(1) The Hunger Cry: This is a rhythmic whine that builds in intensity, growing more frantic as Baby's stomach feels emptier. However, consider how long it's been since baby's last feeding. If Baby eats well during a feeding, it should last him a good 2.5 hours at least. Do be mindful of growth spurts, which can cause more frequent hunger.
(2) The Stuffed Cry: Feeding a baby is often a parent's first natural response to crying, so it is possible to feel a baby who is tired or bored instead. This leads to an uncomfortably full tummy. This is of special concern for babies under 2 months who don't regulate their own eating, but suck from reflex. If baby fusses and spits up a lot after meals, this could be the reason. Some spitting up is normal, however. It's the fussing combined with spitting up, that indicates this problem.
(3) The Tired Cry: This cry tends to be arrhythmic, fluctuating in tone and frequency. It often is better described as "fussing" than "crying." Other signs of sleepiness include yawning, poor coordination, rubbing the face, pulling the ears, and sucking on the fingers. Our son makes a "boo" noise when he's tired. Watching for these signs and putting baby down before he gets too tired will make for better sleep.
(4) The Pain Cry: This cry usually begins without warning and has a sharp piercing tone, sending the strong message: "Something is wrong!" Unfortunately for parents, pain cries sound the same whether it's internal or external pain. Check for tight clothing or diaper rash, but remember that it could be an ear infection or stomachache as well.
(5) The Irritated Cry: This indicates overstimulation or extreme tiredness. It usually is a long, hard cry that is unresponsive to calming methods. If you can't calm Baby down, try leaving him alone for a while. After releasing the tension, he may be ready for the bedtime routine. With our 6-month-old son , I found that after a really stimulating day he sometimes needs to release the tension and then will fall asleep. It is hard to know that you can't make the crying stop, but when the world all seems to be too much for Baby, it's best to give him some time alone.
(6) The Sick Cry: This is a weak, whiny cry. If Baby cries like this and looks flushed or has a temperature, consult the doctor.
(7) The Dirty-Diaper Cry: Some babies don't mind a dirty diaper and others cry sharply like they're in pain. Our son never cried about a dirty diaper until we started feeding him solids. It's an easy mystery to decode by just checking the diaper!
(8) The Fear Cry: This is sudden, loud and piercing. It usually stops as suddenly as it began. Some babies are more sensitive to noise, temperature, and sudden movements than others. One thing recommended in Secrets of the Baby Whisperer that works very well for us is to tell our son "I'm going to pick you up now" before swooping him from the ground to standing height. When you think about how small a baby is, that's the equivalent of climbing 4 flights of stairs in seconds. Be mindful that babies are small and new to the world.
(9) The Frustrated Cry: Different babies mind different things. Some don't like to wear a hat and others hate having a shirt pulled over their head. Baby may arch his back or make a grimace along with this cry. Baby is just going to have to deal with some frustration in life. We found the best way when our son is frustrated is to talk him through the experience.
(10) The Bored/Lonely Cry: This might be preceded by fidgeting and little grunts before it breaks into crying. Sometimes a change of scenery or a cheery word is all that's needed. Other times it's valuable to let Baby settle back into playing on his own to teach focus and foster his growing independence. This is where parental discretion comes in.
Whew! Who knew babies who can't talk were so communicative? I think parents interpret a lot of these cries instinctively, but it helps to have a list to work through when the tears are hard to translate.
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