When children cry, the first thing that comes to every parent’s mind is that something is not right. It is very difficult for any adult to see a child cry, more so if they are the actual parents. Children cry for various reasons. For babies, crying is their method of communication. The cry when they’re hungry, in pain and in need of something. They also cry when they want to tell something to their parents, if they want to be carried, cuddled or embraced. Crying can be easily consoled when the child’s needs are met, but if the child continuously cries without any consolation this would mean something else.

The first possible reason for inconsolable crying is teething. When the first tooth emerges from the child’s gums, the experience is not a very comfortable. Teething usually starts at 3 months and will continue for 3 years. Around the 4^th to 7^th month the first 2 bottom teeth called central incisors erupt from the gums followed by the 4 upper teeth called the upper central and lateral incisors. As children begin to teeth they might drool, experience pain, mild fever and cry a lot.

Teething discomfort can be managed by chewing. The second reason for children who cry inconsolably is ear infection. Infection most especially in the inner ear is common in children. This type of infection is very uncomfortable and painful. Parents can suspect ear infection if their children develop fever, colds, irritability and fussiness at night. The 2 main symptoms that indicate the presence of ear infection are fever and colds. An upset stomach is the third possible cause for crying in children. Abdominal pain is caused by various reasons, children may have gas in their stomachs, and they may suffer from bacterial or viral gastrointestinal infection or even food poisoning. Infants who cry after breast feeding may suffer from colic. Colicky young infants may cry for several hours per day. An insect bite is the fourth reason why child cry inconsolably. Spider bites are the worst kind. The type of injury this bite produces is very painful and can last for a few minutes. Spider bites are also the largest among the insect bites, producing a raised lesion with visible bite marks. Flea bites are also common but unlike spider bites, this type is not painful but it causes a lot of itching similar to the ones made by mosquitoes. The fifth reason for children to cry is because of mouth sores. One of the most common sources is the highly communicable coxsackie virus. This condition is often accompanied by fever and numerous canker sores in the mouth which usually goes away after the disease has been treated. Eye related injury is the sixth reason why children cry. The eye is among the most sensitive organs in the body, scratching or tearing of any part can cause a lot pain and sensation. Infants and children are prone to eye injuries and accidents.

As always, it is very important for parents to be keen observers when it comes to crying children, if something unusual is noticed, seek medical attention immediately.