Q: My Newborn Cries Constantly and Isn't Gaining Weight. Is This Normal?

Q: "Hey Doctors! 🙏 This is about my baby girl who is just over a month old. She cries almost constantly and barely sleeps at night. All she wants to do is suckle. My family keeps mentioning it might be 'oka ori', but I'm really looking for a medical opinion, not old wives' tales. I'm also worried about the shape of her head. Does it look normal, or is this something I should be panicking about? What's really scaring me is her weight. She was 2.3 kg at birth, and she hasn't gained anything at all. It feels like she hasn't grown one bit. We have a pediatrician appointment scheduled for the end of the month, but the waiting is killing me. I just need to know if any of this is normal. Thank you!"

A: "Hello! It’s quite common for newborns to cry a lot and have trouble sleeping, but here are a few things to consider:

1. Hunger: Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat, as babies often cry when they’re still hungry.

2. Tummy Troubles: Gas or mild colic can cause discomfort. Gentle burping or a tummy massage might help.

3. When to Be Concerned: If your baby’s cry sounds unusual (like very high-pitched), or if they have a fever, seem overly sleepy, refuse to eat, or have trouble breathing, it’s a good idea to see a pediatrician. These could be signs of something more serious.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor if you’re unsure or worried."

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

iOS - AppStore, Android - Google Play

https://fevercoach.us