During the early months of a baby’s life, it is completely normal for them to be fussy.
This period of fussiness usually lasts up until the baby is five months, the five months would have given the parent or caregiver enough time to learn the baby’s patterns that could cause fussiness.
According to Kelly Mom, the standard baby fussiness usually starts at about two to three weeks, peaks at six weeks and is gone by three to four months. It lasts on “average” two to four hours per day.
The most common cause of fussiness in babies is usually being overly fed or consuming more milk than they should, which makes them uncomfortable. Other causes of fussiness include diaper rash, food sensitivity, lack of sleep, nipple confusion and low milk supply.
Healthy Children suggests these tips to comfort and calm your fussy baby:
- Swaddle your baby in a large, thin blanket. This will help them feel secure thus reducing the fussiness.
- Gently rub your baby’s back while holding them.
- Play calming music or sounds, these sounds remind them of being inside the womb which may calm them.
- Avoid overfeeding your baby, wait at least two hours from the beginning of one feeding to the next.
- Offer the baby a pacifier or help them find their thumb or finger especially if it is not yet time for the next feed. Babies are calmed by sucking.
It is imperative that as the parent or caregiver of the baby you keep track of when the baby is asleep, awake, eating and crying/fussy. Write down how long it takes your baby to eat or if your baby cries the most after eating. Talk with your child’s doctor about these behaviors to see if their crying is related to sleeping or eating.
