Brief Answer:
Babies have their own biological clock
Detailed Answer:
Namasthe
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX
Being a parent myself , I can understand your concern and apprehensions.
Presently while I am answering your query, I am also trying to comfort my 2 month XXXXXXX
In my clinical practice, i always
stress to the parents that babies are not XXXXXXX adults, they have their own biological clock and rhythm. We have to suite and adjust to their pattern. Many babies are day time sleepers, and they are less likely to sleep during night. as your baby is catching up sleep during day there is no cause for concern.
Following could be the causes for irritable baby and also advise has been mentioned.
1. I'm hungry
Hunger is one of the most common reasons that your newborn baby will cry. The younger your baby is, the more likely it is that she's hungry.
Your baby's small stomach can't hold very much, so if she cries, try offering her some milk. She may be hungry, even if her last feed doesn't seem very long ago. It's likely that you will be feeding often and regularly in the first day or so to help your breastmilk to come in anyway. If you are formula feeding your baby she may not be hungry if she has been fed within the last two hours.
2. I need my nappy changing
Your baby may protest if her clothes are too tight or if a wet or soiled nappy is bothering her. Or she may not mind if her nappy is full and may actually enjoy the warm and comfortable feeling. But if your baby's tender skin is being irritated she will most likely cry.
3. I'm too
cold or too hot
Your baby may hate having her nappy changed or being bathed. She may not be used to the feeling of cold air on her skin and would rather be bundled up and warm. But you will soon learn how to perform a quick nappy change if this is the case.
Take care not to overdress your baby, or she may become too hot. She will generally need to wear one more layer of clothing than you to be comfortable.
Use sheets and cellular blankets as bedding in your baby's cot or XXXXXXX basket. You can check whether your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling her tummy. If her tummy feels too hot, remove a blanket, and if it feels cold, add one.
Don't be guided by your baby's hands or feet, as they usually feel cool. Keep your baby's room at a temperature of between 22 and 25 degrees C depending on the weather.
If your baby is co-sleeping with you, contact with your body will elevate her skin temperature so she's likely to be warm. Is she is using a cot, place her down to sleep on her back with her feet at the end of the cot. That way she can't wriggle too far down under the blankets and become too hot.
4. I need to be held
Your baby will need lots of cuddling, physical contact and reassurance to comfort her. So it may be that she just wants to be held. Try a baby sling to keep her close to you, perhaps swaying and singing to her while you hold her.
You may be worried about spoiling your baby if you hold her too much. But during the first few months of her life that's not possible. Small babies need lots of physical comfort. If you hold your baby close she may be soothed by hearing your heartbeat.
5. I'm tired and need a rest
Often, babies find it hard to get to sleep, particularly if they are over-tired. You will soon become aware of your baby's sleep cues. Whining and crying at the slightest thing, staring blankly into space, and going quiet and still are just three examples.
If your baby has received a lot of attention and cuddles from doting visitors, she may become over-stimulated. Then, when it comes to sleeping, she'll find it hard to switch off and settle. Take your baby somewhere calm and quiet to help her to settle down. Read more on establishing good sleep habits.
6. I need something to make me feel better
Be aware of changes in your baby. If she's unwell, she'll probably cry in a different tone to her usual cry. It may be weaker, more urgent, continuous, or high-pitched. And if your baby usually cries a lot but has become unusually quiet, it may be a sign that she's not well.
Nobody knows your baby as well as you do. If you feel that there may be something wrong with her, speak to your baby's doctor and discuss your concerns. Call the doctor if your baby has
difficulty breathing through the crying, or if the crying is accompanied by a
fever,
vomiting,
diarrhoea or
constipation.
7. I need something... but I don't know what
Sometimes you might not be able to figure out what's wrong when your baby cries. Many newborns go through patches of fretfulness and are not easily comforted. The unhappiness can range from a few minutes of hard-to-console crying to several hours at a stretch, an almost constant state of crying that is sometimes called
colic. Colic is defined as inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day, for at least three days a week.
Many parents find it very difficult to cope with a baby who has colic, and it can put a strain on the whole family. There is no magic cure for colic, but it rarely lasts for more than three months. If you can hold on to the fact that your baby will grow out of it, that may help. See our article on coping with colic for more strategies on how to deal with this distressing condition.
My baby's still crying. What can I do?
As you gradually get to know your baby's personality you'll learn which techniques work best for her. If a cuddle doesn't do the job, these suggestions may help:
Wrap her up and hold her tight
Newborns show a definite preference for feeling snug and secure, just as they were in the womb, so you might like to try swaddling your baby in a blanket to see if she likes that. Many parents also find that holding their baby close, especially when she can hear their heartbeat, or putting her in a baby sling is soothing. Other babies find swaddling too restrictive and respond better to other forms of reassurance such as being rocked or sung to.
Find a constant sound
In the
uterus (womb), your baby could hear the beat of your heart, which is why she likes to be held close to you now. There are other repetitive noises that may also have a calming effect.
Many parents find that if their baby can hear the steady rhythm of a ticking clock that will soon lull her off to sleep. You could try playing gentle music or singing a lullaby or even the garbha sanskar music you listened to during
pregnancy.
You can also download white-noise sounds or a white-noise app for your phone, or buy a white-noise CD created for babies. These mimic the sounds in the uterus and may soothe your crying baby.
You can try finding the cause, and believe me you will soon come to know the cause if you follow it.
Wishing your XXXXXXX a very happy and healthy life.
Do write to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon