Why Does Newborn Cry During Diaper Changes?
As a parent, there are few things as unsettling as hearing your newborn scream while you’re simply trying to change their diaper. You might feel like you’re doing something wrong or that your baby is uncomfortable, but the truth is, it’s a very common situation that many parents face. In this article, we’ll dive into why your newborn might cry during diaper changes and explore ways to soothe them. Understanding these reasons can help ease your worries and make the process smoother for both you and your baby.
Common Reasons Why Newborns Cry During Diaper Changes
Newborns cry for many reasons—after all, it’s their main form of communication. Here are some of the most common reasons why your newborn may scream when you change their diaper.
1. Discomfort or Coldness
Newborns dislike being cold. Their skin is much more sensitive than adults’, and any sudden exposure to air—especially during a diaper change—can make them feel cold and uncomfortable. This is often the most immediate and obvious reason for their distress.
How to Soothe:
Warm the wipes before using them on your baby. You can place them in a warmer or run them under warm water.
Keep the room warm. Try to ensure that the temperature in the room is comfortable, ideally between 68-72°F (20-22°C), to help your baby stay cozy during the change.
Cover your baby with a cloth or towel to shield them from the cold air.
2. Hunger or Fatigue
Newborns often cry when they’re hungry or tired, and sometimes this can overlap with diaper changes. They may not always give clear signs of hunger or sleepiness, and you might be confused by their behavior. If they are already fussy before the diaper change, it’s possible that they are simply overwhelmed.
How to Soothe:
Feed your baby before changing their diaper if you suspect hunger might be a factor.
Make diaper changes part of your baby’s routine, which may help reduce stress and make them feel more secure. This may help them understand that a diaper change isn’t something to get upset about.
Check for signs of tiredness. If your baby is tired, they may be more likely to cry during diaper changes. Try soothing them to sleep first if possible.
3. Diaper Rash or Irritation
Sometimes, diaper changes cause discomfort due to diaper rash or skin irritation. Babies have delicate skin, and the area around their diaper can easily become irritated from prolonged contact with wetness, friction, or harsh chemicals in the diaper or wipes.
How to Soothe:
Check for diaper rash. Gently lift your baby’s legs and inspect the skin. If you notice redness or irritation, you may need to apply a diaper rash cream or ointment.
Use fragrance-free and alcohol-free wipes. These are gentler on your baby’s skin and can reduce irritation.
Ensure diapers fit properly. A diaper that is too tight can cause discomfort, while one that is too loose may lead to leaks, both of which could contribute to crying.
4. Gas or Tummy Discomfort
Newborns can have sensitive stomachs, and during or after a diaper change, they might cry because of gas or mild tummy discomfort. The pressure from the change may push on their belly, causing discomfort if they have trapped air or gas.
How to Soothe:
Burp your baby before and after diaper changes to help release any trapped air.
Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction to ease discomfort.
Check your baby’s feeding. Sometimes, what your baby eats may cause gas or discomfort. If you’re breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet may contribute to gas. If bottle-feeding, check that the formula is right for your baby.
5. Overstimulation or Stress
Babies, especially newborns, can get overstimulated easily. A diaper change involves a lot of actions—lifting their legs, wiping, moving around—and sometimes this can overwhelm your baby. The stress of the diaper change may cause them to cry.
How to Soothe:
Create a calm environment. Try to minimize distractions, such as bright lights, loud noises, or sudden movements, while changing your baby’s diaper.
Go slowly and gently. Move in a way that feels smooth and predictable to your baby, which can reduce their stress.
Try soothing sounds like soft music or white noise to help calm your baby during the diaper change.
6. Desire for Attention
Sometimes, babies simply cry because they want attention. Newborns are very social, and when you’re focused on the diaper change, they may start crying to get your attention. Crying during diaper changes can also be their way of expressing that they want more interaction with you.
How to Soothe:
Talk or sing to your baby during the diaper change. This can help them feel more secure and less alone.
Use eye contact. Engage with them and make the experience a bonding moment.
7. Wet or Dirty Diaper
While this may seem obvious, some newborns cry more intensely when they have a particularly wet or dirty diaper. If the diaper has been on for too long or if the baby has been uncomfortable in it for a while, they might cry during the change as a sign of irritation.
How to Soothe:
Change diapers promptly when you notice they are wet or dirty. Frequent diaper checks and changes can prevent discomfort and help your baby feel more at ease.
Use highly absorbent diapers. These keep your baby’s skin drier and help reduce the likelihood of rashes or irritation.
8. Teething (for Older Newborns)
While teething usually starts around 4-6 months, some babies can start teething earlier. If your baby is between 2-3 months old and crying more than usual during diaper changes, teething might be a factor. The discomfort in their gums can cause them to cry during diaper changes.
How to Soothe:
Teething rings or cold cloths can help soothe sore gums. Make sure the teething items are safe for your baby to chew on.
Gentle gum massage can also help ease discomfort.
Tips to Make Diaper Changes Easier for Your Newborn
Even with the best understanding of why your baby cries during diaper changes, you’ll still want to know how to make the process as smooth as possible. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Keep Everything Handy
Have all the necessary items—diapers, wipes, rash cream, and a changing mat—within arm’s reach. This prevents unnecessary movement or delay during the diaper change, which might irritate your baby further.
2. Stay Calm and Patient
Your baby can pick up on your stress. Staying calm during diaper changes will help them feel more at ease. Take a deep breath and try to move with confidence. Babies tend to mirror their caregivers’ emotions.
3. Make Diaper Changes a Routine
Babies feel comforted by routines. If you change your baby’s diaper at the same time every day, or if you establish a particular routine, it can help reduce their anxiety. Over time, they may begin to associate diaper changes with comfort rather than distress.
4. Consider Using a Diaper Change Station
Creating a dedicated space for diaper changes can also help both you and your baby feel more comfortable. A changing table with a soft surface, a few toys to distract them, and even a mobile to look at can make the experience more enjoyable.
5. Distract with a Toy or Music
Sometimes, a toy or a familiar song can help distract your baby from the discomfort of a diaper change. Some babies enjoy looking at a brightly colored toy or listening to a gentle lullaby while they’re changed.
Conclusion
It’s completely normal for newborns to cry during diaper changes. Understanding the reasons behind this crying can help you figure out the best ways to soothe your baby and make the process more enjoyable for both of you. Whether it’s discomfort from a wet diaper, gas, or just a need for attention, knowing the cause and responding calmly can help ease your baby’s distress and strengthen your bond.
Remember that this phase will pass. As your baby grows, they’ll become more accustomed to diaper changes, and you’ll develop your own methods to soothe them. Hang in there—your newborn’s cries are a part of their development, and your patience and understanding will make all the difference.
Related topics:
