Babies cry – it’s what they do. But sometimes you may find yourself clueless as to what could be causing your little one’s fussiness.

While some amount of crying is perfectly normal, excessive crying could signal an underlying issue that needs attention. Here are 11 potential triggers that could be behind your baby’s tears:.

1. Hunger

One of the most common reasons for a baby’s crying is hunger. Newborns have small stomachs that can only hold enough milk for a couple of hours, which means they need to feed frequently.

To determine if your baby is crying due to hunger, try feeding them. If they calm down as they drink, hunger was most likely the culprit.

2. Sleepiness

Babies can get overtired, which can make them cranky and fussy. If your baby has been awake for more than 2 hours, they may need a nap. Try putting them to sleep in a quiet, dark room and see if their crying subsides as they drift off to sleep.

3. A Wet or Dirty Diaper

Another common reason for crying is discomfort caused by a soiled or wet diaper. Babies have sensitive skin, so a dirty diaper can cause irritation and lead to fussiness. Check your little one’s diaper and change it if necessary.

4. Overstimulation

Sometimes babies can get overwhelmed by too much sensory input, which can make them fussy. If your baby has been in a noisy or chaotic environment for too long, try moving them to a quiet space where they can calm down.

5. Colic

Colic is a condition where a baby cries for at least three hours a day, three days a week for three consecutive weeks. The exact cause of colic is unknown, but it can be distressing for both the baby and the parents.

If you suspect that your baby has colic, talk to your pediatrician for advice on how to manage it.

6. Gas

Gas and bloating can cause discomfort in babies and lead to crying. Try to burp your baby after each feeding to help release any trapped gas. You can also try gentle tummy massage to help soothe the baby’s belly.

7. Teething

When babies start teething, it can cause discomfort in their gums, which can lead to fussiness and crying. If your baby is between 4 and 7 months old and is drooling, biting or chewing on objects more than usual, they may be teething.

You can soothe their gums by giving them a teething toy or gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger.

8. Illness

Crying can also be a sign that your baby is not feeling well. If your baby has a fever, has been vomiting, has diarrhea or is not eating well, they may be sick.

If you suspect that your baby is unwell, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

9. Separation Anxiety

As your baby grows, they may become more aware of their surroundings and develop separation anxiety. This can cause distress when separated from their caregivers.

Try to maintain a consistent routine and leave small comforting objects with your baby when you need to be apart.

10. Sensory Sensitivities

Some babies may have sensory sensitivities to certain textures, sounds or smells, which can cause distress. If you suspect that your baby may have a sensory sensitivity, talk to your pediatrician for advice on how to manage it.