Crying

HOW OFTEN?

In the first weeks after birth, a baby cries on average 1-1.5 hours per 24 hours. Around 6 weeks that is 2-2.5 hours and then it slowly decreases again to 1.5 hours per 24 hours. After 3 months you often notice a clear reduction in the number of crying hours.

CRAMPS

A baby can suffer from colic. Usually, the baby suddenly starts to cry and pulls its legs up, or stretches them fiercely. Try to comfort your baby by holding it against you. Some babies like it when you place a warm washcloth on their tummy or gently massage the tummy with circular movements.

HUNGRY

Crying can also be a (late) sign of hunger. Usually, your baby will look for the breast with its head and mouth. It then moves the head back and forth and bites with the mouth wide open. It can also suck on its own fist. Crying is the last sign that it is really hungry.

DISCOMFORT

Finally, a baby can also cry from discomfort. After having been comfortable in your belly for 9 months, your baby now misses the warmth and sounds that are in your belly. Many children cry in the evening or at night. This rhythm is not easy to turn. Sometimes it helps to take a bath in the evening instead of in the morning. That makes it turn pink. Make sure your child is in the room with you so that it can hear your breathing. Because it is so quiet at night you can try turning on the radio.

You can also give your baby the "womb feeling" back a bit by tucking the blanket tightly under the mattress on both sides of the crib. Shorten the bed when you make it, so that the baby is almost with its feet against the bottom. In this way, the baby will feel more secure and will sleep more peacefully.

SAFE SLEEPING

A baby should never sleep in the same bed with the parents. During the day you can let the baby sleep in the parental bed, provided that the following conditions are met: Do not put the baby under the duvet, but under its own blanket. You can also put the changing mat on the bed and make it separately for the baby. Never take the baby in bed with you if you are (extremely) tired, or if you use medication, alcohol, or drugs.