We all know that a baby can’t tell his needs or troubles. The only way for him to communicate with others is by crying. Babies show some other signals like feet kicking, hand waving and head turning. But the easiest way to capture the attention of others is by crying.

It’s hard to define whether crying is excessive, as the crying behavior varies from baby to baby. Some babies can be calmed easily but some are difficult to sooth.

The causes of crying extends from simple reasons to life threatening conditions. While it is prudent to investigate every crying, it is also good to know that some babies cry habitually without any real reasons, but will stop gradually.

Here is a list of the common causes of a baby crying. 1) Hunger

One of the more common reasons is a hungry baby, who will cry until he gets the milk.

2) Wetting

Urination and defecation cause some discomfort and results in crying till he is cleaned and made dry .

3) Company

Some babies need someone near. Or when his comfort item like a favourite doll slips away from the grip, he cries. 4) Fatigue

When the baby is tired but unable to sleep, he’ll simply cry.

5) Heat and cold

If he feels too hot or too cold he becomes restless and cry. Ensure there is good ventilation and the room temperature is just right.

6) Tight clothing

Tight clothes especially during warm weather is intolerable for babies. Tight elastic of the dress can also cause soreness in the hip area.

7) Dark room

When the baby wakes up from sleep he needs some dim light. If there is complete darkness he will cry.

8) Mosquitoes

Yes, these insects disturb the sleep by their blood sucking, causing itch and making the baby cry.

9) Nasal blockage

The infant may not be able to sleep when there is nasal blockage and will keep on crying until the passage is clear.

10) Phlegm in throat

This also causes difficult breathing. Sometimes a typical sound can be heard with each breath.

11) General aching

Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases. The baby cries as a result.

12) Nappy rash

If a tight and wet nappy is kept for a long time, a nappy rash may develop. The rash can also be due to some allergic response to the elastic material of the nappy. Other skin problems like eczema, ecthyma, candidiasis etc can also cause discomfort in the baby.

13) Ear ache

Ear infection is prevalent especially in wet climate. Ear ache commonly becomes worse at night when lying down. The child will become restless and an older toddler may show signs of rubbing the affected ear regularly.

14) Colic

When the baby cries continuously, it is common to diagnose it as colic. This is still a topic for debate because the real cause for colic is not known. Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of abdomen. The child often feels better when lying on his abdomen.

15) Infections

All infections cause some kind of pain or irritation, resulting in crying. The infection may be anywhere in the body. Usually it is associated with fever, redness and swelling.

16) Reaction to certain food

Some food articles can give rise to allergic reactions. Allergy is manifested in the form of redness, breathlessness, gastric symptoms and continuous crying. 17) Hard stools

Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge to pass out the stool.

18) Gastro-esophageal reflex (or acid reflux)

This is due to failure of the lower part of the esophagus to close after food consumption, causing regurgitation from the stomach. It is difficult to diagnose this condition but can be treated by giving anti-reflex medicine. Again, a doctor’s advice is required. 19) Dentition (teething)

During dentition a child becomes restless with crying. This may be accompanied by gastric troubles or diarrhoea.

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Apart from the common reasons, there are some rare reasons, but it’s best left to the doctor to diagnose as timely treatment is crucial.

20) Bowel obstruction

Bowel obstruction is associated with severe pain and vomiting. The abdomen is distended with rumbling sound. The baby is constipated with absence of flatus.

21) Septicemia

Invasion of pathogenic micro organisms into the blood is called septicemia. Fever is associated with this condition.

22) Torsion of testes in male kids

When a baby boy cries continuously his scrotum should be examined. The torsion of the testes causes severe pain which will be tender to touch at the affected testes. When the testes is pressed upwards pain is relieved. If this is not treated timely it can damage the affected testes due to lack of blood supply.

23) Meningitis

Initially there may not be fever, therefore crying baby with alternate vacant stare and irritability should not be ignored. Neck rigidity and seizures may appear later.

24) Retention of urine

Children with retention of urine will have agonising pain making them restless.

25) Major injuries

A major injury to any parts of the body causes pain. Falling from height is a common reason, and may result in head injury. Head injury is associated with reflex vomiting and convulsions.