Your new baby is delivered with a limited, but very effective way of communicating and that terrible racket is CRYING!!  The average baby cries for about an hour in total each day.  The good news is that there is almost always a cause for these crying spells and here are some of the most common ones:

Discomfort – Change nappy, check if he is too hot or cold, make sure clothing and nappy are comfortable and not too tight.

Hunger – Sounds obvious, but give him some milk

Irritation – Remove the source of irritation, such as excessive light or sound.

Stomach Cramps – Burp the baby or put him on his back and move his legs as if he’s cycling.

Loneliness & Boredom – Physical contact should help.  Baby Massage has many benefits too.

Fatigue/Exhaustion – Relax the baby: feed him, bathe him, talk to him, rock him.

Illness – Consult your midwife or doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary.  Otherwise a cuddle usually helps.

One in ten babies is outfitted with a capacity for excessive crying.  If your baby cries for at least three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks or more, ask your paediatrician what can be done.