Question
The baby refuses to breastfeed and cries all the time, not wanting to eat for several days. Sometimes, crying is due to hunger, but even when hungry, the baby doesn’t want to eat. The baby only eats while sleeping. After taking the baby to the hospital for a check-up, the doctor said no abnormalities were found. What could be the reason for this? Are there any methods that can encourage the baby to try other foods?
Answer
Baby crying can be categorized into two types: physiological crying and pathological crying. Physiological crying is a natural way for babies to express emotions and needs, which may be caused by hunger, extreme temperatures, being startled, or having nightmares. In such cases, parents can comfort the baby to help them calm down. Pathological crying, on the other hand, is due to pain or discomfort from various diseases such as fever, eczema, rickets, oral ulcers, worm infections, and intussusception. When a baby cries at night without a clear reason, parents should first consider physiological causes before considering pathological factors. If the situation continues or worsens, it is important to bring the baby to the hospital for a follow-up consultation.