Hi, my name is Kaylee Cardona. I’m a registered nurse. I’ve spent the last year working as a labor and delivery, postpartum, and NICU nurse for three years. Prior to that, I was working as a pediatric nurse. I’m also a mother of two. When your baby is fussy, many parents often think that the baby must be hungry, so let’s give them another bottle. It is actually possible to overfeed your baby, which can then cause other reasons for the baby to be fussy. There are a plethora of things that could possibly be making your baby fussy, and here are a few of them.
Baby is Overstimulated
The first reason your baby may be fussy is that your baby could be tired and just too stimulated to be able to fall asleep. If you’re in a room with a TV on, turn the TV off. If you’re in a crowd, go to a quiet area and try to hug your baby tight, rock rhythmically, and pat them. That can help your baby settle down and fall asleep.
Baby has a Tummy Ache
Another thing that could be causing your baby to be fussy is a tummy ache. Maybe they’re gassy. Try first to sit them up and pat them. Another thing that can help with gassiness is using a warm washcloth on their belly. Make sure that the washcloth isn’t too hot; test it on your wrist, and then just set it on the baby and rock your baby. This can also aid in breaking up gas bubbles and allowing them to pass through their body.
Baby is Teething
Something else to look for if your baby is a little older is teething. Babies can start to have teeth as early as two months. So look in their mouth to see if they have any red, swollen bumps on their gums. If they do, it’s likely teething that’s causing them to be fussy. A good solution is to get a nice, cold teether from the refrigerator or freezer and let your baby chew on that to help numb and soothe their gums.
If they’re still fussy after you’ve tried the teether, you can talk to your pediatrician about possibly giving them Tylenol. You want to check with the pediatrician about dosage so that you don’t accidentally give them too much. But Tylenol can often help a teething baby.
Baby Still Fussy? Talk to Your Pediatrician
If all of those things aren’t working and your baby is just inconsolable, seek medical attention. There could be something bigger going on. Either call your pediatrician or go to the nearest ER. Having a fussy baby is so challenging, but you’re doing a great job. Hang in there!
