Why Is My Baby Crying Too Much?
Babies cannot express their needs through words, so they cry as their main communication tool. Let’s explore common reasons for excessive crying and simple home remedies for each.
🍼 Hunger & Thirst
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Babies may cry if they are hungry or thirsty.
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What to do: Offer breast milk or formula. Feed on demand.
🌡️ Uncomfortable Environment
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Over-clothing in hot weather or under-clothing in cold weather can cause discomfort.
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What to do: Dress your baby appropriately for the weather.
💦 Wet or Soiled Diapers
Wet nappies due to urine or stools can irritate the skin.
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What to do: Check and change diapers regularly.
🌬️ Colic (Gassy Pain in Abdomen)
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Crying, especially in the evening, may be due to gas or improper burping.
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What to do:
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Dissolve hing (asafoetida) in warm water and apply around the navel.
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Burp the baby after feeds.
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If severe, consult your pediatrician for colic drops.
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👂 Ear Discomfort or Infections
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Ear pain may be due to upper respiratory infections spreading to the ear.
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What to do: Sprinkle eucalyptus oil near the baby’s bed for relief.
👃 Nasal Blockage
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Blocked nose makes feeding difficult and can cause crying.
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What to do: Use saline nasal drops (safe for babies).
🦷 Teething Discomfort (8-9 months)
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Babies may cry due to gum pain during teething.
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What to do:
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Gently rub ice cubes on gums for short durations.
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Teething toys may help.
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🚽 Constipation or Anal Fissure
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Hard stools can cause pain or small tears (fissures) in the anal area.
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What to do:
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Gentle oil massage on the tummy (clockwise direction).
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Ayurveda recommends mild carminatives and laxatives.
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Seek medical advice if persistent.
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🐛 Intestinal Worms (Pinworm)
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Causes itching around the anus at night. In girls, may also cause vaginal irritation.
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What to do: Deworming medicine as per pediatrician’s advice.
🦟 Insect Bites (Bed Bugs, Mosquitoes, Lice)
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Bites may cause itching, irritation, and crying.
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What to do:
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Use mosquito nets.
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Keep bedding clean and dry.
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👄 Mouth Ulcers (Stomatitis)
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Caused by poor digestion or nutritional deficiencies.
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What to do:
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Maintain good oral hygiene.
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Give warm water to sip, and ajwain/jeera decoction.
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🌡️ Fever or Infections
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Infections can make the baby irritable and tired.
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What to do: Seek medical help for proper treatment.
🚼 Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
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A common but often missed cause of crying in babies.
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What to do: If unexplained crying persists, consult your pediatrician for urine tests.
🍕 Gastritis (Even in Babies!)
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Caused by junk food or digestive issues.
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What to do:
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Give buttermilk to soothe the stomach.
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Avoid processed foods.
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👀 Foreign Body in Nose/Eyes
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Babies may cry persistently if something is stuck.
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What to do: Watch for repeated touching of the area and consult a doctor if needed.
🦴 Hidden Injuries or Growing Pains
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Pulling or sudden movements can cause shoulder/elbow pain.
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Growing pains can affect limbs.
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What to do: Look for signs of pain or discomfort and consult a doctor.
💉 After Vaccination
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Mild fever or irritability, especially after DTP vaccine.
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What to do: Comfort the baby, give prescribed paracetamol drops if needed.
👶 Diaper Rash
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Redness and irritation due to prolonged diaper use.
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What to do:
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Change diapers frequently.
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Apply Ayurvedic or zinc oxide-based creams.
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🔊 Excessive Light or Noise
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Loud sounds or bright lights can frighten the baby.
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What to do: Keep the environment calm and soothing.
✅ When to Seek Medical Help
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If crying is persistent, accompanied by fever, refusal to feed, lethargy, or abnormal movements—consult your pediatrician immediately.
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