Crying - Excessive (0-6 Months)

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Home Care & Treatment

Follow the health care provider's treatment advice, which will depend on the cause.

If the infant seems constantly hungry despite short, frequent feedings, consult with a health care provider about normal growth and feeding times.

If crying is due to boredom or loneliness, then touch, hold, and talk to the infant more and place the infant within sight. Place baby-safe toys where the child can see them. If due to sleep disturbance, wrap the baby firmly in a blanket before putting him or her to bed.

For excessive crying in infants due to cold, dress the infant warmly or adjust the temperature. Typically, if adults are cold, the baby is cold also.

Always check for possible causes of pain or discomfort in a crying baby. Look for diaper pins that have become loose or loose threads which have become tightly wrapped around fingers or toes. Diaper rashes also can be uncomfortable.

Take your baby's temperature to check for fever. Check your baby head to toe for any injuries. Pay particular attention to the fingers, toes, and genitalia. It is not uncommon for a hair to get wrapped around part of your baby, creating a painful "hair tourniquet".