My child is a year and a half old. As soon as he wakes up in the morning he cries a lot, and he also cries a lot before sleeping at night. He asks to be taken outside the house, and when we take him out he often calms down, but sometimes he keeps crying even outside.
Could he have some physical problem? What should we do? What guidance does Ayurveda give for a child’s sleep and calm nature?
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Direct answer: At this age, crying in the morning and evening is often due to irregular sleep, tiredness, hunger, teething or the wish to go outside, and usually it is not serious. Still, it is right to show a paediatrician once to check causes such as ear pain, stomach trouble or fever.
Understanding the problem
An 18-month-old cannot express feelings in words; crying is the child’s language. Common causes: little or irregular sleep, excess tiredness, hunger, teething, constipation or gas, overstimulation from screens, and changes in routine. If going outside calms the child, it often also means boredom or a need for new stimulation.
The Ayurvedic view
According to Ayurveda’s Kaumarabhritya (paediatrics branch), Kapha is naturally higher in children, but irregular sleep, fear and indigestion increase Vata, which increases restlessness and crying. A regular routine, oil massage and light, easily digestible food help keep the child calm.
Practical steps
- Same time daily for sleeping and waking; a calm atmosphere and dim light before sleep.
- Mobile and TV off an hour before sleep.
- Outdoor play time in the day; fresh air.
- When the child wakes in the morning, pick him up at once and talk in a soft voice.
- Gentle Abhyanga with sesame or coconut oil before bathing.
Diet
- Timely, home-made, light food; dal-rice, khichdi, vegetables, fruits.
- Less biscuits, chocolate and cold drinks.
- If there is constipation, enough water and fruit.
Medicine
For children any medicine, Suvarnaprashan or Ghunti is given only after considering age and weight. The right medicine, dose and duration will be decided by the Vaidya after examining the condition. Never give sleeping medicine or old opium-containing Ghunti on your own.
When to see a doctor immediately?
- Fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, crying while holding the ear
- Continuous crying for hours that does not stop, high-pitched screaming
- Reduced eating and drinking, less urine
- Fits, drowsiness, breathing difficulty
Related Questions
Do children cry more while teething?
Yes, many children become irritable and restless while teething.
When should a child be given an oil massage?
Before bathing, with a gentle hand; in Ayurveda it is considered Vata-calming.
Should a child be allowed to watch a mobile?
It is better to avoid screens for children under two; they affect sleep and mood.
In short: If an 18-month-old cries morning and evening, irregular sleep, tiredness, hunger or teething are often the cause. A regular routine, no screens, Abhyanga and light food help; for fever or continuous crying, see a paediatrician.
You can seek advice for your child’s check-up.
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