Question
What are the reasons why a baby cries after feeding? A baby under 40 days old cries 3 to 4 times a day, each time for 3 to 7 minutes, at irregular intervals. What might be the cause of this? How can one alleviate the baby’s crying after feeding?
Answer
There may be several reasons why a baby cries after feeding. One common reason is that the baby has eaten too much, causing the stomach to bloat and subsequently leading to crying. Additionally, the baby might cry due to accidentally swallowing air. Moreover, the baby’s developing nervous system can also be a factor in causing crying. To alleviate the baby’s crying after feeding, you can try the following methods. Gently patting the baby’s back can help expel trapped gases in the body. Feeding the baby some warm water may also help alleviate crying, as it can sometimes resolve the issue. Furthermore, gently stroking the baby’s mouth or ears with the tip of your index finger can be effective, as these areas are more sensitive. Once stimulated, the esophageal nerves will relax, and the crying will naturally subside. It is important to note that mild crying will usually disappear within a few minutes and does not require excessive concern. However, if the baby’s crying is severe and leads to symptoms such as blue face or difficulty breathing, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. As the baby grows, the development of their nervous system will gradually improve, and the frequency of crying will decrease. Therefore, parents should not be overly anxious or concerned about their baby’s crying issues.