Newborn baby care: 5 reasons why your baby is crying

Newborn baby care may be daunting for a mom. So hopefully these tips on deciphering your baby's cries will help you understand what they want or need.

Newborn baby care: 5 reasons why your baby is crying

Some scientists believe that babies make reflex sounds in an attempt to communicate with their parents and care givers. These distinct sounds are emitted in their cries, enabling an adult to differentiate one cry from the next.

The Dunstan language of babies is the most prevalent of these theories though other professionals argue that there isn't enough research or conclusive results to prove the validity of said language.

Nevertheless, here are the different baby cries according to Dunstan's language of babies...

Crying because she's hungry

A hungry baby’s cries will be rhythmic and repetitive. The cry will often be accompanied by sucking sounds, rooting or sucking on fingers or hands. Timing also plays a big part in a hungry cry.

If your baby hasn’t eaten in 3 hours or so, chances are she wants to eat. Dunstan baby language tells us to listen for ‘n’ sounds in a baby’s hungry cry.

Crying because he's stressed out

A stressed baby will toss and turn while crying in a whiny sort of way. The cry is often described as fussy. They will turn away from the sounds or sights that are stressing them out.

Crying because he's tired

A tired baby’s cry will start slowly and build in intensity. A tired baby will also rub their eyes, yawn and move around as if trying to keep themselves awake. The ‘ow’ sound may also be heard in a baby’s tired cry.

Crying because she's in pain

Sudden, intense, sharp cries that come suddenly indicate pain. This type of cry can also indicate extreme fear. Whimpers, soft cries and whining are also signs of not feeling well. Be on the look-out for a ‘heh’ sound which also indicates discomfort.

Crying because he has colic

The cry of a baby who is suffering from colic is persistent, loud and sharp. They will often draw their legs up in pain. The ‘eh’ sound, according to Dunstan’s language of babies, indicates a need to be burped or to be relieved of gas.

Response to a baby crying

No matter what the reason, responding to your baby’s cries does not result in a spoiled baby. Your response sends the message that you are there to love, protect and provide security and comfort.

If your baby cries longer than usual and nothing you do soothes him, call your Doctor to see if there is a medical reason or if he’s sick.

Newborn baby care: 5 reasons why your baby is crying

Article originally published on:theAsianparent.com

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Written by

Darla Noble