Crying in older babies

As babies grow, they become more adept at communicating their needs to you and you, in turn, become better at decoding what their cry means if they do let rip! Older babies cry for some of the same reasons as small babies, but sometimes the causes can be a little more complex… 

• Hunger and thirst Just like smaller babies, older babies will still cry if they are hungry, or thirsty.

• Discomfort The older your baby gets the more she’ll be bothered by the discomfort caused by a dirty or wet diaper. If her diaper isn’t the problem, check to see if her clothing is too tight, or whether she may be too hot or too cold.

• Tiredness Older babies will often cry inconsolably if they become overtired, or overstimulated, so try putting her somewhere quiet where she can calm down without being distracted and hopefully fall asleep.

• Boredom As babies get older they need more stimulation and can often get bored if they’re strapped in their stroller or confined to a play yard or baby nest with little to do or look at. Your baby may just want new props or a change of scenery. It’s not too early to start reading to your baby – she’ll enjoy the sound and rhythm of your voice and will enjoy looking at pictures in a book. Try putting on some music, and experiment with different styles and rhythms.

• Frustration If your baby has spotted something she wants to investigate and is somehow thwarted in her attempts to do so, she’ll likely start to get very frustrated. While she may not yet be at the stage of throwing full-blown tantrums, she won’t hide her frustration if things don’t go her way. This can often happen with crawling babies who spot something interesting just out of reach – but the positive side it that this gives her the incentive to start pulling up and trying to walk! 

• Loneliness If your baby has been left on her own for a while, she may start to get lonely and crave some company other than that of her stacking cups. If you’re busy with household cores, try taking her with you rather than leaving her on her own – get her involved in what you’re doing.

• Teething Babies can start teething at any point in their first year, but it occurs most frequently in the latter half. The first teeth to come through are the front top and front bottom teeth and all babies react differently to the pain – some will seem very cranky and others will hardly notice. Older babies may be affected by their molars cutting through.

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The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.