#asktheexpert hello doctor, my baby girl is 24 days old and frequently wake up with shock and crying badly

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Accepted Answer

It sounds concerning if your 24-day-old baby is frequently waking up with a shock-like response and crying. There could be several potential reasons for this behavior, and it’s important to address it to ensure your baby’s well-being. Here are some possible causes and steps to consider:

1. Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex):

Cause: Newborns have a natural startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex. This reflex causes babies to suddenly fling their arms or legs out and then pull them back in, often in response to a noise or feeling of falling. This can startle them awake, and they may cry out.

What to Do: This reflex is completely normal in newborns and usually decreases by around 3-4 months. You can help reduce its impact by swaddling your baby (wrapping her snugly in a blanket) to give her a sense of security and limit the sudden jerking motion.

2. Hunger:

Cause: Babies cry when they’re hungry, and at 24 days old, your baby may still be feeding every 2-3 hours.

What to Do: Ensure she’s feeding enough during the day and try to feed her before she gets overly hungry. If she's waking up crying after a few hours of sleep, she might be waking due to hunger.

3. Gas or Stomach Discomfort:

Cause: Babies often experience gas or discomfort in their early weeks, which can cause them to wake up crying, especially after feeding.

What to Do: Gently burp her after each feed to help release any trapped gas. You can also try gently massaging her tummy or cycling her legs to relieve any gas buildup.

4. Sleep Cycle Transition:

Cause: Newborns have shorter sleep cycles, and they may cry when transitioning between light and deep sleep stages.

What to Do: It’s important to follow a soothing bedtime routine and create a calm sleep environment. Soft music or a white noise machine may help her feel more settled.

5. Overstimulation:

Cause: Babies can become overstimulated from their surroundings (light, noise, handling) and may have trouble sleeping soundly, leading to crying fits.

What to Do: Try to keep the environment calm and quiet before bedtime. Dim the lights and avoid too much interaction in the hours before she sleeps.

6. Discomfort or Illness:

Cause: If the crying persists and seems intense, it could be due to something like a wet diaper, being too hot or cold, or the beginnings of an illness.

What to Do: Make sure she’s comfortable (correct diaper size, appropriate room temperature). Check for signs of illness like fever or unusual crying that doesn’t stop with typical soothing.

7. Reflux or Spitting Up:

Cause: Some babies experience acid reflux, where stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort and crying.

What to Do: Keep her in an upright position for about 30 minutes after feeding to help with digestion. If you suspect reflux, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.

When to Consult a Doctor:

If the crying is persistent, high-pitched, or seems different from regular newborn fussiness.

If she shows signs of illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash).

If she seems to be in significant pain or discomfort.

Given your baby’s age, frequent crying can often be part of normal newborn behavior, but it's always good to reach out to your pediatrician if you're concerned about anything unusual or persistent.