Are you struggling to understand why your baby is crying? Do you want to know how to distinguish between different kinds of baby cries? For parents, trying to why they are crying is just like understanding a foreign language. Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it sounds! With just a bit of practice and understanding, you will soon be able to recognize the different cries that babies make and learn how to respond effectively. Here are some curated tips by the top pediatrician in Ahmedabad on decoding the various cries and providing tips on how to soothe your little one.
- Hungry:
When your baby is hungry, you may recognize the sounds of a specific type of crying. In their early stages, these cries can sound like fussiness and then escalates to a louder and more desperate siren-like cry. As a parent, you’ll quickly be able to recognize these sounds in your sleep.
What to Do:
Track their feeds to help create a routine and recognize if they’re sending signals of hunger, such as turning towards the breast, smacking lips, or fussing. If you find that your baby is crying due to hunger then the only way to solve this is to feed them. If you are feeding formula, make sure it’s not more than two hours between feeds and if you think they might need extra due to a growth spurt, start with just two ounces of formula and see if that helps.
- Overstimulated:
Babies can be easily overwhelmed in situations where there are too many lights, sounds, and experiences happening all at once. When a baby is overstimulated, it may start to cry and may sound like they are crying in an intense way. Signs of overstimulation include intense levels of crying with a rise and fall in pitch. Additionally, in cases where babies become the center of attention from too many people speaking loudly or wanting to hold them, it can quickly lead to an overexcited state resulting in cries of distress.
What to Do:
The best way to relieve them from this state of overwhelm is by switching up the environment and removing any sources of stimulation. place your little one in a dimly lit room with soothing music playing. It can also be helpful to make sure the temperature is pleasant — neither too hot nor too cold.
- Sick
If your child is sick, they may exhibit symptoms like crying, lethargy, a runny nose, or a fever. Constant and persistent crying can be a sign that they are ill, so you should look out for these other signs as well.
What to Do:
If you think your baby is sick, look out for extra symptoms that might need medical attention. These could include fever, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, rashes, and anything else that looks unusual. It is recommended that you take their rectal temperature to determine if a fever is present. A fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit should be of immediate concern and you should contact the best pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad.
- Colic:
Colic is described as intense crying and fussing in babies with no known cause. Although not fully understood, it can be due to gas or digestive issues. It wasn’t previously assumed to be due to intolerance to cow’s milk but even breastfed babies may also experience this symptom. The crying associated with colic is usually higher in intensity with screams or wails, followed by strained movements such as pushing as if to pass stool or pulling up their legs towards the abdomen.
What to Do:
To ease your little one’s discomfort, try swaddling them for a feeling of security. giving them a gentle backrub across their lap; walking or rocking them gently; placing them in a swing or vibrating seat; or using white noise from a washing machine or dryer.
- Uncomfortable:
A baby can become uncomfortable quickly and start to fuss, turn their head away, or show an angry face. Babies can become extremely uncomfortable in a short amount of time, and signs like fussing, turning away from stimulation, or having an angry face can indicate that. Uncomfortable cries can result from being too hot or cold, having gas trapped in the stomach, or wearing a dirty diaper. Typically, an uncomfortable cry is whiny and high-pitched, indicating minor discomfort that is easy enough to address.
What to Do:
If your baby is uncomfortable and crying, the first step is to check the diaper and make sure it’s clean and changed. If your baby was just fed, try burping them to get any air bubbles out which could be causing discomfort. Remove excess layers of clothing for heat control. It’s also possible your baby may simply be tired, in which case be sure to let them get as much sleep as possible throughout the day – newborns often require more than sixteen hours of rest!
Wrapping up:
Parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs, but it can also be overwhelming. Experiencing the joys and challenges of parenthood for the first time can be emotionally exhausting, especially when your baby is crying excessively. The art of understanding baby cries is essential in meeting their needs and bringing an end to their tears. Taking the time to listen carefully and distinguish between different types of crying can be quite helpful in responding quickly. it’s important to remind yourself that it won’t last forever.
