Question
My baby is now 9 months old, and lately she has been very fussy, especially at night. She doesn’t want to sleep and keeps crying. What should I do when a 9-month-old baby cries and whines nonstop?
Answer
Crying and whining are common expressions during infancy, as babies often use this method to convey their needs or discomfort before they learn to use language. Even when they are ill, crying and whining can be their way of expressing themselves. Physiological crying and whining are usually characterized by strong cries, with no other issues present, such as fever, strong milk intake, and normal bowel movements. The crying and whining will stop once the cause is removed. Ignoring it may lead to louder cries and the baby may fall asleep after excessive crying and fatigue. Pathological crying and whining refer to crying and whining caused by various diseases, which are often intense and prolonged, often accompanied by irritability.