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Why Is My Baby Crying While Eating?
This article explores a common problem for moms: a baby crying while eating. You will learn about possible causes and how you can help your baby calm down. Why babies cry before and after eating will be explained as well.
When To Worry About Flu In Your Child: Signs, Symptoms, and Smart Parenting Tips
Many moms know how scary it is when their baby experiences the flu, but how can you help? In this guide, we will talk about the signs and symptoms of the flu in your baby, how different it is from the common cold, and when to call your doctor. We will also explore the things you can do to care for your child and keep them from spreading, while also exploring the tools that can help.
7 Things to Know About a Lethargic Baby (And What You Can Do)
A lethargic baby might be feeling extra sleepy, difficult to wake up, or show a lack of interest in feeding. This article discusses the causes of baby lethargy such as fevers and infections, and helps you pick out the most important signs. You’ll know the right moments to soothe a baby or if it's better to leave them be with the right strategies and smart monitors like the Momcozy Sound Machine and BM04 Baby Monitor.
Why Baby Wakes Up Screaming: Causes, Fixes & Sleep Tips
If your baby wakes up screaming, read on. This article discusses its causes and offers calming strategies that can help. It also introduces smart sleep tools, including the Momcozy Baby Monitor and Sound Machine, to support peaceful nights and help parents feel more prepared.
Baby Gasping in Sleep: Causes, Symptoms, and Proper Response
A baby gasping in sleep could raise concern. This article explores the topic of whether or not it should worry you. It teaches you the causes, as well as how to help your baby overcome the problem. You will also find some recommendations for items that can help.
How to Keep Baby Warm at Night: Helpful Tips for Comfy Sleep
As the temperature starts to drop and the weather becomes colder, do you also wonder how to keep your baby warm at night? Well, you are not alone. Many parents out there are equally concerned about this matter. As we all know, babies and newborns can’t regulate their body temperature well. Therefore, they may find it hard to sleep comfortably when the night gets chilly. This article will delve further into this topic and give you the important information you need to know. Also, we will suggest some practical techniques and smart devices like the Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine and PureHug Baby Carrier to help you in this regard. Read on to learn more. How to Keep the Baby Warm at Night? It’s fine to wonder how to keep your baby warm at night. This concern is pretty normal among parents nowadays. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be complicated at all. There are lots of safe and effective ways that might work well for you. Do you want to know what those are? Check out the list below and try to apply some of them. Layer the clothing of your little ones. You can add more or remove some as needed to regulate the temperature. Just make sure that their clothes are light and breathable. You can make good use of the sleep sack if you have one at home. It’s basically a wearable blanket meant to keep your baby warm and comfortable. If you want to know how to keep your baby warm at night, one of the best tips is to use thermal sleepwear. However, use this clothing with caution. Set the right configuration and supervise. Configure the room temperature accordingly. You can set it between 68°F to 72°F to make the room comfy enough for rest and sleep. What is the Ideal Room Temperature For a Nursery at Night? As mentioned earlier, setting the room temperature accordingly is one of the key steps you can take. Take note that babies cannot regulate body temperature by themselves. That said, your intervention in this regard can truly help. The highly recommended room temperature for a nursery is around 68°F to 72°F. It’s not too hot nor too cold. Just enough to support layering and other comfort-inducing methods. Don’t go beyond that. Otherwise, it might feel a little too much for your little ones. That’s how to keep your baby warm at night by regulating the temperature of the nursery. How to Tell If Your Baby is Too Hot or Too Cold? Apparently, babies cannot communicate how they feel. But in a way, there are signs that can directly tell you if they feel too hot or too cold. Do you want to know what those are? Check out the list of signs below and find the perfect way to keep your baby warm at night. Cool hands and feet are just normal. But if the back and chest of your little ones also feel cold, you may need to add an extra layer of clothing. Trembling and shivering are clear signs that your baby is cold. If your baby experiences either of these two, make sure to intervene immediately. When the skin of your baby appears to be pale and blue, it means your little one is cold. Does your baby struggle to sleep at night? That probably indicates that your little one is cold badly. How to Keep Your Baby Warm Without Swaddles or Blankets? While swaddles and blankets prevent your baby from getting cold, they sometimes make your little ones uncomfortable. Don’t worry. If you’re wondering how to keep your baby warm at night without blankets or swaddles, there are some alternatives you can try. Read through the list below and take some of them into consideration. Don’t change diapers at night unless necessary. If you have to change it, make sure your hands and the wet wipes are adequately warm. Beyond diapering, feeding is the most frequent nighttime disruption. To keep the mood cozy, the Momcozy Night Pro Baby Bottle Warmer - Night Feeding is a total game-changer. It features a world-first see-through water chamber with a soft, two-level night light, letting you prep bottles in the dark without harsh overheads. With science-powered fast heating and a real-time countdown, you’ll know exactly when the milk is ready, ensuring your baby stays warm and satisfied with zero guesswork. [product_shortcode_3] Opt for a crib sheet made of flannel or brushed cotton. These materials retain warmth better and longer. Monitor the cold spots from time to time. Touch the back, chest, hands, or feet of your baby. If any of them feel unnecessarily cold, then intervene immediately. Make sure that your windows are covered with thick curtains or thermal drapes. In a certain way, doing so can help you regulate the room temperature of your nursery. Opt for comfy and heat-retaining pajamas. In this regard, the Momcozy Boy Girl Pajamas are perfect options. They are crafted with soft and breathable fabric that covers the body fully. It’s the natural way you can try if you’re wondering how to keep your baby warm at night. [product_shortcode_1] Layering and Sleep Sacks: Reddit Parents’ Favorite Combinations We have learned earlier how to keep your baby warm at night without a swaddle or blankets. One of the best ways is to layer the clothing of your little ones and opt for cold-resistant pajamas. If you’re considering this option as well, you can try some combinations recommended by Reddit parents. Check out some of them from the list below. Long-sleeve onesie + cotton sleep sack Short-sleeve bodysuit + fleece sleep sack Footed pajama + lightweight sleep sack Long-sleeve onesie + footed sleeper + quilted sleep sack These combinations are meant to keep your baby warm at night. While all of them are effective, try your best to pick the right combination that complements the weather in your area. That’s how to keep your baby warm at night. If you need additional comfort for your baby during the day or when they’re fussy, consider a baby swing. A baby swing can gently soothe your little one, providing a calming effect that might help when they’re feeling overstimulated. A well-designed maternity pillow provides the kind of gentle, consistent support that helps you feel cared for throughout the night. Monitoring Methods: Thermometers and Baby Monitors If you’re currently mastering how to keep your baby warm at night, one thing you should not forget is temperature monitoring. It is a very salient element in this process. Don’t worry. You can use thermometers and baby monitor to keep tabs on the room temperature of your nursery. Follow the discussions below to learn further. Room Thermometer You don’t need a massively advanced room thermometer in this regard. In fact, a digital room thermometer can already be of great help. Just familiarize yourself with its function and learn how it works. Also, watch out for any sudden changes or fluctuations. If the temperature reaches more than 72°F, consider it your cue to adjust the room temperature. Smart Baby Monitors With Temperature Alerts Apart from providing live feeds, some baby monitors also give temperature alerts. You can get real-time notifications of your nursery gets too hot or too cold. In this respect, one of the best smart devices you can try is the Momcozy 5-inch Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor. It has a room temperature display that gets updated from time to time. Also, its video resolution is set to the highest configuration, which makes even the night vision clear. Lastly, this baby monitor has a two-way audio feature that allows you to communicate remotely. Therefore, this tool can indeed help you if you’re wondering how to keep your baby warm at night. [product_shortcode_2] Seasonal Strategies: Winter Vs. Summer Nighttime Warmth How to keep your baby warm at night? The tips above can help. That’s for certain. But the effectiveness of each technique actually relies heavily on the season. Therefore, you should implement a separate approach for winter and summer nighttime. Don’t worry. It’s not as hard as you think. Go over the discussions below to learn more. For Winter Here are some tips that work well during the winter season: Use thermal sleepwear. Use a sleep sack. Seal the windows well. Regulate the room’s temperature using a thermostat. For Summer During this season, you obviously need to do the opposite. Here are some tips that can truly help you: Choose clothing that is lightweight, cotton-made, and extremely breathable. Cool down your nursery. But, of course, not too much. Still keep the right balance. Don’t overdress your little ones during this season. Keep your baby hydrated all the time. Conclusion Exploring how to keep your baby warm at night is not rocket science. It doesn’t have to be, anyway. You just basically have to make certain adjustments based on several factors, such as clothing, room temperature, and weather. For sure, you can find the best technique to keep your baby warm at night with or without blankets and swaddles. In the same way, there are some smart tools that can assist you well while learning how to keep your baby warm at night. One of them is the Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier that maintains warmth through close body contact. Another is the Momcozy 5-inch Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor that gives you a heads-up with regard to temperature changes. With the right tool and techniques, you’ll not find it hard to keep your little ones comfortable and cozy during the night. Just experiment with various techniques and then consider the perfect option that works well on your end. Featured Collections Momcozy Nasal Aspirator For Newborn View Collection Momcozy Newborn Sound Machine View Collection Momcozy Video Baby Monitor View Collection
Gentle Solutions: Understanding Why Your Baby Is Arching Their Back
Seeing your baby stiffen, suddenly cry, and arch their back can be concerning. You may think, “Is this something to be worried about?” or “Is this sign serious?” A baby arching his back is common and often harmless, although it is always beneficial to understand the reasons behind it so that you can respond wisely. This article will provide some insights into common causes of back arching and offer practical solutions to alleviate it. Is Back Arching Normal in Babies? Most of the time, it is actually perfectly fine. Infants responding to their surroundings by arching their backs should not raise concern. It may look dramatic, but most of the time, babies are simply reacting to stimuli. Babies Communicate with Their Whole Bodies This age group does not possess any verbal communication skills. Rather, a range of emotions and feelings are conveyed through physical actions. Arching their back can happen when they’re: Feeling frustrated while feeding Experiencing discomfort like gas or reflux Being startled by a sudden sound or touch Trying to move and stretch in new ways This is especially prevalent during the first few weeks of life when they are getting used to living outside the womb. Sleepy or Overtired? Expect the Wiggles Back arching is sometimes seen with tiredness. It can also be a sign of too much stimulation—a busy, bright, or noisy environment can trigger a “get me out of here!” response. When It’s Usually Not a Concern Doctors generally agree that back arching is not a cause for worry unless it happens frequently or with other concerning signs like: Feeding problems Persistent crying Poor weight gain Delayed in developing physical skills If none of these apply, most likely, it's just a part of your baby's development. Parent Tip: Watch the Pattern Pay attention to when the arching occurs and how often it happens. Is it after feeds? Only when tired? Knowing these patterns enables good responses—and supports sharing with the pediatrician for guidance. Reasons for Baby Arching Back Babies are nonverbal, but their bodies are very vocal. One of the most expressive is back arching during feeding, napping, or quiet periods. This behavior can be surprising and worrisome but often is normal. Here are some possible reasons your baby may be arching their back: 1. Gas or Reflux Discomfort If your baby starts arching their back right after feeding, tummy troubles may be the reason. Gas or reflux discomfort may lead to stretching of the body. Crying, fussiness, and spitting up may also be noticed. 2. Hunger or Fussiness Sometimes, a baby is simply overwhelmed by exhaustion or hunger. Their body is reacting the only way it knows how. Arching during these moments is another way to say, “I’m not okay right now, and I need some help!” Sleep and hunger cues, when acted upon quickly, tend to reduce these muscle tightness responses. 3. Overstimulation Bright lights, strong smells, or even a busy day can cause sensory overload. For babies, an excess of stimuli can lead to arching one’s back, looking away, or even crying as a means to dispose of all that tension. 4. Excitement or Surprise Back arching does not always imply a negative interpretation. Some babies, especially during moments of surprise, joy, or sudden attention, arch their backs. That is their response to feeling a rush of emotions, and it’s okay. Swift, happy squeals or giggles often accompany these joyful archings. 5. Startle Reflex That quick arching of the back might be due to the Moro reflex, which makes newborns throw out their arms and arch back suddenly during startle. This occurs in babies younger than 4 months of age, so there's no need to worry. When Could Back Arching Signal a Birth Injury? Back arching from time to time is usually normal, but if your baby frequently forcefully arches their back accompanied by other unusual symptoms, there may be a concern. In rare instances, persistent arching could be an early indicator of a birth injury or a neurological condition. Be on the lookout for: Unusual muscle tone: either too stiff or too floppy Delayed developmental milestones: not rolling, smiling, or making eye contact in a timely manner Asymmetrical movement: such as using a particular arm or leg more than the other Persistent leanness: recurring difficulty latching or remaining calm during feeds Stagnation: if your baby seems “stuck” progressing in one stage for an extended period In rare instances, arching may be associated with conditions like cerebral palsy or nerve-related injuries. These cases may be infrequent, but they do need to be addressed as soon as possible, and trusting your gut instinct is key. Is There a Link Between Back Arching and Autism? Back arching is not an indication of autism and is part of normal development in most infants. For a lot of babies, arching their back is a response to being overstimulated, excited, or even frustrated. These responses are part of their developing understanding of their surroundings and how their body movements relate to them. Nevertheless, when back arching turns into a habit, especially if coupled with other developmental issues, it may be helpful to investigate deeper. Look out for: Lack of eye contact Delayed speech or communication milestones Limited social smiles or response to sounds Unusual reactions to textures, lights, or noise These might point towards issues with sensory processing, possible developmental delays, or even autism spectrum disorders. That said, every child has a unique developmental timeline. One behavior rarely tells the whole story. If you feel something is off, go ahead and share your concerns with your pediatrician. Describe what you've been observing, and document your baby’s routines, including time and triggers for arched movements. This will provide your doctor clarity and offer peace of mind. What to Do About Back Arching in Babies? Arching is a common sign most infants use to express discomfort. Below are possible reasons: Offer Calm Contact Gentle motions ease discomfort. Use the Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier for snug support to keep them close. Contact helps to settle tense and fussy infants. [product_shortcode_1] Check for Feeding Needs Arching after or during feeds? Intermittent burping mid-feed helps release trapped gas. Modify your feeding position to reduce pressure on their tummies. Be alert on whether they’re experiencing fast or slow flow which may irritate them. Create a Soothing Space Too much noise or light can overwhelm a baby. A infant swing quickly becomes one of the most-used items in your home—soothing baby with gentle motion during fussy awake periods while giving you much-needed hands-free moments. Dim the lights. Use soft-spoken voices. The Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine can stream soothing white noise or lullabies. Since it’s connected to an app, you can change settings silently so your baby doesn’t wake up or get startled. Sometimes, the simplest comfort—like a warm hold or a calmer room—can make all the difference. Once your baby is ready for solid foods, a baby high chair can provide a safe and comfortable place for them to sit during mealtimes. [product_shortcode_3] [product_shortcode_2] When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider? With occasional back arching, your baby’s posture usually does not raise concern as long as there are no other more serious symptoms. If you notice the following, then a pediatrician may need to be contacted: Intense or frequent arching, especially around feeding or sleeping times. Muscle tone that is too stiff or too floppy, weight gain that is below average, vomiting on a frequent basis. Spasms, repetitive motion, or observable differences in movement on one side during the infantile stage. Use tracking tools to monitor the baby’s sleep or nap posture to highlight unusual movement patterns. Smart Baby Monitors, like the Momcozy 5-Inch Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor-BM04, offer real-time video and temperature tracking as well as two-way audio. They are great for capturing details and gathering information prior to the visit with the professional. Questions and concerns can always be raised with professionals without hesitance. Evidence-backed early intervention vastly improves infant and toddler well-being. FAQs About Baby Arching Back When should I be worried about the baby arching back? If excessive back arching triggers abnormal feeding patterns, sleep disruptions, or unusual muscle tone, prompt an assessment with a health professional. What is back arching syndrome in babies? In the case of arched-back movements paired with crying or discomfort, some refer to it as “Sandifer syndrome,” which is often associated with reflux. Feeding modifications, along with close observation, mostly resolve the issues. Why is my baby arching back but not rolling? Back arching does not mean rolling. Rolling requires coordinated head, neck, and core control. Arching is more about the body’s expression of discomfort or tension. Why is baby arching back a red flag? The need for further examination arises when it is part of a pattern of stiff, jerky movements or chronic, underdeveloped skills. That is the time when deeper evaluation becomes useful. Conclusion In most cases, a baby arching his back is a baby’s reaction to the environment. It could be gas, excitement, or a need for soothing. However, if it seems to occur often, is intense, or raises some worries, then consulting a pediatrician is advisable. With some monitoring, proper guidance, and devices such as the Momcozy Baby Carrier or 5-Inch Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor, soothing and calming your child can be easy. Featured Collections Momcozy Nasal Aspirator For Newborn View Collection Momcozy Newborn Sound Machine View Collection Momcozy Video Baby Monitor View Collection
Why Is My Baby Crying in Their Sleep? Common Reasons and How to Help
Many parents experience seeing their baby crying in sleep. But why do infants cry while sleeping? It can happen because of light sleep, or may have pain, and even nightmares. In this article, we’ll explore what’s behind sleep-crying, how to tell what’s normal, and what you can do to help soothe your baby. Why Do Babies Cry in Their Sleep? First is we need to understand how your baby sleeps and how it can be so different to yours. Your baby, as well as others, sleeps more in active sleep. You can characterize this sleeping type by the movement and breathing of your baby. During this phase, your baby might cry out briefly and then settle back without waking up. It’s completely normal and usually doesn’t mean they’re in pain or distress. Your baby will grow out or have limited sleep like this when they grow up. They will have a deeper sleep like yours soon, but until then these cries may happen often. The 5 Most Common Reasons Why Babies Cry in Their Sleep Crying in sleep can catch parents off guard, but most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. Here are the five most common reasons behind those sleepy tears: Light Sleep or Active Sleep One common reason, like mentioned earlier, is active sleeping. At this phase, their brain is active, and their body may respond or move randomly, or cry. However, even with this movement, they would settle down without waking up. Gas or Tummy Discomfort Your baby's digestive system is not yet fully developed, and fullness or gas is uncomfortable even when they sleep. This can lead to sleeping, squirming, grunting, or crying. Teething Pain Teething may result in sore gums and aching at night. While your baby will not wake up completely, maybe the discomfort will make her fussy or cry during sleep. Dreams or Brain Activity Even though we do not yet know whether babies dream as much as grown-ups, their brains work hard while they sleep. This activity might lead to crying or irritability as they sort through new experiences. Growth Spurts or Developmental Leaps Baby leaps can overwork your baby’s brain. This can result in an interruption in their sleep that can mostly be seen at night or at nap time. Knowing these reasons can ease your mind, and tell you how to approach the situation with kindness. What Amount of Crying Is Normal? Your baby crying in sleep is normal, especially if they are under 6 months old. It will be accompanied with whimpers and movements. It will also be short and would settle without you doing anything Just monitor their behavior, if they eat, sleep, and can still be soothed, then they are fine. If something changes, like they cry more intensely and are accompanied by a fever, then it's a sign to go to your doctor. Is a Baby Crying in Their Sleep Something to Worry About? No, it’s normal and you shouldn't worry about it. It just happens because your baby’s brain is still developing, and may be caused by other things like teething or gas. If your baby cries, then after a couple of seconds it’s gone then that’s normal. You know what's normal behavior for your baby. You will notice if something becomes different in their cries. To help you have peace of mind, you can use the Momcozy Baby Monitor. It provides high-definition video, night vision, and temperature monitoring — so you can check on your baby without waking them, and better understand what’s normal for their sleep behavior. [product_shortcode_2] Can Babies Have Nightmares? Most doctors think that your baby can’t have a nightmare if they haven’t reached 2 to 3 years old. Only at this time that your baby have developed enough imagination. Only then can they have nightmares; if your baby is below that, then it's unlikely that they will experience that. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be startled or unsettled during sleep. When you see your baby cry while sleeping, it's most likely just normal brain activity that happens during active sleep. It may also be caused by discomfort from teething or gas. Your baby’s brain is still under ongoing development and sometimes the new experiences or information that they have when they are awake are still being processed when they sleep. 6 Tips for Soothing a Crying Baby Even if your baby isn’t fully awake, their cries can still tug at your heart. Here are 6 gentle tips by the NHS to help soothe your baby when they cry in their sleep, without overstimulating them. Let Your Baby Breastfeed for Comfort If you're breastfeeding, offering your breast can be a soothing way to calm your baby. The act of suckling is naturally comforting and helps them feel safe and close to you. Use Gentle Background Sounds Playing songs, lullabies, or even your voice just humming can help your baby settle and calm down. The Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine offers white noise, lullabies, and womb-like sounds to calm your baby’s senses. With app control, you can adjust the sounds remotely — perfect for middle-of-the-night wake-ups when every second of peace matters. [product_shortcode_1] Adding a maternity pillow might be just the simple change you need to improve your long-term comfort and sleep depth. Hold Your Baby Close Sometimes just holding your baby, like in your arms or sling, makes them chill out a bit. You can try walking slowly or like swaying side to side, maybe hum something or talk softly just so they hear you. Provide Gentle Visuals or Sounds Distractions help, too. Like, grab a toy that makes music or one of those things that spin above the crib. Anything that makes them look at something else instead of crying. For a fussy baby during the day, placing them in a baby swing can provide the rhythmic motion and visual stimulation needed to keep them content without you having to constantly rock them. Try Gentle, Rhythmic Touch You can also try having some kind of physical contact with them. Put them on your lap face-down or just hold them kind of close and rub their back, not too fast, just slow so they feel you’re there. That’s usually enough to calm them a bit. Reach Out for Support If nothing works and you feel like you're losing it, seriously just ask someone. Call your doctor or whoever. They’ll probably tell you something that helps. How to Help a Crying Baby Fall Asleep? When your baby cries instead of drifting off to sleep, it’s tough—not just for them, but for you too. The goal isn’t to “fix” every cry but to help your baby feel safe and ready to rest. Here are a few calming strategies you can try: Watch for Sleepy Cues You gotta catch the signs early. If they start yawning, rubbing their face, or kinda staring off into space or getting cranky, that’s your hint. Waiting too long and they get too tired to even fall asleep. Use a Consistent Sleep Phrase Some parents say a little phrase helps. Like saying something chill every night, maybe “Time to sleep now” or whatever works. It’s not magic, but babies remember stuff like that over time. Swaddle or Use a Sleep Sack (If Age-Appropriate) Swaddling helps too, if they’re still tiny. Wrap them up like a burrito and it kinda feels like the womb again. If they’re bigger, those sleep sack things are good too — cozy but not tight. Avoid Eye Contact During Soothing Try not to make full eye contact either. Sounds weird, but looking right at them can wake them up more. Keep the lights low, stay calm, and don’t move too fast. Your vibe matters. Let Them Settle on Their Own (Within Reason) Also, if they’re just whining a bit, not full-on screaming, maybe wait it out. Sometimes they settle on their own after a minute. Don’t rush in unless you have to. Not every baby reacts the same. You’ll try things, some will flop, some will work. But honestly, just being there with them, that’s already doing a lot. When to Call the Doctor? If your baby regularly cries during sleep, certain signs mean it’s time to consult your pediatrician: The crying is intense and continues for a couple of hours or more Your baby appears to be in physical pain while crying Their sleeping patterns have changed suddenly or drastically Feeding has become harder, such as refusing the breast or struggling to latch Experts usually say it’s worth checking in with your doctor if your baby keeps waking up crying at night. Most of the time it’s nothing major, just regular baby stuff, but still, having a doctor say everything’s fine can help you chill a bit. After that, don’t feel like you need to rush over every time they make a noise. Some babies are just loud sleepers. They fuss, cry a little, then go back to sleep on their own. Giving them that space can actually help them learn how to settle without you always stepping in. Conclusion Hearing your baby cry while they sleep can really mess with your head. It’s weird and kind of emotional, especially when you don’t know if something’s wrong or it’s just one of those baby things. A lot of times, it’s just part of how they grow. Light sleep, maybe some aches, random fussing — it happens. But if something feels off, trust your gut. It’s always better to just call your pediatrician than stay up stressing over it alone. Even if it turns out to be nothing, at least you’ll feel more at ease. Over time, you’ll start getting used to your baby’s little patterns. You’ll notice the difference between their “I’m uncomfortable” cry and “I’ll be fine in 30 seconds” cry. Having tools like the Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine can help keep them relaxed and comforted during rough nights, and Momcozy Smart Baby Monitor is a total sanity-saver. Just knowing they’re okay without running to check every sound makes a huge difference. It takes patience and a lot of love for them and for yourself. But you’ll get better at it, and those midnight cries won’t throw you off so much anymore. You’ve got this.
Colic Symptoms in Breastfed Babies: What Does it Mean and When to Worry?
Do you ever wonder why your baby just suddenly cried for no reason while or after being breastfed? The reason might be colic. Many parents get confused every time it happens, because most of the time it occurs even when your baby is well-fed and dry. While it can be overwhelming and stressful to deal with, it's actually normal. In this article, we’ll help you understand the signs, what causes them, and how to soothe your baby in this scary time. What Are the Colic Symptoms in Breastfed Babies? Colic often shows up when your baby is around 2 to 3 weeks old and might stick around until about 3 or 4 months. You can spot it using the “rule of threes”: crying for 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks. These cries are different than usual, they’re louder, longer, and tough to soothe. They tend to hit like clockwork, often in the evening, and can leave both baby and parent feeling drained.Here are some common signs of colic: Intense crying (mostly happens in the afternoon or evening) Clenched fist, arched back, and flailing legs Inconsolable The American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP says that 20% of babies experience colic, it doesn't matter if they are breastfed or not. While the causes are still unknown, they speculate that it's because your baby must have an underdeveloped digestive system, and oversimulation. Potential Causes of Colic in Breastfed Babies Even though many parents and babies experience colic, the cause is still unclear. Many doctors are still trying to find the exact cause and the reason behind your baby’s inconsolable cries. Here are some of the common reasons for colic symptoms in breastfed babies: Digestive immaturity. Your baby’s digestive system is still underdeveloped, which causes the food to go down slowly or too fast. This digestive immaturity brings discomfort and gas to your baby. Overfeeding or undereating. When your baby has been fed too much or not enough, it can cause them to swallow air, which interferes with their digestion and causes discomfort. Oversimulation. Newborns are still not used to their surroundings. They are sensitive to loud noises and crowds, which causes them to feel overwhelmed, resulting in inconsolable cries. The exact causes are still unknown when it comes to colic, but adjusting feeding and the environment around your baby helps lessen the colic episodes. When Does Colic Start and How Long Does Colic Last? Colic normally appears at around 2-3 weeks after birth, however, be ready at around 4-6 weeks because this is when it peaks. In breastfed babies, colic cries often happen from 6 pm to evening and are often difficult to soothe, even if you’ve changed their diapers, fed them, and burped them. However, colic in babies doesn’t last. It will usually sort itself out, and you will discover that by the time your baby is between 3 and 4 months old, it is improved. It is also claimed by experts that colic does not do lasting damage to your baby and is part of the normal development of your infant. How Do You Know If Your Newborn Has Colic? With cries being a normal occurrence for babies, identifying what colic cries are and when they are not is difficult. However, colic cries have a tell. These cries are often high-pitched, intense, and happen like clockwork (it might seem like your baby has a crying schedule because it happens at the same time each day). Here are some other signs that you can tell if your baby has colic: Crying that follows the rule of three (3 hours a day, 3 days a week for 3 weeks) Crying that suddenly just appeared for no reason and hard to soothe. A red face during crying Having a bloated belly If it already follows the rule of three then it can be considered as a colic, pediatricians use this rule as a guide in identifying colic. As long as your baby is healthy, eating properly, and gaining weight then colic is just a symptom that your baby is growing healthy. Things That Probably Won’t Work with Colic Every time you experience these intense cries, you most likely want to do everything that you search on the internet to help your baby feel calm. However, most of these “tips” have little to no effect when it comes to soothing your baby.Here are some of the tips that look promising but are ineffective when it comes to colic: Switching from breast to formula. If you think that your baby cries because of your breastmilk, which caused you to switch to formula, it will not do anything. Breastmilk is still the best solution, unless your doctor suspects that your baby has a true milk protein allergy. Overfeeding. Most parents think that when their baby cries, it means it's feeding time and it's the only way to soothe them. However, feeding your baby all the time may cause them to cry more because of the buildup of more gas and discomfort. Loud white noise or vibration. Although gentle white noise helps, if the volume of it is too much for your baby to handle then it most likely gonna make them cry more. Even though colic cries are heartbreaking to hear, overcomplicating things will not help. Just keep doing what you’re used to from the start, and keep the usual, like breastfeeding. But it's great to get a break every now and then, and to have something like the Momcozy M5 Smart Wearable Breast Pump on hand. It's hands-free, discreet pumping that lets you keep your milk supply going even when you're feeling emotionally or physically drained. It's meant to accommodate your baby's unpredictable colic schedule — and get you through it. [product_shortcode_1] 7 Tips for Soothing Colic Symptoms When you’re at this stage of your baby’s growth, all you would wish for is soothing them. Although there are no certain techniques to make it stop, there are things you can do to help make it feel easier. Here are some of the things you could do to provide some relief: Hold your baby close. There is no better way to tell your baby that you're by their side than skin-to-skin contact. Holding them and rocking them gently is the best way to calm them fast. Creating a calming routine. When you create a calming environment like dimming the lights, removing the noise, and avoiding any stimulation when it's time for your baby to sleep helps. Use a gentle motion. Gentle motion helps mimic the movement of the womb, it's an effective way to calm your baby. Walking, slow dancing, and rocking are a good way to soothe your baby. For supervised daytime periods, a baby swing can provide the consistent, rhythmic swaying that babies love. Burped them after feeding. One of the common reasons why a baby cries is a digestive problem. Always burp your baby after feeding to avoid discomfort or gas buildup. Try a warm bath. Warm water helps relax their muscles and calm their senses. Offer a pacifier. Sucking is somewhat calming to your baby; giving them pacifiers, especially when they are not hungry, helps. Use white noise. Soft, consistent, and humming sounds calm them because they remind them of your womb. Every baby is different, so it may take time to find what works best, but gentle comfort, patience, and the right tools can make a big difference. Occasionally, holding skin-to-skin with your baby without having to do anything isn't feasible. For a safe hold, baby carriers such as the Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier can be tried. It holds your baby close on your chest and your hands are free — you can walk, sway, or bounce them gently through long, difficult crying fits. It's a lifesaver for those long, weary nights. [product_shortcode_2] When to See a Doctor? Most of the time, colic is just a normal part of a baby’s growth and usually doesn’t point to anything serious. However, if it's accompanied by other symptoms and behaviours which are not normal for your baby, then it’s a sign for you to call a doctor. Here are some other symptoms, along with colic cries, you should look out for: Crying sounds different than usual Your baby is refusing to eat and not feeding well Vomiting Clean diapers or infrequent changing of them (can be a sign of dehydration) Fever in a baby under 3 months Diarrhea Harder to wake sleeping These are symptoms that can mean something serious. It's best to trust your instinct and don't hesitate to call your pediatrician for help. FAQs What Is the 3 3 3 Rule for Colic? Rule of three is what pediatricians use to identify colic. It means 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks. If your baby is feeding well, behaving happy most of the time, and gaining weight, then you can use this rule to identify the colic cries from normal cries. Is My Breast Milk Causing Colic? It’s rare for breast milk to cause colic, however, it may be linked to the food you're eating which then gets picked up by your baby’s sensitive senses. It's best to talk to your doctor if you think that your breastmilk somewhat causes inconsolable cries to your baby. Is Gripe Water Good for Colic? Gripe water is not a science-supported remedy for colic even though it's well known. It is also heavily based on the ingredients used when making the drink. To avoid complications, talk to your doctor before providing gripe water. How Do I Take Care of Myself If My Baby Has Colic? This stage is one of the most overwhelming stages for parents. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a short break after putting your baby in a safe place. If you’re at the point where it's too much to handle alone, you can always ask for help from your partner, parents and even doctors. This stage is temporary and all will be quiet and calm soon. Conclusion Colic in breastfed babies can be one of the hardest parts of early parenting. As painful as hearing them cry intensively and not being able to soothe them, it’s normal. You’re not doing anything wrong. All you need to do is keep giving them proper care and love, these cries will go away on their own. Colic cries are temporary. Most of the time, all your baby needs is love and care, rarely does this cry call for the need of a doctor. You can always trust your instinct, lean on your supports, and use tools that can help you in this stressful stage, like the Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier and the Momcozy M5 Smart Wearable Breast Pump. You got this.
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