New parents have been reported to Googling questions about their new child, more than 2,000 in the first year. I know I did! There’s still no guidebook that covers every noise, gurgle, movement, or unusual diaper explosion. But here are some of the top searches and some useful answers. (as a caveat, I’m not a doctor, so ask them for more info).

The top Google searches by new parents in 2022:

Why does my baby cry so much?

There can be many reasons why a baby cries excessively. Some common reasons include hunger, tiredness, discomfort (such as from a dirty diaper or tight clothing), illness, teething, or feeling overstimulated. It’s also possible that your baby may simply need extra attention and comfort.

It’s important to note that crying is a normal part of a baby’s communication, and it’s their way of letting you know that something is wrong or they need something. If your baby is crying excessively and you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues. In the meantime, try to comfort and soothe your baby, and pay attention to their cues and patterns to help identify and address the root cause of their crying.

How do I stop my baby from crying?

Stopping a baby from crying can be challenging, as there are many different reasons why a baby might be crying. Here are some general tips that may help:

1. Check for basic needs: Make sure that your baby is fed, has a clean diaper, is not too hot or too cold, and is not sick.
2. Soothe your baby: Try soothing your baby by holding them close, rocking them gently, or swaddling them in a blanket. You can also try using white noise or calming music to help your baby relax.
3. Offer a pacifier: Some babies find sucking on a pacifier to be calming and soothing.
4. Distract your baby: Sometimes babies cry because they are overstimulated or bored. Try distracting your baby with a toy or a colorful object.
5. Address any underlying issues: If your baby is crying excessively and you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues.

Remember, it’s normal for babies to cry, and sometimes they may need to cry in order to release pent-up emotions or to communicate their needs. Be patient and keep trying different techniques until you find what works for your baby.

Why does my baby get hiccups?

It’s common for babies to get hiccups, and the exact cause isn’t always clear. Some possible reasons why babies get hiccups include:

1. Feeding: Hiccups can be a normal side effect of feeding, especially if your baby is swallowing a lot of air while feeding.
2. Immature digestive system: Babies have an immature digestive system, and hiccups can be a result of this immaturity.
3. Overfeeding: If you’re feeding your baby too much, too quickly, or too frequently, it can cause hiccups.
4. Temperature changes: Sudden changes in temperature, such as when your baby moves from a warm room to a cooler room, can trigger hiccups.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux: This is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, which can cause hiccups.

In most cases, hiccups in babies are not a cause for concern and will go away on their own. However, if your baby’s hiccups are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues.

Why does my baby throw his head back?

Babies can throw their heads back for a variety of reasons, and it’s important to understand the context in which your baby is doing it in order to determine the cause. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Developmental milestones: As babies develop their muscles and coordination, they may throw their heads back as part of their movements.
2. Reflux: If your baby has gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), they may throw their head back in an attempt to ease the discomfort caused by the reflux.
3. Overstimulation: If your baby is feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed, they may throw their head back as a way to self-soothe or to block out stimulation.
4. Sensory processing issues: Some babies may have sensory processing issues that cause them to throw their head back in response to certain sounds or sensations.
5. Attention seeking: In some cases, babies may throw their head back as a way to get attention or to communicate their needs.

If you’re concerned about your baby’s head-throwing behavior, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues. They may be able to offer more specific guidance based on your baby’s individual needs and behavior.

Why does my baby grunt while eating?

Babies can make all sorts of noises while they are eating, including grunting. In many cases, grunting is a normal part of the feeding process and nothing to be concerned about. Here are a few possible reasons why your baby may be grunting while eating:

1. Effort: When your baby is feeding, they may grunt or make other noises as they exert effort to suck and swallow.
2. Gas: Grunting can also be a sign that your baby has gas or needs to burp. This is especially common if you’re bottle-feeding, as your baby may be swallowing air while feeding.
3. Reflux: If your baby has gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), they may grunt or make other noises while eating as a result of the reflux.
4. Congestion: If your baby is congested or has a stuffy nose, they may grunt while eating in an attempt to clear their airways.
5. Developmental milestones: As your baby grows and develops, they may make different noises while eating as part of their normal development.

If your baby is grunting while eating and it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, poor weight gain, or excessive fussiness, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues.

How do I remove snot from my baby’s nose?

If your baby has a stuffy nose, you may need to remove the excess mucus (snot) to help them breathe more comfortably. Here are some tips for removing snot from your baby’s nose:

1. Saline drops: You can use saline drops to loosen the mucus in your baby’s nose. Put a few drops of saline solution into each nostril, wait a few seconds, and then use a bulb syringe to suction out the mucus.
2. Bulb syringe: A bulb syringe can be used to gently suction out the mucus from your baby’s nostrils. To use it, squeeze the bulb of the syringe, insert the tip into your baby’s nostril, and then release the bulb to suction out the mucus.
3. Nasal aspirator: A nasal aspirator is a device that uses suction to remove mucus from your baby’s nose. You can use a manual aspirator, or a battery-powered one. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
4. Steam: You can also use steam to help loosen the mucus in your baby’s nose. Run a hot shower and sit with your baby in the bathroom for a few minutes, or use a humidifier in your baby’s room to add moisture to the air.

Remember to be gentle when removing snot from your baby’s nose, as their nasal passages are delicate. If you’re not sure how to use these methods or if you’re concerned about your baby’s congestion, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician for guidance.

Why is my baby’s head flat?

If you’ve noticed that your baby’s head looks flat or misshapen, it’s possible that they have a condition called positional plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome. This is a common condition that affects many babies and occurs when a baby’s head develops a flat spot due to pressure or other factors.

Here are some possible causes of positional plagiocephaly:

1. Sleeping position: Babies who spend a lot of time lying on their back or in the same position can develop a flat spot on the back or side of their head.
2. Premature birth: Babies who are born prematurely may be more likely to develop positional plagiocephaly because their skulls are softer and more malleable.
3. Torticollis: This is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles are tight or shortened, causing them to tilt their head to one side. This can lead to positional plagiocephaly on one side of the head.
4. Intrauterine constraint: If there was a restriction of the space available for the baby in the womb, it may have affected the way the baby’s head grew.

In most cases, positional plagiocephaly is not a serious condition and can be corrected with simple interventions such as repositioning your baby during sleep, tummy time during awake hours, and physical therapy. If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician for guidance.

Why does my baby keep throwing up?

There are several reasons why a baby may be vomiting frequently. Here are a few possible causes:

1. Overfeeding: If your baby is taking in too much milk or formula at each feeding, they may vomit to relieve the pressure on their stomach.
2. Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, causing vomiting or spitting up. This is a common condition in infants and usually improves on its own with time.
3. Milk protein allergy or intolerance: Some babies may be allergic or intolerant to proteins found in milk, which can cause vomiting along with other symptoms such as diarrhea, rash, or fussiness.
4. Infection: A viral or bacterial infection such as gastroenteritis can cause vomiting in babies, along with other symptoms such as diarrhea and fever.
5. Blockage: In rare cases, a blockage in the baby’s digestive system, such as pyloric stenosis, can cause persistent vomiting.

If your baby is vomiting frequently and you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues. Depending on the cause of the vomiting, your pediatrician may recommend changes to your baby’s feeding routine, medications, or further testing.

Why is my baby’s first poop black?

(I remember this and it’s gross. Pro-tip, use a wet wipe to clean it since it’s so sticky).

The first poop of a newborn baby is called meconium, which is a sticky, tar-like substance that is usually dark green or black in color. Meconium is made up of waste products that have accumulated in the baby’s intestines during pregnancy, such as amniotic fluid, mucus, and cells shed from the lining of the digestive system.

There are a few reasons why meconium is black in color:

1. Bile pigments: Meconium contains bile pigments, which are produced by the liver and are responsible for giving feces their brown color. However, in the absence of food, these pigments remain in their original dark green or black color.
2. Iron: Meconium also contains a high concentration of iron, which contributes to its dark color.
3. Lack of oxygen: Meconium is usually passed before birth or during the first few days of life, while the baby is still in a low-oxygen environment. This lack of oxygen can also contribute to its dark color.

As your baby begins to feed on breastmilk or formula, their poop will gradually transition from black to green or brown, and eventually to a yellowish color. This is a normal part of your baby’s digestive system maturing and adjusting to their new diet.

Why does my baby wake up crying?

There are several reasons why a baby may wake up crying, some of which may be related to physical discomfort or other issues. Here are a few common reasons why babies wake up crying:

1. Hunger: If your baby is waking up crying, it’s possible that they are hungry and need to be fed. Newborns typically need to eat every 2-3 hours, so they may wake up crying when they are hungry.
2. Discomfort: If your baby is uncomfortable, such as if they are too hot or too cold, have a wet or dirty diaper, or are experiencing teething pain, they may wake up crying.
3. Sleep regression: Sleep regression is a common phase that babies go through where their sleep patterns become disrupted. This can cause them to wake up crying more frequently than usual.
4. Nightmares or night terrors: As babies get older, they may experience nightmares or night terrors, which can cause them to wake up crying or screaming. These are typically not a cause for concern and tend to resolve on their own.
5. Illness: If your baby is sick, they may wake up crying due to discomfort or pain. Common illnesses in babies include ear infections, colds, and fevers.

If you’re concerned about your baby’s crying, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues. Depending on the cause of the crying, your pediatrician may recommend changes to your baby’s feeding or sleeping routine, medications, or further testing.

I hope that helps! Any more questions, ask in the comments! (or check with an actual doctor).