Patient's question:
The child was born on January 6th, is slightly underweight, and weighs 18 pounds. Ten days ago, he had a cold and received an injection, after which he started crying at night and only sleeps when held. As soon as he is put down, he starts crying again. What could be the reason for this, and how can it be treated? Thank you!Doctor's answer:
The reasons for poor nighttime sleep in babies are as follows:1. Sometimes, babies may eat too much, causing abdominal discomfort; or they may not eat enough, leading to hunger, which also results in crying and inability to sleep. If this is the case, it is important to gradually find a pattern and ensure the baby eats an appropriate amount, avoiding overeating or hunger.
2. If the diaper is wet and not changed promptly, or if the clothes are too tight or the blanket is too thick, making the baby uncomfortable, he may cry and refuse to sleep as a way of "protesting." Therefore, it is advisable to dress the baby in loose, soft clothes for sleep, with a blanket of suitable thickness. Wet diapers should be changed promptly.
3. Check if the baby has been bitten by mosquitoes or has eczema, as this may cause intense skin itching, especially noticeable during quiet nighttime hours. Since babies cannot express themselves, they can only cry and refuse to sleep to attract their parents' attention.
4. Check the baby for trace element deficiencies, as calcium deficiency can also cause such symptoms.
5. Abdominal coldness leading to abdominal pain can also result in poor sleep. Pay attention to keeping the baby's abdomen warm, offer more warm water to drink, and consider dressing the baby in a small belly band.
6. Is the indoor air too dry, causing discomfort in the baby's upper respiratory tract? It is recommended to give the baby more water and use a humidifier or place several bowls of water in the room to increase humidity.
7. If the baby is startled, oral administration of children's wind-dampness powder may help. When a baby cries and refuses to sleep, it is crucial not to ignore the cause and merely force the baby to sleep by holding, patting, or walking while soothing. Doing so frequently can develop poor sleep habits. Moreover, since this approach does not address the root cause of the baby's sleep issues, the baby will not get adequate rest, which may eventually affect the baby's health.