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Crying is how your baby tries to talk to you. It's how they say, “I need something”. Maybe they’re hungry, sleepy, wet, or just want to be held. But every baby cry’s meaning is different. You might hear your baby cry loudly and suddenly, while sometimes you might hear them cry slowly and more subtly. But how can you tell the difference behind these cries?
Why Do Babies Cry?
Crying is a normal and healthy part of a baby's growth. In the first few months, most babies cry for hours daily. The truth is, crying is their way of communicating what they feel. It’s also their way of asking for food or cuddles. It’s important as a parent to understand why your baby is crying to provide effective care.
Types of Baby Cries and What Does the Baby’s Crying Mean?
If you listen closely to your baby’s cry, you will notice some differences in their tones and sounds. As you spend more time with them, you will understand the reason behind them. Once you become better at recognizing these cries, you can stop your baby’s cries in a much shorter time.
To help you identify some of the reasons why your baby is crying, here are the most common types of baby cries and what they usually tell you:
Hunger
The usual reason why your baby cries is because they are “hungry”. You can identify this by its low and steady sounds, and your baby may also turn their head towards your chest or suck on their hands. However, it’s important that you can identify other signs, as crying is a late sign of hunger.
Wet or dirty diaper
Babies are masters at filling up their diapers; some can sit in their dirty diapers without any reaction whatsoever. Some, however, will cry once they feel uncomfortable. If you’re close to your baby, you can quickly perform a sniff test, then change it right away.
However, being in a different room with your baby is a challenge. Smart baby monitors like the Momcozy Smart Baby Monitor - BM04 can help you hear your baby’s cry for a diaper change. These cries can sound fussy or whiny, as most of them are.
Sleepiness
As surprising as it is, tired babies cry when they can’t fall asleep. It's their way of soothing themselves as they have yet to develop their own circadian rhythm until they are around 4 months old. This cry may start slow and get louder once they get overtired.
Gas or tummy pain
When your baby suddenly cries after feeding, it usually means your baby has gas and needs to burp. You may also notice them squirm and pull up their legs. Once you notice these signs, you may have to perform burping techniques.
Need comfort or cuddles
Sometimes, your baby cries because they just want to be held or for attention. This cry may start and stop and isn’t as loud as a pain cry. Once you hear these kinds of cries, it’s time to play with the baby.
Overstimulation
Newborn babies are easily startled. They cry when they get overwhelmed by loud sounds. These crying may sound fussy and whiny at first but it can escalate into a high-pitched and intense crying accompanied with flailing arms and clenching fists. When you understand these early signals, you can meet your baby’s needs faster.
How To Calm a Crying Baby
When your baby cries, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do. But once you understand the possible reasons behind the tears, calming your baby becomes easier. Sometimes, all it takes is one simple change – other times, it’s a mix of soothing actions. Here are some gentle ways you can calm a crying baby:
Feed Them
Hunger is one of the most common causes of crying. If it’s feeding time, offer your baby breastmilk or formula. For breastfeeding moms, the Momcozy All-in-One M5 Wearable Breast Pump allows you to pump while holding or rocking your baby so that you can bond and feed in those fussy moments.
Hold and Comfort
Try holding your baby close with skin-to-skin contact. Rock them gently or walk around the room to help them settle. Cuddling and holding your baby is one of the most effective ways to calm them down.
Create a Calm Space
Lower the lights, reduce noise, and move away from busy rooms. A quiet and dark environment helps babies feel less overwhelmed. If you need to step out of the room, you can always use a baby monitor like the Momcozy Smart Baby Monitor - BM04. This helps you stay close to your baby even if you’re in another room.
Use Gentle Sounds
Some babies calm down with soft music, humming, or the sound of your voice. You can play it using your phone, or sound machines like the Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine with app features that let you sing your baby a lullaby yourself even if you're not in the same room.
Soothing your baby is a process of trial and care. With practice, you’ll learn which methods work best for your baby – and tools like the Momcozy M5 Wearable Breast Pump, Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine and Momcozy Smart Baby Monitor - BM04 can give you the freedom to care for them with comfort and ease.
When to Call Your Doctor?
Even though crying is normal, sometimes it can be a sign of something serious. If you notice something different about your baby, it's better to trust your instinct and talk to a doctor. Here are some signs to look for:
- Your baby cries nonstop for hours
- There’s a sudden change in their crying tone
- Your baby seems very sleepy or hard to wake
- There’s trouble feeding
- Your baby looks or acts sick
Even if none of these signs are present, call your doctor if your baby’s crying feels unusual to you. It’s much better to overreact when it comes to your baby’s health, and your doctor is happy to be there to help you figure things out.
FAQs about baby crying
What do we know about crying in the first three months of life?
In the first three months, crying is your baby’s way of communicating. It usually peaks at 6 to 8 weeks. Most babies cry for about two to three hours a day during this period.
Should you let a baby cry through regression?
No, it’s best to respond gently. Sleep regressions are temporary, and babies need comfort during these changes. Ignoring their cries can lead to more stress for you and your baby.
What does an overtired cry sound like?
An overtired cry often starts soft and grows louder over time. It may include whimpers, fussing, or sudden bursts of crying. Your baby might rub their eyes or turn their head away while crying.
How to identify the reasons for a baby crying?
Look for subtle clues like body movements, facial expressions, and sound changes. To help tell the difference, a hungry cry is steady, a pain cry is sharp, and a tired cry sounds whiny. With time, you’ll notice patterns in how babies cry.
Conclusion
Understanding your baby’s cry takes time and patience. Once you can tell the difference, it will help you care for them more effectively with less stress. Each sound your baby makes has a purpose – from hunger to comfort. By learning the meaning of each baby cry sounds you can respond faster and with confidence.
Tools like a smart baby monitor or wearable breast pumps like the Momcozy All-in-One M5 Wearable Breast Pump, Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine and Momcozy 5-inch Dual Mode Smart Baby Monitor - BM04 can assist you in your daily routine. The more you listen, the more you’ll know what your baby needs – even before the tears begin.
