Why Is My Newborn Baby Crying and What to Do? | Palm Beach County, FL
Ever felt like you're in the middle of a cry-induced mystery with your baby? Is it hunger, fatigue, or just a diaper situation?
It's a rite of passage we all share in parenthood – decoding those adorable, yet baffling, baby cries.
In this blog, I’m on a mission to demystify the language of newborn cries. Let’s delve into the different types of cries and what they mean, share some nifty techniques to soothe your little one, and toss in some handy tips to keep your cool when things get loud.
The Language of Newborn Cries: What are They Trying to Tell Us?
“I’m Hungry”
A newborn's hungry cry is a low-pitched, rhythmic, and repetitive cry that sounds like "wah wah wah". The cry is often accompanied by other signals, such as:
Rooting for the breast
Sucking motions with the tongue
Lip-smacking
Putting fingers into the mouth
The sound "neh" is created when a baby's tongue touches the roof of their mouth, which creates a sucking reflex. The sound is similar to a lamb bleating.
Other signs that a baby is hungry include:
Moving fists to the mouth
Turning the head to look for the breast
Becoming more alert and active
Sucking on hands or lip smacking
It's important to respond to hunger cries immediately.
“I’m Sleepy”
A newborn's sleep cry sounds like, "owh". This sound is created when the baby yawns and exhales.
“I’m in Pain”
A newborn's pain cry is high-pitched, piercing, and grating. It can start without warning and be long, loud, and shrill. The cry may be followed by a big pause, as if the baby is holding their breath.
“I’m Overstimulated”
A newborn's overstimulated cry sounds similar to a tired cry, which is long and hard. The cry is usually not as loud as other cries and often staccato. Overstimulation can escalate to shrieking.
Other signs of overstimulation include:
Avoiding eye contact
Constant head turning
Flailing arms and legs
Turning their head away from you or other stimuli
Batting angrily at objects
To soothe an overstimulated baby, you can try:
Removing yourself from the environment
Dimming the lights
Rocking the baby
Shushing
Singing softly to them
If your baby is crying in a way that sounds different from their normal cry, and/or their crying is continuous, it may be a signal that they are in some sort of pain or discomfort.
“I am gassy.”
Often accompanied by the baby pulling up their legs or arching their back. This cry can sound grunty or strained.
Tips for Calming a Crying Newborn
Once you've identified the reason for your baby's cry, you can start addressing their needs.
Here are some tried and tested methods:
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Babies often find comfort in the familiar smell and warmth of their parents. Holding your baby close can offer them reassurance.
Shushing Sounds: Mimic the noise of the womb by whispering a repetitive 'shush' close to your baby's ear.
Swinging and Rocking: Gentle movement can be comforting for babies. Make sure their head and neck are supported.
Pacifiers: For some babies, sucking is soothing. If breastfeeding, it's recommended to introduce a pacifier after breastfeeding is well-established.
Changing the Environment: Sometimes, a change of scene, like a dimly lit room or some fresh air, can make a difference.
Humming or Singing: Your voice is a familiar comfort to your baby. Softly singing or humming can be soothing.
Keep in mind that every baby is a one-of-a-kind puzzle. What soothes one might not soothe another – it's all about trial and error.
Dealing with constant crying can be taxing, so don't forget to take deep breaths and allow yourself short breaks when necessary. A brief moment to collect yourself can work wonders, and your tranquility will have a soothing effect on your baby.
Understanding your baby's cries is a journey that takes time, filled with love, patience, and practice. Before you know it, you'll be fluent in your baby's unique language!