4 Types of Cries & What They Mean
Each one is trying to tell you something.
When your little one first arrived in this world, they likely announced their entrance with a cry. They weren’t just saying a grand hello!—baby cries at birth are how their lungs start working. While it may have been a rush of relief when you first heard them, seeing your baby crying on a daily basis and not knowing the cause can be upsetting for both of you.
Of course, practice makes perfect, and over time, you’ll become more familiar with what they’re trying to tell you. Until then, we’ll help you translate. Ahead, we’re explaining the four different types of crying, why babies cry in the first place, various stages of baby cries by age, and finally, most importantly, how to calm a crying baby. Read on for your guide to types of crying in babies.
Why Do Babies Cry?
We all know the sound, but people often wonder: Why do babies cry? There can be a whole host of reasons, but, primarily, your baby cries as a way to communicate with you. They may be uncomfortable, hungry, tired, or even just lonely. Learning what their different types of crying are saying is key to helping them calm down—and giving your ears a break. The more familiar you become with each baby cry meaning, the better you can respond, eventually leading to less crying in general. Although there are potentially a limitless number of crying causes, they typically fit into one of five general categories: hungry, upset, overstimulated, overtired, and in pain. Below, learn how to know what your infant is trying to tell you with their cries.What Are the Different Types of Cries That Babies Make?
Just as adults have different intonations when they speak, so, too, do your baby’s cries. See if any of the following sound familiar. 1. Hungry When your little one is hungry, they’ll be sure to let you know. Their cry will start with a whimper, then they’ll dial up the volume. This starving cry is their way of saying I’m hungry! Once you start feeding them, they’ll usually quiet down. Crisis: averted. 2. Upset Loud cries that seem to come out of nowhere are usually because they’re upset. First and foremost, it’s wise to do a diaper check. If that’s not the problem, they may be fearful of something, like a loud noise or stranger. Or, they may be frustrated, such as being unhappy about their toy falling to the floor, or becoming tangled in a blanket. Upset cries can also simply be because your infant is bored or lonely. If you’ve ruled out the former and suspect the latter, try engaging them in something to help entertain them and bring them out of their funk. 3. Overstimulated or Overtired We all have our limits—your baby is no exception. If there is too much of a hubbub around them, such as excessive noise, activity, or movements, they may cry as a way to release the tension it’s causing. Simply put: they’re annoyed. Try to tamp down on anything overstimulating to help soothe them. Likewise, a tired baby can be a cranky baby. And infants need a lot of sleep—14 to 17 hours a day in their first three months, and 12 to 15 hours in the next eight months. Sometimes good ‘ol nap time will do the trick. (And it might be a prime opportunity for you to sneak one in too!) 4. In pain Cries of pain or discomfort begin as a high-pitched, intense wail, followed by very loud crying. They can be the most difficult kind of crying to witness. You may notice a change in your baby’s behavior, movements, or expression, and they may grunt or hold their breath. Frequently, these kinds of cries are caused by teething, diaper rash, constipation, or something intrusive in their environment. Gas may also be to blame, as can colic—and, no, they are not the same. If you hear burps and toots coming from your little sweetheart, or suspect they have trapped gas in their tummy, Infants’ Mylicon Gas Relief Drops in dye-free or the original formula can help quickly make them feel better. They gently break down gas bubbles to help your baby naturally pass them. (Read more about How To Relieve Infant Gas.) It may also surprise you that we can help with symptoms of colic as well. Infants’ Mylicon Daily Probiotic Drops can help reduce daily crying and fussiness associated with colic by 50% or more when given every day. They also promote healthy digestion and support immunity. A more comfortable baby is a quieter, happy baby—and leads to a happier mommy.What Five Baby Sounds to Listen For
You may have heard your little one make “eh” sounds. But did you know you may be able to decode that too? According to Dunstan Baby Language, there are five baby languages.- “Eairh” says they’re trying to pass gas.
- “Eh” sounds usually accompany burps.
- “Neh” vocalizations denote that they’re hungry.
- “Owh” may come with or without a yawn and signal that they’re sleepy.
- “Heh” may mean something is causing them discomfort.