Being a parent to a baby that won't stop crying isn't just tiring, it's exhausting! Not to mention frustrating and it makes you feel as if you can't care for your own child. The reality of it is that babies cannot communicate with us unless it is through a fuss or a cry. Even then it could mean anything from having a painful hangnail to an ear infection. Here are the top three reasons why your baby won't stop crying, despite having cuddles, treatment for colic, nappy changes, baths and feeds.

1. Strange Environment

A few months into your baby's life it's easy to forget that they were inside a womb for a whole nine months previously. The most comforting thing for them would be to get back in, but since that's not possible the differences between that life and this new one can be a bit alarming and odd.

One of the best ways to recreate an 'authentic womb experience' (that could be a new theme park attraction, couldn't it?) wrap your baby in a blanket so that their arms are on their chest or by their sides. Some babies like this to be quite tight but use your instincts; you should never wrap a baby too tightly. Then lay them on your lap, on their side and lean in towards their head. Make a loud 'sshh'ing noise and rock your legs very gently from side to side. The womb was certainly no quiet place and the sound of you imitating the blood rushing through the body should calm them. For a sustained noise like this try having a fan on but facing away from the cot or do some vacuuming in the rest of the house.

2. Lactose Intolerance

Before lactose intolerance was well understood many mothers would despair over their grumpy, inconsolable babies. Some of the lucky ones would figure out that if they stop drinking cows milk then their breast milk will be easier on their baby's tummy too. If your baby often looks uncomfortable after feeds and cries a lot then it might be worth trying a lactose free diet yourself. Do make sure that you substitute all dairy with enough calcium and protein. These can often be found in soy or rice milk. Babies often grow out of lactose intolerance, so when it comes to weaning don't automatically assume that they will have to have soy products for the rest of their lives.

3. Too Much Going On

This is almost the opposite of the first reason why your baby won't stop crying. Have you noticed that when relatives stay or you spend the day out your baby takes longer to settle at bedtime? There's a good reason for this and it's akin to when we spend too long working and 'can't switch off'. Babies sometimes find it hard to simply settle down and sleep when they've been passed from person to person all day and had lots of interesting faces smiling at them. Unfortunately there's not a lot you can do but follow your usual bedtime routine and try to keep interaction to just you and your baby. Try holding them on their back in your arms rather than with them looking over your shoulder as this position makes them more alert as they look around the room.

Stan Tian

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