What could be the reason if a baby keeps crying at night?

Sep 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, a baby's persistent crying at night may be due to growth and development needs, an immature day-night rhythm, indigestion, vitamin D deficiency, eczema, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, carefully observe the baby's condition, comfort the baby with patience, and avoid overfeeding, which can help support healthy growth and development.

Under normal circumstances, a baby crying persistently at night may be due to reasons such as growth and development needs, undeveloped day-night rhythm, indigestion, vitamin D deficiency, eczema, etc. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and identify the underlying cause under the guidance of a professional doctor before initiating treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Growth and Development Needs

A baby's stomach capacity is small and the digestive system is not fully matured, requiring frequent feeding to meet energy and nutritional needs, which may lead to persistent crying at night. Regularly monitor the baby’s feeding and excretion patterns, ensuring adequate nutrition and a clean environment, which supports healthy development.

2. Undeveloped Day-Night Rhythm

In the first few months after birth, a baby's circadian rhythm has not yet fully formed, which may result in remaining awake at night, causing persistent nighttime crying. Establishing consistent daily routines can help the baby gradually develop a regular day-night cycle.

3. Indigestion

A baby's gastrointestinal function is not yet fully developed. Overfeeding may lead to indigestion, resulting in abdominal discomfort and persistent crying at night, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting milk, constipation, and continued night crying. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Xingpi Yang'er Granules, Bacillus subtilis Binomial Live Granules, or Qipi Pills may be used for treatment.

4. Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency may increase nervous system excitability in babies, leading to persistent crying at night, possibly accompanied by night sweats, moist hands and feet, and continued night crying. Treatment may include vitamin AD drops, calcium gluconate oral solution, or vitamin D drops, as prescribed by a physician.

5. Eczema

Eczema typically occurs due to impaired skin barrier function, making a baby's skin susceptible to external irritants such as dry air, detergents, or certain food allergens. This can trigger eczema and cause persistent nighttime crying, commonly accompanied by symptoms like redness, papules, and continued night crying. Under medical guidance, treatments may include mometasone furoate cream, triamcinolone acetonide urea cream, or compound acetic acid dexamethasone cream.

It is recommended to closely observe the baby's condition in daily life, provide patient comfort and reassurance, and avoid overfeeding, all of which contribute to the baby's healthy growth and development.