I bet you want to spend a lot of time thinking about how to communicate with your baby. We sing to them, we read to them, we talk to them, we use different tones of voices… But what about how babies communicate with us ? Believe it or not, they tell us everything from the moment they are born. With her crying. Why not learn How to understand baby crying?
Any new parent knows that babies have a way of expressing their point of view. Did you know that there are actually six different types of crying? Each of them transmits a different message. It is important to be attuned to the subtle differences in crying so that we can effectively meet our baby’s needs. It is also important not to silence crying with a pacifier when the baby is really trying to tell us something. Most cries differ in sound, frequency, and pitch, and are accompanied by other signals that help us understand what the baby is saying (or crying).
Hungry cry
A hungry cry is typically a repetitive cry that is also rhythmic and is usually accompanied by rooting or sucking on the hands. Try to respond to this cry pretty quickly because if the baby gets too nervous, they end up gulping air while trying to eat, which only causes a stomach ache and, you guessed it… more crying.
Crying in pain
The cry of pain has a sudden onset of a high-pitched, terrifying, piercing type of cry that the baby lets out in long wails and takes their breath away. The baby will then pause between moans to gasp for more air, then repeat another long, sustained cry. Obviously, you will also need to respond to this cry as soon as possible. Try to find out what might be causing the pain and address the issue as you sob and calm it down. It is usually related to stomach pain or gas pain. It may help to massage the baby’s abdomen or cycle with the baby’s legs toward the belly. This is a time when a clean pacifier or finger can be helpful because the suction releases endorphins for the baby and that will help counteract any discomfort they may feel.
Crying «I’m stressed»
Some babies are very sensitive and easily stressed, resulting in a «stress cry» which is a general annoyance accompanied by the baby turning his head away from stimuli. Try moving your baby to a calmer environment, swaddle her for comfort, and use white noise to keep her relaxed.
Cry «I’m bored»
Babies can just get bored. This crying will start out as a cunt, or an attempt to get your attention, then turn into a fuss and then outbursts of indignant crying when they complain that they aren’t having enough interaction with you. This is when you should NOT use a pacifier. Pick up your baby and give her lots of attention and hugs
Crying «colic»
Of course, there is the colicky crying, loud screaming accompanied by stiff limbs, a red face, and restless movements. This often begins in the afternoon and can last for hours. Baby massage can help, but it should be done before the outbreak of crying. It can also be helpful to place the baby on her tummy and also exercise on a bicycle while on her back.
Cry «I’m sick»
Finally, there is the sick cry. This may sound like soft nasal moans that are higher-pitched than the other screams. Look for a fever when you hear this scream.
Of course, some babies just cry for no particular reason. They are babies and that is what they do. It can be daunting if the baby doesn’t calm down easily, but remember to take care of him first! When your baby is inconsolable, it’s okay to lay them down safely in the crib while you go out for a deep breath. Also, don’t feel bad about handing over your baby to a friend or family member who can ease it for a while. There is nothing wrong with taking a little break from time to time. Soon the screams evolve into babbling and words and they become little experts to make their needs known and they will tell you How to understand baby crying.
