If you’re toddler crying uncontrollably for no reason then it can sometimes be difficult to watch, especially when there’s nothing you can do or say to stop it.
What’s even more difficult is it’s often tricky to pinpoint what exact reason is.
Toddlers have a hard time expressing themselves. That’s no secret.
Between navigating the intricate details of each developmental stage and balancing all the new information learned daily it’s sometimes hard to cope.
On top of all that, it seems like they can never get it right.
Hearing you constantly say ‘No” or “Put that down” or Stop That Right Now!” can make this stage a very confusing and frustrating one.
We’ll answer the most important question “why is my toddler crying for no reason” and help you solve the issue, once and for all!
7 Methods To Stop Toddler Crying Uncontrollably For No Reason
1. Is Your Toddler Tired?
This can sometimes be the most overlooked reason for a toddler crying for no reason but is often the most popular cause for it.
Being overtired can lead to emotional breakdowns over the tiniest little thing (like using the wrong spoon for breakfast).
You can minimise the risks of tiredness and fatigue by giving your toddler a routine bedtime and a power nap in the day.
2. Is Your Toddler Hungry?
How many times have you been hungry and then taken your frustrations (unknowingly) out on whoever is around you?
It happens to adults frequently and it happens to children just as frequently.
Sometimes children can be having too much fun and get so overstimulated that they forget to eat.
Keeping your child prepped up with healthy snacks between meals and during longer-lasting activities can allow you to check this off.
3. Is Your Toddler Over-stimulated?
If your toddler cries about everything then one thing to do is check if your toddler is overstimulated.
This happens very frequently when children are out and about enjoying a fun play session at the park, swimming or leisure area.
However, It can be hard to spot as your child is in the middle of playtime and is having so much fun.
Problems arise when you try to pull them away or the playtime stops.
Then out of no-where, you get a ‘0 – 100′ tantrum, fit and crying explosion.
If you are in a public environment try to take your child away to a quiet space for him to calm down.
Usually, this can defuse some of the tantrums but sometimes it might just be time to go home!
4. Is Your Child Stressed?
With a toddler constantly crying and whining your role is to identify the core reasons.
However, it’s difficult to know if your child is going through a stressful time as the signs aren’t always on the surface.
Also, many parents won’t accept that a child can be stressed as they are so busy running the household, running errands, paying bills etc that it’s perfectly normal for you to feel like there isn’t much for you toddler to be stressed about.
There are many ways a toddler can get stressed.
Big changes in your life, like moving house, moving job and starting school can trigger a stress response in a child.
Sometimes even the smaller events can trigger stress in a child that you may not even be aware of.
For example, hearing the news play too often on the TV.
When toddlers are burdened with the struggles of day to day life they can often be more susceptible to stress.
A positive change of environment and some more ‘1 – 1 time’ will usually do the job and this is an area that can always be improved.
5. Does Your Toddler Want Attention?
Your toddler is playing nicely by themselves, you turn your back and then you get a very loud reminder of what a tantrum sounds like.
It can be a slow reminder or an explosion but getting attention from you is a fundamental part of your toddler’s development.
If they feel as if you aren’t giving them as much as they need or you are too distracted when you give it they can go into tantrums or fits and seemingly cry for no reason.
Ignore negative attention-seeking behaviour and try no to give too much attention when your toddler is throwing a fit.
This will re-enforce that when they throw a tantrum they get your attention.
Instead, encourage and reward positive behaviour with plenty of undivided attention.
Offering frequent praise for sticking to the rules will help keep your toddler juice up with your attention.
6. Is Your Child Using A Ploy?
Other methods to stop toddlers crying for no reason is knowing when your child is using a ploy or decoy to do something else.
When your child doesn’t want to do something they can often let you know with a surprising tantrum or fit attack.
This will cause waterworks but these aren’t always what they seem.
Try not to engage in the ploy and instead keep your attention direct, concise and to the point.
For example “Look I’ve told you twice already to put your shoes on, if you don’t put them on then we can’t go to the park and play. You do want to have fun in the park today don’t you?’
Here you avoided the reasons they don’t want to put their shoes on in the first place and have given them a framework to better understand why you are asking them to co-operate.
The important part is following through with the consequence of misbehaviour.
If not then you may find yourself back at square one again and the next time your child does not want to do something the same behaviour will re-occur.
7. Is My Toddler Crying For Something Else?
Learning how to deal with a child that cries over everything isn’t always easy.
Sometimes you may have tried everything and still can’t figure out why your toddler is crying so much.
If that’s the case and you’ve genuinely exhausted your options then it might be time to get professional help.
Talk with a child paediatrician and see what they have to say about the issue.
Remember you understand your child more then any other person so if you think there is a genuine medical condition that needs professional help don’t leave it too late.
To stop toddlers crying for no reason you must have patience and show empathy.
Your job is to identify the core reasons for discomfort and if that’s difficult to pinpoint then just provide a safe environment for your child to vent their emotions and feelings.
This can sometimes be all it takes to keep the peace!
Why Is My Toddler Crying For No Reason?
If you’ve ever had an inconsolable crying toddler or a toddler crying uncontrollably for no reason you know the harsh pain of parenting.
It can be very difficult to figure out what is wrong with your toddler and why they are crying so much, especially if it’s uncontrollable and for no reason.
Toddlers are very smart, in fact too smart for their age and have difficulty expressing how they are feeling or what they want to have.
With all this new information, sometimes it can be all too much.
Your job is to provide a place of safety and reassurance.
At such a confusing time, your toddler may just need a hug and a place to vent their emotions.
Remember crying is an effective and healthy way for your toddler to express themselves.
Crying is instant communication indicating something is wrong and that your help is necessary to rectify the problem.
Learning how to deal with a child that cries over everything is mostly about patience and empathy.
Try to put yourself in your toddler’s shoes and identify any core reasons for general discomfort.
Toddlers tend to overemphasis and exaggerate the smallest anxieties so remember that it could be something very small that has built up over time.
Hopefully this will help you deal with a Toddler Crying Uncontrollably For No Reason.
Here’s a quick video on kids crying for no reason
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.