First – let’s get one thing straight: Crying is your new baby’s only way to communicate with you. And for sure – at first, it can be very difficult and distressing for you, But remember that a large part of parenting is trial and error and you will soon learn to anticipate and interpret your baby’s needs. It is important to remember that no baby has ever cried himself to death. it will help you to know how to interpret what each cry means – and you will learn that very quickly the more time you spend with your baby.
Reasons babies cry:
I am hungry: Usually stops when food is in the mouth, but some babies will continue complaining so keep on feeding. Sometimes baby will cry instead of closing their mouth, so may help by gently pushing the lower jaw up to close the mouth.
I am wet or dirty: Some babies will let you know when their diaper is full and need changing – especially when they poop. Others are not bothered and can actually be quite comfortable for quite a while – the aroma will likely alert you to action.
I am cold – I am hot: Not all babies like to be naked and they cannot sleep comfortably when their feet are cold. Sometimes swaddling or just putting a blanket over their feet will stop them from crying. Sometimes a pacifier will help. Most babies are likely to complain when they are too hot – and you will only recognize it when you see that his face is flushed or that he is sweaty.
I want to be cuddled: All babies do not a lot of cuddling but they also vary a lot in how much they want to be held. There is no such thing as spoiling your baby by cuddling. Babies grow up so fast and before you know it, they are too big or too heavy to carry and cuddle.
I am not comfortable; This is usually due to the position or something that is irritating him. As the baby gets bigger, he will be able to push himself into different positions – but may need help when he ends up where he can’t get out of.
I don’t feel good: The cry of a sick baby is very disctinct form the cry of hunger or frustration and you will recognize when your baby does not sound right and needs medical attention.
I can’t take it anymore: Babies can become over stimulated from the noise and being passed from hand to hand and crying is the only way to say:”I have enough”. Some babies may even have nightmares during the night from over stimulation
It’s too quiet: Babies do not live in a silent world in the womb. Many new parents try to make it so silent that they whisper and tiptoe when baby is asleep and then they wonder why the baby wakes up crying. Babies will slepp better when there are soothing sounds so keep the radio on and let the DJ bore him to sleep.
None of the above: Pretty much all newborn babies have periods of fusiness when it is difficult to soothe them and you just cannot figure out what to do. And all mothers will confirm that if you decide to take the baby to the doctor, becuase you are totally sure that he is sick, the moment you walk into doctor’s office, your little darling will be perfectly OK. That is not to say that you shouldn’t seek medical attention when your baby appears to be not well – just don’t run there every time you can’t figure out why your baby keeps on crying.
I do hope this little write-up will help – there is nothing better than a happy, content little person. Just keep remembering – all babies will cry, they will even scream their heads of at time – that is a part of life.
