MANILA, Philippines - If your baby starts to cry, try to figure out first why he is crying before placing him in his crib.

According to family medicine doctor Elizabeth Estillore, there are several reasons why a baby cries, and these can be addressed in ways other than laying him down.

For instance, a baby bottle will keep him calm if he's crying because he is hungry.

If the baby is always left unattended inside his crib (or hammock, or cradle), Estillore said the baby may suffer from back rash, or even pneumonia.

"'Yung sa pagduduyan kasi dini-discourage namin 'yan hangga't maaari kasi...may mga cases na nagkakaroon sila ng rashes sa likod. At the same time, pinapawisan 'yung likod na hindi mo napapansin so pwedeng magkaubo 'yung bata, pwedeng magka pneumonia," Estillore said.

Rather than placing him in his crib, Estillore said it's better if the baby gets to rest in his mother's arms, or in a bed beside his parents.

Keeping a closer eye on the baby, she said, will make him feel more loved and lessen his crying moments.

"'Yung touch kasi is very very important, na nararamdaman ng bata 'yung warmth ng ina," she said. -- Report based on ABS-CBN's "Salamat Dok" July 18 episode.