Q: What should I do? When my baby won't stop crying no matter what I do
(This childcare Q&A was published in 'Child Health, December 2022 Issue')
Introduction
"Child Health" is a professional journal that supports child health and childcare, delivering useful information to professionals involved with children in every issue.
In the "Childcare Q&A" section of this magazine, we answer questions regarding child health and childcare, primarily through our editorial board members.
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Question
My 4-month-old daughter doesn't stop crying easily once she starts.
Even after changing her diaper, trying to breastfeed, or holding and soothing her, she often doesn't stop crying.
What should I do in such situations?
Should I take her to see a doctor?
Answer
Night crying is thought to be due to an unstable sleep cycle, but it is not yet clearly understood. However, it is a natural progression for a baby. If the baby is in a bad mood and lethargic, or unable to feed, there may be an underlying illness, but if the baby is crying loudly and energetically and is able to feed, an urgent visit to the doctor is often unnecessary.
It is natural to want to find the cause of night crying, but in reality, the cause is often unclear. Therefore, it is meaningful for parents to know in advance that "there are times when a baby won't stop crying no matter what you do." There is no need to think, "I'm a failure as a parent because I can't stop the crying," or "Does this child dislike me?"
What I want you to keep in mind when dealing with night crying is the care of your own frustration. By the way, do you know the method recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as the best way to handle it when you have tried everything and it doesn't resolve?
It is to "step away from the baby." Lay the baby on their back in a safe place and take a break for about 10 to 15 minutes within sight. It is okay to step away from the baby to have some tea, talk on the phone, or take a rest. The baby will be fine, and if you can refresh yourself, you will regain the energy to face them again. The more relaxed the parent is, the easier it is for the baby to calm down.
Furthermore, there is currently no medication with clear medical evidence proven to be effective for night crying. Also, a pacifier is meant only for soothing, and using it regularly as a sleep aid when the baby is not crying is not recommended, but there is no problem with using it to calm the baby during night crying.
Night crying is truly difficult, isn't it? I sincerely want to support all the parents who are dealing with night crying.
(Masahiko Sakamoto, Department of Pediatrics, Saku General Hospital Saku Medical Center)
Conclusion
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