All babies cry — but what if your little one is particularly fussy? Are they uncomfortable from gas, or is there a bigger problem at hand?
“Fussiness can be anything from just being a more sensitive baby to the world around you, to colic, to something more serious,” explains Krystal Richardson, a naturopathic doctor and expert in integrative medicine who focuses on pediatrics.
Curious about what your fussy baby may be trying to tell you? Here’s some expert advice.
What does normal fussiness look like?
If your only previous experience with a baby was snuggling them while they slept peacefully, you may be wondering if this wild, fussy behavior is normal or an indication of something more serious. When babies are unhappy or uncomfortable, they let you know loud and clear that something is wrong.
Leigh Anne O’Connor, a lactation consultant, explains, “When babies are fussy, they can be inconsolable. They arch their heads back, pop off and on the breast, rub their eyes, kick their legs and stiffen up their body.” She advises that these are all common signs of a fussy baby and don’t necessarily indicate something is medically wrong.
What causes fussiness?
Well, your fussy baby could be telling you a number of things! Their cues may indicate that they are gassy, hungry, overtired, uncomfortable, wanting to be held, overstimulated, bored or even having a growth spurt. In addition, other common causes of fussiness include a sensitivity to mom’s diet, formula sensitivity, problems with nipple flow and reflux.
During their first few weeks, babies are like a human riddle. Eventually, you’ll learn what their different cries, noises and actions mean, making it easier to soothe them. Making notes about when your baby is most upset (for example, when mom eats certain foods, when lying down to sleep, exactly two hours after eating) will help you and your doctor make small changes that can lead to big results and more comfort for your baby.
What are some quick fixes?
Sometimes, fussiness is caused by simple discomfort, so make sure that your baby’s basic needs are met first. Check their diaper, try to burp them, make sure that their clothes are dry and comfortable (check for tags!), and ensure that they’re not too hot (indicated by sweat) or cold (skin cool to the touch and blotchy). Babies are also very sensitive to their environment, so make sure it’s not too loud or too bright.
They also may be overstimulated if there are too many colorful, flashy toys around. If they haven’t slept in a while, try swaddling, rocking or swaying and making soothing noises. If they are still not settling, perhaps they’re bored. Try to play, talk to them, smile and make eye contact. If all that checks out, offer the bottle or breast, as they may be hungry.
When is it something more serious?
There’s no need to rush your baby to the doctor every time they’re fussier than normal, but if they’re inconsolable for long periods of time, it’s possible that something more is going on.
The following red flags warrant a trip to the doctor, according to Richardson:
- Inconsolable crying for more than two hours.
- Rash.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Abdominal distention.
- Refusal to eat.
- Lethargy.
- Difficulty waking up.
Don’t be afraid to follow your instincts. If something seems really out of the ordinary, call your doctor: It’s better to have it come back as nothing than to miss an opportunity for early intervention.
When you have a fussy baby day in and day out, it can take a physical and emotional toll on you. Remember, in order to best care for your baby, you also need to care of yourself.
“If you feel overwhelmed, it’s a good idea to take a deep breath. If you feel angry, put the baby down for a moment and regroup,” says O’Connor.
Ask a friend or relative to take over for a little while, or just put the baby in the crib and step completely away for a minute. These feelings are normal, and it’s important to remember that this fussiness won’t last forever — even though it seems like it will.
