep Fundamentals in the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers app. This easy-to-use app was codeveloped with pediatricians and includes everything you need to know about the science behind babies’ sleep. Plus, it has emotional support for you, tips on creating calming bedtime routines that encourage sleep, and a proprietary algorithm that customizes sleep coaching approaches for when it comes time to help your baby, and you, sleep longer each night.

A Day in the Life of Your 1-Month-Old Baby

So, what can babies do at 1 month? Here’s an example of a typical day’s routine for a 1-month-old baby, including bathing, sleeping, feeding, and playing:

Your Baby’s Health

Some health issues you may encounter this month include:

• Cradle cap. This condition consists of scaly patches on your baby’s head. Washing their hair and gently combing out the scales may help; if not, your baby’s healthcare provider may recommend a special shampoo.

• Diarrhea. If your baby has very loose, watery stools more than six to eight times a day, let your baby’s healthcare provider know.

• Constipation. If your baby hasn’t had a bowel movement in several days and this is unusual for them, or if you think they may be constipated, reach out to your provider.

• Vomiting. If your baby is vomiting forcefully (i.e., projectile vomiting), is vomiting for more than eight hours or after a couple of feedings, or if any kind of vomiting is accompanied by fever or diarrhea, check in with the provider.

• Spitting up. Spitting up a small amount after eating or being burped can be normal for young babies, especially if it happens within about an hour of feeding. If your baby seems irritable during feeds or shows any other signs of being unwell, contact your baby’s healthcare provider to make sure everything is OK.

• Baby acne. Pimples may appear on your baby’s face at the start of this month. They may be prompted by the stimulation of oil glands in your baby’s skin. Try placing a clean receiving blanket under your little one’s head while they’re awake and wash their face once a day with a mild baby soap.

• Baby eczema. Does your 1-month-old baby have dry skin on their face or elsewhere? It could be eczema, which can occur after 1 month of age. Your baby’s skin may look dry and scaly, and your little one may have red patches on their face, inner elbows, and/or backs of the knees. Consult your baby’s healthcare provider for treatment. In the meantime, avoid using scented laundry detergent to wash your baby’s clothes and dress your baby in soft fabrics, avoiding wool and rough weaves.

Early Hygiene Habits: Bath Time

So, how often “should” you bathe your 1-month-old baby? Three times per week is generally recommended; bathing more frequently can dry out your baby’s skin.

When Is Crying Colic?

All babies cry from time to time, but persistent crying may be a condition called colic if

• your baby seems to cry each day or evening for hours on end

• the crying sounds high-pitched

• the crying seems to be for no apparent reason

• you have a hard time calming your baby when they’re crying.

Your baby’s healthcare provider may make a diagnosis of colic if your little one cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks straight. Colic often starts when a baby is 2 to 4 weeks old and can last until the baby is about 3 to 4 months old.

Experts aren’t sure about the cause of colic, but some potential factors could include:

• Gas. It could be that your baby cries because of discomfort associated with gas. If you notice your baby has a distended stomach and passes gas while crying, this could be the cause. Don’t overfeed your baby. If their tummy seems distended with gas, you could place them on their tummy across your knees, as this extra pressure on their belly may feel good.

• Sensitivity to stimulation. Your baby may feel overwhelmed and may not yet be able to soothe themselves, leading them to cry. You can try to console them by holding them while walking, rocking them in a rocking chair, putting them in a vibrating baby seat, or driving them around.

• Food allergy or sensitivity. Some breastfed babies may be sensitive to a food in mom’s diet, causing discomfort and resulting in crying. Rarely, the discomfort may be caused by a sensitivity to milk protein in formula. Your baby’s healthcare provider will be able to check for and diagnose any food sensitivity or intolerance.

• Medical problem. In some cases, your baby may be reacting to discomfort resulting from an illness or other problem such as a hernia, which the healthcare provider will be able to check for and treat.

Although colic usually lasts only a few months, this can seem like a lifetime when your baby is in the middle of a crying spell! Sometimes, nothing will seem to work to calm them and your nerves may become frayed.

Never Shake Your Baby!

If you are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, put your baby in a safe location, such as their crib, for a short time and take a break in another room, or ask a loved one to care for them for a few hours so you can have some much-deserved me time. With colic, there is an end in sight; in a few months or so those colicky crying spells will likely stop.

Regular Health Visits and Immunizations

Regular checkups at this early stage typically take place when your baby turns 1 month old and again when they’re 2 months old. Of course, you can call your baby’s healthcare provider any time you have a question or concern, even between visits. At your baby’s regular checkups your baby’s provider will

• check your baby’s growth and development

• do a physical exam

• complete any screening tests that haven’t been done yet

• ask how you’re doing and perhaps offer advice

• answer all your questions

• give you an idea of your baby’s progress in the coming weeks and months

• schedule or give your baby any immunizations that may be required in the coming weeks.

Development Tips for Your Baby This Month

Here are some tips to help you bond with your little one and help them feel safe and secure, key components of healthy development:

• Provide close, warm, and consistent physical contact. Holding and hugging your baby as often as possible promotes your baby’s sense of security and well-being. Continued skin-to-skin contact is also important. Make sure others in the household and other caregivers also provide the same loving care to your baby. There’s no way you can spoil your baby by giving them the attention they need.

• Talk to your baby. Say your baby’s name and use simple phrases to narrate some of your actions, such as during dressing, diaper-changing, bath time, and feeding. Respond to their facial expressions and gestures—it’s a conversation! If you or your partner speak a different language, feel free to use it with your baby.

• Read to your baby. Daily reading helps foster your baby’s language development. Reading together also creates a feeling of physical closeness.

• Be attuned to your baby’s personality and rhythm. Even at this early stage of their life, you know a lot about your baby: their temperament and moods, their likes and dislikes. Paying attention to their cues will help you respond to their needs.

Items You Will Need This Month

Whether you’ve already purchased some of the following baby products or have received them as gifts at your baby shower, these are things you may be reaching for this month:

• Diaper bag. You may start heading outside more often this month and a diaper bag will help keep all your baby’s things organized, including diapers, wipes, and an extra change of clothes, among other necessities.

• Baby bathtub. By now your baby’s umbilical cord stump has fallen off, so it’s time to bring out the baby bathtub.

• Baby wash/shampoo and other bath-time supplies. A multi-purpose baby wash or shampoo designed for sensitive skin is a good choice.

• Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream. You’ll continue to go through a lot of diapers in the months ahead, so it’s smart to stock up on supplies in advance.

• Sound machine. If your baby takes a while to fall asleep, you may consider using white noise or very soft music to help lull them to sleep.

• Humidifier. If the air is dry in your home, or if your little one comes down with a cold, your baby’s healthcare provider may suggest using a cool-mist humidifier in the room your baby sleeps.

• Night-light. Having a night-light is helpful when it comes to those late-night feedings and check-ins. With a night-light there’s no need to disturb your baby by turning on a bright overhead light.

• Baby thermometer. Babies tend to run fevers, and you’ll need a thermometer specifically designed for babies, along with an up-to-date first-aid kit.

Your Life as a Parent: Embrace Your Network of Family and Friends

You might be feeling more confident this month as some of the uncertainty you may have felt during the first few weeks starts to fade away. Still, talk about any concerns you have with trusted loved ones or your healthcare provider. You might be surprised how much better you feel afterward.

If you’re breastfeeding, you might experience discomfort resulting from a breast infection called mastitis. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice symptoms such as sore breasts, fever, or nausea. Don’t stop nursing as this will make things worse. Keep in mind that it’s safe for your baby to nurse when you have mastitis—the milk is not infected.

Treatment for mastitis includes expressing milk from your breasts either by feeding or pumping, but your provider may also recommend antibiotics. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water to help your body fight the infection. Learn more about what mastitis is and how to treat it.

Checklist for This Month

□ If you haven’t already been to the appointment, schedule and take your baby to their 1-month-old health checkup.

□ Keep track of any questions or concerns you have so you don’t forget to bring them up at your next visit. Among other things, your baby’s healthcare provider will want to know about your baby’s

• bowel movements (diarrhea and/or constipation)

• vomiting, fevers, infections

• hearing or vision problems

• sleep issues

• rashes

• weigh gain and/or loss.

□ Sign up for a baby first-aid course and encourage others who care for your baby to attend along with you. If you’re unsure where to find such a course near you, ask your baby’s healthcare provider—they’ll know one in your local area.

□ If you’re eager to know what’s ahead next month, take a look at what you might experience once your baby is 2 months old.

□ Your baby will be 2 months old soon. Why not download these milestone cards to help celebrate and share this big day with friends and family.

For even more information, sign up to get our regular emails:

_{How We Wrote This Article
The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}

Why is your baby crying and how to calm him down?

Your baby is not yet able to put his feelings into words. Therefore, when he wants to tell you something or just wants attention, he starts crying. After a few weeks of the baby’s life, you will already be able to distinguish hungry crying from crying from fatigue, or you will understand that you just need to pick up the baby in your arms to calm him down. Below we will give you some tips on how to recognize the cause of your baby’s crying and how you can calm him down.

What to do if the baby is crying?

Some parents fear that by reacting too quickly to their baby’s crying, they may spoil him. This is an outdated view! Scientific studies have shown that with a quick reaction to crying, children become less whiny, because the sooner you eliminate the cause of the baby’s crying, the better the child will know that you are always ready to help him.

The most common reasons for crying are:

• The child is hungry.
• He is hot or cold.
• He has tummy troubles, colic and gas
• Something that hurts or causes discomfort, eg diaper rash, irritation.
• It’s time for a diaper change.
• He is bored or lonely.
• He is overexcited and cannot sleep.
• It is uncomfortable for the baby to lie or sit, for example, the diaper or diaper is wrinkled.
• Uncomfortable clothing pulls, pinches or rubs.
• He scratched himself.
• Hair tourniquet (hair tightly wrapped around the finger).
• Too bright light or loud noise.
• He has a runny nose which can make sucking difficult.

After 4 months, babies have more reasons to cry:

• The child does not see his mother or is frightened.
• The child is bored and wants to play.
• Child hits himself, falls or cannot roll over.
• The first teeth erupt. Sometimes this process is accompanied by high temperature.

Most of these causes can be eliminated quite quickly and thus calm the baby. However, if crying is unusual or continues for too long (more than 3 hours), the child should be taken to the doctor.

How to calm a crying baby?

To calm a crying baby, start with one of these actions:

• The main rule is mother’s warmth and attention!

First of all, take the baby in your arms. Feeling your warmth, it is quite possible that he will calm down immediately.

• Check if the child is hungry?

Offer him breasts. Perhaps the baby did not eat well in the past feeding and got hungry ahead of time.

Even if the baby is only slightly wet, change the diaper or change clothes.

• Calm down yourself.

If you are annoyed by the fact that the baby is crying, you first need to calm down, because the baby is able to feel the mother’s mood.

If you can’t figure out why your baby is crying, take him for a walk or to the store. A change of scenery will also have a positive effect on your mood.

No matter what your voice is, it is important for your baby to hear it, it will help him calm down.

He may be tormented by excess air from eating. The position on the stomach helps the discharge of gases and excess air. You can simply hold the baby to you, holding him upright. We recommend doing this after every feeding.

Some babies have a calming effect on motion sickness. But it is not necessary to rock him at home, walking from corner to corner. You can ride with him in a car or bus, rock him in a stroller or walk with him in a “backpack”. There are special sprung vibrating seats and baby swings that are perfect for calming cranky babies.

You may not notice it right away. Offer him a teether. If the growth of the first teeth is causing your baby pain, talk to your doctor.

If your baby has a fever, constipation or diarrhea, rashes and redness of the skin, or something else, call the doctor at home immediately.

If the child has skin irritation, diaper rash, bathe the baby in warm water with the addition of decoctions of chamomile, oak bark, St. John’s wort, eucalyptus leaves, calendula flowers. After the bath, hold the baby without a diaper for a while, and then apply a special healing and soothing cream.

If the baby is not comfortable sitting or lying down, or has uncomfortable clothes, change his position, change clothes to ensure maximum comfort.

A baby’s constant or frequent crying can irritate you. Despite the fact that the child is still very small, he is already able to feel your mood and respond to it. To avoid the vicious circle of “crying – annoying mom – crying”, try to take a short break. Let his dad or other relatives look after the baby. Even a short break will help you calm down, gain physical and moral strength. You will even begin to miss the baby, and when you return, you will find a new way to calm the child. If for some reason crying does not allow you or your baby to relax, talk to your doctor.

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Causes and types of crying in newborns

With the birth of a child, parents have many questions about caring for the baby, especially if it is the firstborn. The main and most frequently asked question that sounds from parents at a pediatrician’s appointment: WHY IS THE BABY CRYING? HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE REASONS FOR CRYING AND HOW TO QUICKLY RELAX THE BABY?
The pediatrician of our Center “Children’s Health” BELOVA GALINA VALENTINOVNA will help us to understand this issue.

What does the crying of a child mean
Crying is a powerful mechanism for adapting an infant to extrauterine life conditions. Moreover, newborn babies scream not only often, but also with numerous intonations. Indeed, before the baby learns to put his feelings and desires into words, only with the help of crying can he express fear, pain, hunger, fatigue, and in some cases joy.
When a baby is born, the first sign of a healthy baby is a cry. At the same time, inhaling deeply and slowly exhaling contributes to the effective opening of the lungs, the rapid absorption of excess fluid from them and prevents the development of congestive pneumonia.
How to soothe the baby in the delivery room? That’s right – apply it to the mother’s breast. The child quickly calms down and, busily snoring, actively sucks. As a rule, after feeding, the baby is washed, weighed, dressed and left in the children’s ward or next to the mother. Tired of the abundance of new experiences, he sleeps soundly for several hours until he gets hungry again.
Let’s figure out what can make a baby cry in the first month of life.

Baby crying while feeding
So, the most common cause of a newborn’s cry is HUNGER. At the same time, crying with demanding intonations. And the longer the baby has to wait for feeding, the stronger the crying.
Does it happen that, having calmed down during sucking, the child may burst into tears again?

What are the reasons?
1. CHEST IS GIVEN WRONGLY. Well, how not to be offended and angry if the milk is very close, but because of the violation of the technique of attachment to the breast, it is impossible to eat?
2. SUCKING HARD. In the first days after birth, not only the mother, but also the child has to get used to breastfeeding and possible problems: flat nipples, thick colostrum and lactostasis. At the same time, children may have swelling of the nasal passages or a short frenulum of the tongue, which also impede the act of sucking.
3. THERE ARE PAINFUL ELEMENTS IN THE MOUTH (thrush, microbial aphthae). During the morning and evening toilet, the mother should examine the mucous membrane of the tongue, gums and cheeks, so as not to miss the appearance of red pustular elements or white fungal plaque. Herpetic stomatitis is especially dangerous for babies. In this case, the delay in active treatment threatens not only health, but also life.
4. EAR HURTS. As a rule, in a newborn, acute otitis media occurs as a complication of intrauterine infection or, less commonly, against the background of a runny nose. Crying is loud, piercing, with painful intonations. The baby, having barely swallowed the first portion of milk, throws the breast and refuses to start eating again for a long time. If you suspect an earache, your child should be seen by a doctor.
5. Tummy hurts. In the first month of life, colonization of the infant’s intestines is accompanied by intestinal colic, loud rumbling, altered color and consistency of feces. The child begins to cry suddenly, while he presses his legs to his stomach, bends with his whole body and strains, and after passing gases or stools, he immediately calms down.

WHAT CAN HELP THE LITTLE? Gently stroking the tummy in a clockwise direction, constant relaxing heat (for example, a woolen scarf tied in a sash), laying on the stomach. Skin-to-skin contact is very effective: the baby is carried on the arm in a face down position so that the mother’s palm constantly warms the long-suffering tummy, or they are laid to sleep on the chest of an adult.
In agreement with the pediatrician, it is possible to use drugs that reduce and remove gas formation in babies. (Espumizan, Sub Simplex, Plantex)

The child cries in his sleep
In addition to the feeling of hunger or intestinal colic, the cause of crying can be an uncomfortable posture, prolonged pressure on the skin of a fold of clothing or linen wrapped around a hair finger. In the first month of life, it is especially important to choose the right clothes for the baby, level the bed and protect it from choking threads. And so that he does not lie down on his side or ear, turn him over about every 30 minutes.

THE BABY MAY BE HOT. Signs of overheating will be not only a LOUD SCREAM, but also red skin, sweat on the forehead and back. On vulnerable and delicate skin, diaper rash easily occurs. Even a short-term contact of the inflamed macerated surface of the epidermis with feces causes cutting pain, to which the child reacts with painful crying. But newborns can have up to 25 urination per day! How to prevent the occurrence of diaper rash and treat them – we will talk in one of the following articles.

THE BABY CAN BE COLD , in which case the crying will be QUIET, PLAINTING. And the first signs of hypothermia will be blanching of the skin and the red border of the lips, cold hands and feet.
A common cause of premature awakening and displeased crying is FEAR. More than one week will pass before the baby ceases to be afraid of his own movements, especially with his hands. But fingers with sharp nails strive to scratch the sensitive skin of the eyelids, cheeks and wings of the nose. Even if parents are ardent opponents of tight swaddling, shy and easily excitable children in the first months of life before going to bed can be wrapped in a diaper in such a way as to limit their movements. Perhaps this alone will be enough for the whole family to sleep peacefully. Anti-scratch mittens are also useful.
Baby crying while bathing

There may be several reasons for this:
– fear of their own movements and the feeling of strong hands of parents holding the baby on the water;
– uncomfortable water temperature – hot or cold;
– pain reaction of areas of diaper rash of the skin to the effects of water.
What will calm the child? First, he must not be hungry. Secondly, you need to lower the baby into warm water and slowly, while gently holding him under the back and head and talking to him affectionately. It is necessary to give time to get used to swimming in the same way as to all other regime moments. How to bathe properly – our pediatricians will tell you more in the following articles.

Why else can a newborn baby cry
Contrary to popular belief, in the first month of life, the baby cries much less frequently than in subsequent months. Due to the immaturity of the nervous system, only strong stimuli (pain, hunger and fear) can provoke a scream. The task of parents is to provide their child with such living conditions under which he could sleep peacefully, eat and gradually get used to the new world for him. Bright light, sharp loud sounds (shouting, knocking), constantly working TV or radio are contraindicated. Otherwise, the baby may cry, feeling tired, having difficulty falling asleep, or not being able to get enough sleep.

The child cries constantly
If the parents are sure that the baby does not have any of the above reasons for monotonous or very loud crying, and he cannot be calmed down for a long time, you should contact the pediatrician.

Pediatricians of our Center “Children’s Health” will appoint an examination of the child: they will give a referral for tests, refer to narrow specialists to identify a complete picture of the child’s condition. Based on the results obtained, recommendations will be given for correcting the identified deviations in the state of health.