Tips for breastfeeding success by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

How to start breastfeeding

The first time you hold your newborn in the delivery room is a great time to start breastfeeding. At the beginning, your body will produce small amounts of a special milk called colostrum that will help protect your baby from infection. (Your baby's tummy is very tiny, so she only needs these small amounts to fill up. As her tummy grows, your milk will change and you'll produce more of it.)

Turn your baby's whole body toward you, chest to chest. Touch her upper lip with your nipple, and, when she opens her mouth wide, pull her onto your breast, holding your breast for support. Her mouth should cover not just the nipple but as much of the areola (the darker part surrounding it) as possible.

Don't panic if your newborn seems to have trouble finding or staying on your nipple. Breastfeeding requires patience and lots of practice. Don't hesitate to ask a nurse to show you what to do, and request visits from a lactation consultant while you're in the hospital (many hospitals have them on staff).

Tips for breastfeeding success

Watch a lactation consultant help a new mom learn how to breastfeed her baby.

If you have a premature baby, you may not be able to nurse right away, but you should start pumping your milk. Your baby will receive this milk through a tube or a bottle until she's strong enough to nurse.

Once you get started, remember that nursing shouldn't be painful. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. Her mouth should cover a big part of the areola below the nipple, and your nipple should be far back in your baby's mouth.

If latch-on hurts, break the suction (by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your breast) and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, she'll do the rest.

How often you should nurse

Frequently. The more you nurse, the more milk you'll produce. Nursing eight to 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target.

According to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), rather than nursing according to a rigid schedule, you should nurse your newborn whenever she shows early signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting around for your nipple. Crying is a late sign of hunger – ideally, you should start feeding your baby before she starts crying.

During the first few days, you may have to gently wake your baby to begin nursing, and she may fall asleep again mid-feeding. (To keep her awake during feedings, you may want to unswaddle her or remove a layer of clothing.) To make sure your baby's eating often enough, wake her up if it's been four hours since your last nursing session.

How to get comfortable

Since feedings can take up to 40 minutes, especially in the newborn months, pick a cozy spot for nursing. Hold your baby in a position that won't leave your arms and back sore. It works well to support the back of your baby's head with your hand, but the position you choose really depends on what's comfortable for you.

If you're sitting, a nursing pillow can be a big help in supporting your baby. Many moms also find a footstool helps them get comfy. Whether you're sitting or lying down, don't start the feeding until you and your baby are comfortable because you'll be in that position for a while.

What you should eat

A normal healthy diet is all you need while you're nursing. Although you can produce milk for your baby even if your nutrition isn't up to par, eating a well-balanced diet will ensure that the quantity and quality of your milk is all it can be and will help you feel your best. Follow your hunger rather than counting calories, and drink fluids throughout the day to stay well hydrated.

Breastfeeding Problem Solver

Find solutions to a variety of breastfeeding challenges, including nipple pain, low milk supply, and more.

Many moms feel extra hungry while breastfeeding, which makes sense – your body is working around the clock to make breast milk for your baby. Eating small meals with healthy snacks in between (the way you may have done during pregnancy) is a good way to keep your hunger in check and your energy level high. (As a general guideline, most women who are breastfeeding will need about 200 to 500 calories more than moms who aren't.)

Don't overdo your caffeine consumption, because you'll pass the caffeine along to your baby in your breast milk and it can accumulate in her system. (Experts recommend limiting your intake to no more than 300 mg per day, about the amount you'd get in a 12-ounce cup of coffee).

You'll also want to limit drinking alcohol while you're breastfeeding, because it also enters your breast milk.

Most nursing babies don't mind if Mom indulges in spicy foods. In fact, some experts believe that babies enjoy some variety. No foods are problematic for all babies, so there's no need to restrict what you eat right away. But if your baby seems more gassy or irritable every time you eat a particular food (dairy products, for example), try eliminating the suspect food for a while to see if she's better off without them in her breast milk.

Problems you may encounter

Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily, encountering no major physical or emotional hurdles. But many new moms find it hard to learn. If you're feeling discouraged, you're not the only one.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed by your baby's constant demands and exhausted from lack of sleep. And you may have questions: Is my baby getting enough milk? Should I have sore nipples? How long should my baby nurse? Should I wake her if she falls asleep nursing?

Although women have nursed their babies for centuries, breastfeeding doesn't always come easily. Many women face difficulties early on. Some of the most common breastfeeding problems you may encounter in the first six weeks include:

• Engorgement (breasts that are excessively full and uncomfortable)
• sore nipples
• Mastitis (a breast infection)

Don't suffer in silence. Call your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant if you're suffering from any of the above, if you're in pain, or if physical discomfort is getting in the way of nursing.

Where to get help

Breastfeeding help and support is just a phone call (or a click) away.

Talk to your doctor or midwife about any health concerns that may be getting in the way of successful breastfeeding.

La Leche League International, an organization that offers encouragement and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies, can send you information or put you in touch with a La Leche League chapter near you. You can reach the group's headquarters or get advice from its breastfeeding hotline by calling (800) 525-3243. If you attend local meetings, you can meet other new moms and get breastfeeding assistance.

For professional advice and encouragement, call an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). A lactation consultant can offer advice on how to breastfeed properly and give you hands-on help. To find one near you, call the International Lactation Consultant Association at (919) 861-5577 or use that association's online lactation consultant finder.

You can also call the hospital or birth center where you delivered, your doctor or midwife, or your child's doctor for a referral.

For support from other breastfeeding moms, visit the Breastfeeding support and help group in BabyCenter's Community.

For more information, see BabyCenter's Breastfeeding area.

DEATH is NOT THE END by Harun Yahya

Every self will taste death. We test you with both good and evil as a trial. And you will be returned to Us. (Surat al-Anbiya': 35)

Death, which is certain to happen to all of us, is a very important fact in one's life. We can never know exactly what we will experience in an hour or even in the next moment. This being the case, it is obvious how wrong it would be to plan our lives based on events that may never happen. Death, on the other hand, is the only thing that is certain to happen. Only the recognition of this basic truth makes us understand that we must found our lives according to it. Death is also a part of the trial of man. Allah informs us in the Qur'an that He created death and life to try man:

He Who created death and life to test which of you is best in action. He is the Almighty, the Ever-Forgiving. (Surat al-Mulk: 2)

Death is the end of merely the life of this world-thus the end of the trial-and the beginning of the next life. For this reason, believers have no fear of death. The thought of death does not distress them, because, every moment of their lives is spent in the pursuit of good deeds as preparation for the Hereafter.

For unbelievers, however, fear causes them great distress, because they consider it a complete annihilation. Thus, they avoid the thought of death and they don't even let that thought pass their minds and they escape from death. But it is futile. No soul can escape death when the predetermined time for it has come. This, in a verse, is stressed as follows:

Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, even if you are in impregnable fortresses... (Surat an-Nisa': 78)

To avoid the thought of death is to avoid the truth. As death will eventually catch up with man sooner or later, it is wise to conduct oneself with a mind busy with the thought of death. This is the rational disposition by which believers abide. Until death comes upon them, they engage in good deeds, as Allah commands us in the Qur'an:

And worship your Lord until what is Certain comes to you. (Surat al-Hijr: 99)

Thinking about death strengthens one's spirit and will. It prevents one's lower soul from leading him astray, by being lured through the false temptations of this world. It instils him with the resolve and determination to avoid all forms of behaviour unpleasing to Allah. It is for this reason that a believer must often think about death, never forgetting that all people, including himself, will someday die.

From the Qur'an, we learn what really happens to someone who dies, and what he or she actually experiences and feels. When we see someone dying, we only observe his "biological death." The truth is, however, the dying person, though in a totally different dimension, confronts the angels of death. If he is a unbeliever, his death causes him great pain. The angels of death, after extracting his soul, beat and torment him. A unbeliever's trauma is described as follows:

...If you could only see the wrongdoers in the throes of death when the angels are stretching out their hands, saying, "Disgorge your own selves! Today you will be repaid with the punishment of humiliation for saying something other than the truth about Allah, and being arrogant about His Signs." (Surat al-An'am: 93)

How will it be when the angels take them in death, beating their faces and their backs? That is because they followed what angers Allah and hated what is pleasing to Him. So He made their actions come to nothing. (Surah Muhammad: 27-28)

Death promises great joy and bliss for the believers. Contrary to unbelievers, whose souls are torn from them violently, the souls of believers are drawn from them gently. (Surat an-Nazi'at: 2) This experience is similar to the case of the soul in sleep, which leaves the body and moves into a different dimension (Surat az-Zumar: 42). In the verses, the following is stated regarding believers:

Gardens of Eden which they enter, with rivers flowing under them, where they have whatever they desire. That is how Allah repays those who have fear for Him: those the angels take in a virtuous state. They say,"Peace be upon you! Enter Paradise for what you did."(Surat an-Nahl: 31-32)

Petua ISLAM: Menangani Bayi Menangis Malam oleh Ensaiklopedia Petua Melayu Lama

Bayi menangis merupakan perkara biasa, bukan semestinya kerana ada masalah atau kerana kecuaian ibu. Malah, menangis merupakan suatu pernyataan bayi atau kanak-kanak sebagai ganti kepada pertuturan yang tidak dapat diluahkan terhadap sesuatu yang berlaku. Ada bayi tidur nyenyak di siang hari, tetapi mula menangis pada masa-masa tertentu sama ada pada tengah malam, petang ataupun bila-bila masa tanpa sebab yang jelas. Terdapat juga bayi yang mula menangis apabila tidurnya terganggu, biarpun oleh suara yang perlahan seperti bunyi benda jatuh, bunyi tapak kaki, bunyi pintu tertutup dan sebagainya. Pada kebiasaannya, tangisan akibat gangguan tersebut berlaku dalam tempoh yang singkat.

Tangisan biasa selalunya ada kaitan dengan punca yang jelas seperti tercucuk pin pakaian, pakaian terlalu ketat menyebabkan bayi terasa tidak selesa, lampin basah, rasa terlalu panas, sakit perut, dahaga, lapar, rasa kesepian dan sebagainya. Sesetengah bayi atau anak kecil akan menangis apabila berubah tempat tidur, dari tempat gelap yang biasa dia tidur, berpindah ke tempat terang atau sebaliknya. Anak-anak yang dibawa balik kampung menghadiri majlis kenduri mungkin akan menangis kerana suasana tempat tidur yang berubah atau sebaliknya.

Walaupun demikian, tangisan yang memanjang dan kuat tidak semestinya mempunyai sebab atau punca yang jelas. Tidak semestinya kerana lapar, dahaga, kesejukan, panas atau kehilangan orang yang selama ini berada di sampingnya, iaitu si ibu.

Ada orang yang mengaitkan keadaan sedemikian rupa, yang dikenali sebagai sawan tangis, akibat gangguan makhluk-makhluk halus, tidak kira sama ada gangguan tersebut akibat perbuatan makhluk halus yang dilibatkan dengan perbuatan manusia, ataupun akibat gangguan jin yang menggemari manusia, sejak seseorang itu dilahirkan. Ini dikenali sebagai qarin atau makhluk halus yang datang menumpang bersama manusia. Perkataan “qarin” berasal daripada bahasa Arab, bermaksud teman atau pasangan. Istilah qarin bererti roh-roh jahat, yang terdiri daripada makhluk-makhluk halus yang sentiasa mendampingi manusia, sejak seseorang itu dilahirkan sehinggalah dia meninggal dunia.

Kewujudan qarin di samping manusia ialah untuk membiasakan, iaitu untuk menggoda atau menyesatkan, sehingga manusia itu tunduk kepada nafsu, yang akhirnya melakukan dosa, tidak kira sama ada dosa itu dosa kecil berpanjangan atau dosa besar seperti membunuh, berzina, makan harta anak yatim dan sebagainya. Cara lain ialah dengan memesongkan iktikad mereka sehingga membawa kepada perbuatan syirik atau murtad. Selain itu, qarin juga berusaha untuk mencederakan fizikal dan roh manusia secara bersendirian ataupun dengan perantaraan manusia, menyebabkan manusia menggunakan jin-jin untuk melakukan perbuatan tertentu seperti untuk menyakiti orang lain dan sebagainya. Apabila ini berlaku, maka dari sini terjadilah kegiatan sihir.

Sawan tangis itu ada 2 punca utama:

1. Ia bersifat fizikal seperti kerana lapar, haus dan sejuk, rasa hilang keselamatan diri seperti kehilangan orang yang selalu berada di sampingnya, biarpun buat sementara. Sakit seperti kembung perut atau selesema. Termasuk dalam kategori ini ialah sakit akibat jangkitan kuman dan juga kecacatan anggota seperti terhantuk, terjatuh dan sebagainya.

2. Ia akibat gangguan makhluk-makhluk halus. Allah s.w.t.  menjadikan manusia itu daripada dua unsur utama, iaitu jasad dan roh. Islam mengajar agar anak yang baru dilahirkan diazankan di telinga kanan dan diiqamatkan di telinga kirinya. Itulah ajaran terawal yang mesti diperhatikan dan dilakukan dengan tujuan agar bayi itu mendengar kalimah Allah sebaik-baik sahaja dilahirkan. Pencipta yang melahirkan bayi yang baru dilahirkan, yang memberi rezeki dan membesarkannya, dan akhirnya akan mematikannya untuk menemui-Nya.

Sekiranya diamalkan sedemikian, Insya-Allah, bayi berkenaan tidak akan diganggu oleh ummu`s-sibyan, iaitu sejenis makhluk jin yang sering mengganggu bayi, yang boleh menyebabkan timbul pelbagai masalah termasuk gangguan tidur pada waktu malam, yang akhirnya boleh menyebabkan demam panas ataupun sawan. Ini juga membuktikan bahawa roh bayi atau anak kecil boleh terganggu akibat gangguan yang tidak dapat dilihat oleh mata kasar, ataupun melalui eksperimen teknologi moden. Dalam masa tertentu, anak itu kadang-kadang memperlihatkan reaksi luar biasa dengan wajah yang ketakutan seolah-olah sedang melihat satu objek yang menggerunkan di hadapannya. Mungkin sukar untuk menjelaskan bagaimana gangguan yang tidak dapat dilihat itu boleh mengganggu bayi menyebabkan dia tidak berhenti-henti menangis, terkujat-kujat dan terketar mulut sehingga tidak terdengar suara tangisannya menyebabkan ibu dan juga bapanya menggelabah.

TANDA-TANDA

Ada beberapa tanda lumrah yang boleh diperhatikan oleh mata kasar sekiranya bayi atau kanak-kanak itu menangis akibat gangguan seperti yang dijelaskan, bukan disebabkan akibat luaran.

1. Tangisan biasa selalunya disertai dengan air mata. Keadaan ini jarang berlaku pada mereka yang menangis akibat gangguan, manakala suara tangisannya juga berlainan daripada tangisan biasa. Dalam keadaan tertentu tangisan ini mungkin disertai dengan air mata yang amat sangat.

2. Kanak-kanak ini kadang-kadang berhenti menangis sebentar, kemudian menangis semula. Mata yang pejam ketika berhenti menangis itu akan melahirkan ombak pada kelopak mata, seolah-olah kedua-dua biji matanya itu sedang memerhatikan sesuatu di bahagian kanan dan kiri.

3. Tangisan akibat gangguan selalunya mengeluarkan suara yang mendayu-dayu dan berpanjangan. Mata bayi kelihatan pejam. Tangisan terjadi seumpama dalam keadaan tidak sedarkan diri (tidur). 

4. Dahi atau bahagian tengah, antara dua alis kadang-kadang berkerut, seolah-olah ada sebiji mata di bahagian tersebut yang sedang memerhatikan sesuatu.

5. Sering terjadi pada anak-anak kecil yang terganggu, mereka menangis dan menjerit dalam keadaan ketakutan dan menggigil seolah-olah disergah oleh sesuatu yang menakutkan. Anak ini setelah puas menangis, akan tidur sebentar, lalu menangis lagi dalam keadaan teresak-esak yang disertai dengan tarikan nafas yang tersekat-sekat.

PETUA

Terlalu banyak kaedah atau usaha boleh dilakukan yang diajar oleh Rasulullah s.a.w. dalam usaha mengatasi masalah seperti ini. Di antaranya ialah dengan membacakan surah al-Fatihah, ayat al-Kursi, surah an-Nas dan surah al-Falaq, kemudian hembuskan pada ubun-ubun anak. Lakukan sebanyak 3 kali. Sekiranya anak-anak ini masih juga menangis, bacakan azan di telinga kanannya dan iqamah di telinga kiri. Lakukan sekali ataupun 3 kali.

Dalam sebuah hadis riwayat oleh Abu Isa at-Tarmizi, katanya telah diriwayatkan oleh Aqabah bin Amir al-Juhani, daripada Nabi sabdanya: Sesungguhnya Allah telah menurunkan kepada aku beberapa ayat yang tidak diperlihatkan seumpamanya, iaitu Qul a'uzu bi rabbinnas dan Qul a'uzu bi rabbilfalaq sehingga akhirnya. Hadis ini bermaksud bahawa Allah telah menurunkan dua ayat tersebut kepada Rasulullah yang mempunyai fadhilat yang amat besar, iaitu untuk melindungi diri daripada bahaya teguran hasad dan pandangan mata jahat. Termasuk dalam kategori pandangan mata jahat ialah manusia yang dibantu oleh jin-jin untuk melakukan perbuatan sihir, yang memancarkan pandangan jahatnya kepada mangsa melalui pandangan mata, termasuk bayi atau anak-anak yang menyebabkan berlakunya gangguan roh. Mudarat akibat daripada pandangan mata jahat memang boleh berlaku. Dalam menghadapi masalah seperti ini Rasulullah membenarkan Asma' Binti Umays (isteri seorang sahabat) untuk meminta pertolongan kepada orang yang tahu menjampi dalam usaha untuk menolong merawat anak Jaafar, iaitu saudara kepada Ali Abu Talib.

12 reasons babies cry and how to soothe them by Dana Dubinsky

There's no getting around it: Babies cry. It's how they communicate hunger, pain, fear, a need for sleep, and more.

So how are parents supposed to know what their baby is trying to tell them? It can be tricky to interpret your child’s cries, especially at first.

Here are the most common reasons babies cry. If your little one is wailing and you don't know why, work your way down the list. Chances are you'll find something that helps.

1. Hunger

This is probably the first thing you think of when your baby cries.

Learning to recognize the signs of hunger will help you start your baby's feedings before the crying stage. Some signs to watch for in newborns: fussing, smacking of lips, rooting (a newborn reflex that causes babies to turn their head toward your hand when you stroke their cheek), and putting  their hands to their mouth.

2. A dirty diaper

Some babies let you know right away when they need to be changed. Others can tolerate a dirty diaper for quite a while.

Either way, this one is easy to check and simple to remedy.

3. Needs sleep

Aren't babies lucky? When they're tired they can simply go to sleep – anytime, anywhere. Or so adults like to think.

In reality, it's harder for them than you might think. Instead of nodding off, babies may fuss and cry, especially if they're overly tired.

Parents' voices

We thought our daughter was colicky for the first five weeks of life, until we read about how babies get really cranky if they're exhausted. After we started putting her to sleep as soon as she yawned the first time at any time of the day, she cried a lot less and had fewer problems with gas.
— Anonymous

I've noticed that if my baby starts crying after being played with, fed, and changed, and she's been up for a while, she is overtired! I just hold her close, talk to her in a soft voice, and let her cry. She doesn't cry hard when I hold her like that. She makes funny fussy noises with her eyes closed. Before long, she's sound asleep.
— Stefanie

My 2 ½-month-old is so interested in everything that she doesn't want to stop being part of it by falling asleep. Yet she's tired and cranky at the same time. Minimizing sensory input sometimes helps her feel like she's not "missing something" by settling down. (And then there are the times when she's just going to cry no matter what I do.)
— Anonymous

4. Wants to be held

Babies need a lot of cuddling. They like to see their parents' faces, hear their voices, and listen to their heartbeats, and can even detect their unique smell. Crying can be their way of asking to be held close.

You may wonder if you'll spoil your baby by holding him so much, but during the first few months of life that isn't possible. To give your arms some relief, try wearing your baby in a front carrier or sling.

Parents' voices

I like to lightly wrap my daughter in a soft blanket, hold her in a nursing position and lightly stroke her face and head. She loves feeling my hands in her hair and calms down pretty quickly.
— Tiffany

My son loves to hear my voice, so when he cries uncontrollably, I hold him close to my chest and tell him that Mommy is here and will protect him. Within minutes, he is sleeping in my arms!
— Jey

5. Tummy troubles (gas, colic, and more)

Tummy troubles associated with gas or colic can lead to lots of crying. In fact, the rather mysterious condition called colic is defined as inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day, at least three days a week, at least three weeks in a row. 

If your baby often fusses and cries right after being fed, he may be feeling some sort of tummy pain. Many parents swear by over-the-counter anti-gas drops for babies or gripe water (made from herbs and sodium bicarbonate). Get your doctor's okay before using either of these.

For more help, discover more than 20 strategies for soothing a colicky baby.

Milestones

Record the moments that matter in your baby's amazing development.

Even if your baby isn't colicky and has never been fussy after eating, an occasional bout of gas pain can make him miserable until he works it out. If you suspect gas, try something simple to eliminate it such as putting him on his back, holding his feet, and moving his legs in a gentle bicycling motion.

Discover other possible causes of babies abdominal pain, including reflux, stomach flu, milk allergy, lactose intolerance, constipation, and intestinal blockage.

Parents' voices

One time when my daughter was 9 months old she cried inconsolably for two hours. She had never done that before (nursing was always the answer to everything, but this time she wouldn't even nurse) and we had to catch a cross-country flight. The doctor told me to take her to a nearby clinic. While we waited in the exam room, she let out a big fart, and after that she was fine. It was just gas.
— Kate

When my daughter was a baby she was gassy a lot, and would scream and cry in pain. I would give her some infant gas drops, lay her on my bed on her back, and gently push her knees up to her belly in a rocking motion and sing a little song. Soon she would let out some farts and be fine.
— Wife & mommy of two

If your baby is wearing any kind of pants, especially with a somewhat snug elastic waist, try pulling the waistband away from the belly to see if it helps. Sometimes that little bit of pressure hurts their tummy.
— Mom of 2

Just found out why my baby has been crying badly for the last day and a half – he was constipated! He finally passed a 4-inch poop that was very, very hard. Suppositories work wonders.
— txblondetori

6. Needs to burp

Burping isn't mandatory. But if your baby cries after a feeding, a good burp may be all he needs.

Babies swallow air when they breastfeed or suck from a bottle, and if the air isn't released it may cause some discomfort. Some babies are intensely bothered by having air in their tummy, while others don't seem to burp or need to be burped much at all.

Parents' voices

My little one often cries because he has a difficult time burping after a feed, even with back rubbing and patting. What I found helps is some "tummy time." He'll often let out a great big burp after a few minutes on his tummy.
— Anonymous

I can't count how many times I've burped (or tried unsuccessfully to burp) my little one when she's fussy after a feeding. Some more walking around and patting on the back will sometimes let loose a HUGE belch – no wonder she was crying!
— NovPiglet

7. Too cold or too hot

When your baby feels chilly, such as when you remove his clothes to change a diaper or clean his bottom with a cold wipe, he may protest by crying.

Newborns like to be bundled up and kept warm — but not too warm. As a rule, they’re comfortable wearing one more layer than you need to be comfortable. Babies are less likely to complain about being too warm than about being too cold, and they won't cry about it as vigorously.

8. Something small

Babies can be troubled by something as hard to spot as a hair wrapped tightly around a tiny toe or finger, cutting off circulation. (Doctors call this painful situation a "hair tourniquet," and it's one of the first things they look for if a baby seems to be crying for no reason.) 

Some babies are extra sensitive to things like scratchy clothing tags or fabric.And they can be very picky (understandably) about subtleties ranging from the position they're held in to the bottle you offer. 

Parents' voices

It helps me to think, "What could be making me uncomfortable if I were her?" These are some weird ones I've come up with: Is my finger or foot stuck/cramped? Do I need to sit/lie differently? The pacifier tastes gross and needs washing. This tag or outfit is itchy. It's colder near the floor. The light is too bright and the TV is annoying – I want soft music instead.
— cunnincl25

Something I've found that irritates my son is a hair wrapped around his penis. If you have a baby boy, be sure to check for hair in his diaper, since it is very sensitive down there.
— Anon

My 2-month-old cried whenever we fed him. But sometimes he'd drink ravenously, so he was obviously hungry. The problem vanished when we switched to a different brand of nipple.
— Anonymous

9. Teething

Teething can be painful as each new tooth pushes through tender young gums. Some babies suffer more than others, but all are likely to be fussy and tearful at some point along the way.

If your baby seems to be in pain and you're not sure why, try feeling his gums with your finger. You may be surprised to discover the hard nub of a baby tooth on its way in.

On average, the first tooth breaks through between 4 and 7 months, but it can happen earlier. Find out more about teething and how to ease the pain.

10. Wants less stimulation

Babies learn from the stimulation of the world around them, but sometimes they have a hard time processing it all — the lights, the noise, being passed from hand to hand. Crying can be a baby's way of saying, "I've had enough."

Many newborns enjoy being swaddled. It seems to make them feel more secure when the world gets overwhelming. If your baby's too old for swaddling or doesn't like it, try retreating to a serene spot and letting your baby vent for a while to manage a meltdown.

Parents' voices

Swaddling is a huge help, especially to infants. Being tightly wrapped mimics being in the womb and my daughter loved it.
— anonymous

My 6-month-old gets very excited (overexcited would be the right word) after we have fun together. He starts laughing at the most ridiculous sounds and when everything is quiet he starts to cry. That's when we sit on the bed with propped pillows and I read to him in a very low and soothing tone. He calms down in no time and goes to sleep!
— wajiha06

11. Wants more stimulation

A "demanding" baby may be outgoing and eager to see the world. And often the only way to stop the crying and fussing is to stay active. This can be exhausting for you!

Try "wearing" your baby in a sling, front carrier, or backpack.  (Watch our video on baby carriers.) Plan plenty of activities. Hang out with other parents with babies. Go on regular outings to kid-friendly places, whether that's your local playground, a children's museum, or the zoo.

Parents' voices

My 7-month-old wants constant activity going on around him. If I put him on the floor with his toys while I work on the computer, he fusses. He's happiest when I pop him in a baby carrier while I wash dishes, do laundry, and other housework. He's also especially peaceful in stores and other public places because he's so interested in and curious about the world.
— Anonymous

12. Not feeling well

If you've met your baby's basic needs and comforted him and he's still crying, he could be coming down with something. You may want to check his temperature to rule out a fever and be alert for other signs of illness.

The cry of a sick baby tends to be distinct from one caused by hunger or frustration. If your baby's crying "just doesn't sound right," trust your instincts and call or see a doctor.

What to do if your baby's still crying

Full tummy? Check. Clean diaper? Check. Fever-free? Check.

So why is your baby crying? Babies have their own good reasons. But even the wisest parents can't read their babies' mind – and babies don't have the words to tell us what's wrong.

Fortunately, you can offer comfort without knowing the cause of distress. You'll find lots of tried-and-true methods in our article on what to do when your baby cries for "no reason."