Are there any good ways to deal with a baby's nighttime fussiness?
May 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Nighttime crying in infants may be caused by physiological factors, or possibly by pathological factors such as eczema or calcium deficiency. These can be alleviated by improving the living environment and using medications as directed by a healthcare provider. It may also be related to iron-deficiency anemia, which can be improved with ferrous fumarate granules under medical supervision.
In general, nighttime crying in infants is often considered to be caused by physiological factors, but it may also result from pathological conditions such as eczema or calcium deficiency. Symptoms can be relieved through improving the living environment and using medications as directed by a physician. Details are as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
If the infant's sleeping environment is too noisy, or if the lighting is excessively bright or dark, this can easily affect sleep quality and lead to nighttime crying. Parents are advised to create a warm and comfortable sleeping environment for the baby, which helps alleviate these symptoms.
2. Pathological Factors
2.1 Eczema
Eczema development is associated with multiple factors, including genetics, allergies, and damp environments, all of which may trigger its onset. After onset, skin lesions such as papules and vesicular papules appear on the skin surface, accompanied by significant itching. Since infants have limited ability to express themselves, discomfort often leads to crying and fussiness. In such cases, medications like hydrocortisone butyrate cream, desonide cream, or calamine lotion may be used under medical guidance.
2.2 Calcium Deficiency
Infants are in a rapid growth and development stage; if their daily nutrient intake is unbalanced, calcium deficiency may easily occur. Calcium deficiency can affect various body systems, including the digestive, nervous, and skeletal systems, potentially leading to delayed growth and development, excessive night sweating, irritability, and loss of appetite. In such cases, medications such as calcium gluconate oral solution or calcium carbonate granules may be taken under medical supervision.
Besides the common causes mentioned above, nighttime crying may also be related to indigestion, iron-deficiency anemia, or rickets. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
