Babies cry because they cannot talk.

Different kinds of cries

As you get to know your baby, you’ll become the expert in understanding your own baby’s cries in a way that no one else can. Over time, you’ll recognize particular cries as if they were spoken words. In addition, you often can determine why your baby is crying by the situation surrounding the cry. Following are common reasons for Baby’s cry, and the clues that may tell you what’s up: 

Hunger: If three or four hours have passed since his last feeding, if he has just woken up, or if he has just had a very full diaper and he begins to cry, he’s probably hungry. A feeding will most likely stop the crying. 

Tiredness: Look for these signs: decreased activity, losing interest in people and toys, rubbing eyes, looking glazed, and the most obvious ¾ yawning, If you notice any of these, he may just need to sleep. Time for bed! 

Discomfort: Too wet, hot, cold, squished ¾ baby might squirm or arch his back when he cries, as if trying to get away from the source of his discomfort. Try to figure out the source of distress and solve the problem. 

Pain: A cry of pain is sudden and shrill. It may include long cries followed by a pause. He then catches his breath and lets out another long cry. Time to check your baby’s temperature and undress him for a full-body examination.  

Overstimulation: If the room is noisy and full of people, rattles are rattling, music boxes are playing, and your baby suddenly closes her eyes and cries (or turns her head away), she may be trying to shut out all that’s going on around her. Time for a quiet, dark room and some peaceful cuddles or a breastfeed.  

Illness: When your baby is sick, he may cry in a weak, moaning way. This is his way of saying, “I feel awful.” If your baby seems ill, look for any signs of sickness and call your healthcare provider. 

Frustration. Your baby is just learning how to control her hands, arms, and feet. She may be trying to get her fingers into her mouth or to reach a particularly interesting toy, but her body isn’t cooperating. She cries out of frustration, because she can’t accomplish what she wants to do. All she needs is a little help. 

Loneliness: If your baby is alone in bed, her swing or her baby seat and she starts to cry, she may be saying that she misses the warmth of your embrace and doesn’t like to be alone. A simple situation to resolve…

Worry or fear. Your baby suddenly finds himself in the arms of Aunt Matilda and can’t see you; his previously happy gurgles turn suddenly to crying. He’s trying to tell you that he’s scared: He doesn’t know this person, and he wants Mommy or Daddy. Explain to Auntie that he needs a little time to warm up to someone new, and try letting the two of them get to know each other while Baby stays in your arms. 

Boredom. Your baby has been sitting in his infant seat for 20 minutes while you talk and eat lunch with a friend. He’s not tired, hungry or uncomfortable, but he starts a whiny, fussy cry. He may be saying that he’s bored and needs something new to look at or touch. Move him to your lap or give him a toy to play with.