She won't stop screaming and crying. Why?

Question

My daughter has just turned 9 months and won't stop screaming and crying. I think she might be in pain but I don't know why. Could it be teething? I've had a look in her mouth and can't see any teeth coming through. She'll start screaming so much she goes red and can't breathe properly. I pick her up which calms her down usually but then she stops screaming and just continues with the crying. If I rock her then she stops the screaming but the crying continues. Even her favourite toy and blanket won't stop the crying. I don't know what to do. Could she be ill or teething? She's always been such a good baby. I know it's not food or her nappy or anything like that. I think she might be in pain but I don't know what to do. Please help. I'm a first-time mum and no one wants to see their baby in pain.

Answer 1

Get some baby tylenol and give her some - if its pain she should settle down in about 45 minutes to an hour after being medicated.

Answer 2

9 months sounds about right for teething - the pain starts well before you can see any lumps and bumps in her gums.

try giving her something hard to chomp on, maybe a carrot stick that's been in the fridge - cold helps, too.

if the crying doesn't taper off in the next 2-3 hours, call your doctor/mid-wife/health carer or take her to the emergency room: it might be totally unrelated to her teeth.  has she fallen, could she have a fractured arm or leg?  that doesn't always swell or bruise, so is difficult to spot.

good luck, try to keep calm.  if she sees that you are upset, it will just wind her up more.

Answer 3

It could be an ear infection too instead of teeting. Usually if its teething they drool and have a fever. But ear infections are painful and hard to diagnose unless she sees a doctor. Feel for bumbs on her gums to see if its teething but it could be her ears

It also could be gas - Have you changed or added anything to her diet? She is a happy baby normally- so this is the only way to tell you she hurts somewhere. Be patient call your doctor and get her better so you all can relax