There is so much guesswork that goes into understanding your newborn’s cries, and it can be exhausting and disempowering when you don’t know how to address what might be going on with your baby. Mommy’s Bliss, the premier wellness company that has been a leader in bringing innovative and high-quality products to families across the country, spoke with Dr. Smita Malhotra, a prominent pediatrician, mindfulness expert and mother of two, to find out the top questions that should be on every new parents’ checklist and how to ease the cries of your little one.

For babies, crying is the only way they can communicate what they need. Instead of thinking that your baby is in distress when he/she’s crying, remember that it’s his/her way of telling you, “Hey, mom, I need my diaper changed!” or “Hey mom, I’m hungry!” 

But what if it is something else?  

Is it Colic? 

“If your baby is crying for three hours a day, at least three days per week, then it could be colic,” Dr. Malhotra says. “One in five babies get colic (both of my kids had it!). Most babies outgrow colic by four months. But it can bring you to your knees with frustration, and those four months can feel like ten years.”

Dr. Malhotra suggests using Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water for babies two weeks and older, made with organic ginger and fennel to ease stomach troubles and fussiness associated with gas and colic.

Is it Gas? 

“Gas can also cause a newborn to cry a lot, and the good news is that it’s pretty easy to treat,” she says. Although every baby is different, Dr. Smita Malhotra recommends trying some gas relief medicine such as Mommy’s Bliss Baby Gas Relief Drops to break up gas bubbles in the baby’s stomach.

It’s important to remember that you have good parental instincts, and you’re the best advocate for your child. So, if anything doesn’t feel right, Dr. Malhotra says it probably isn’t, and you need to call your pediatrician.

Is it Constipation?  

If you’re obsessed with how much your baby is pooping or the color of the poop, you are not alone! 

Babies can poop every day, every other day, or even every three days – that’s all normal. “One thing we don’t want is for babies to be straining to poop—you’ll often hear them grunting—that means they’re constipated. If your baby is six months or older, consider trying a gentle formula with no harsh laxatives such as Mommy’s Bliss Baby Constipation Ease.   

The good news is that around three months, your baby’s poop will become more consistent, and you can stop obsessing so much.

Is it Teething?

Usually, babies don’t start teething until they’re around six months old. “A few of the common signs are fussiness, an increase in saliva, and constantly putting their hands—or anything —in their mouths,” Dr. Malhotra says.  

If you think your child is teething, Dr. Malhotra recommends giving their little gums a massage or provide them with something cold to “chew” on to help soothe the pain. For little ones two months or older, consider administering a gum massage gel such as Mommy’s Bliss’s Organic Little Gums Massage Gel, made with USDA certified organic chamomile and vanilla.

One thing to watch out for is a fever. Some people think a fever is a sign of teething, but it’s not. “If your baby is fussy and has a fever, it could be a sign of illness or infection. It’s best to check in with your pediatrician,” Dr. Malhotra says. 

As a new parent, it is natural to be hyperaware of your baby’s cries, poop schedule and overall health. Remember to trust your intuition and always call your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.