How to Recognize the Types of Cries in Babies

Crying is the main tool a baby has for communication. Newborn babies have a variety of cries to express their needs. The baby may need a diaper change, be sleepy or hungry. Though it may all sound like screaming to a sleep-deprived mother, listening carefully for nuances in a cry will help her to decipher its meaning. Respond promptly to a small baby̵7;s cries, as the longer they̵7;re left to cry, the harder their cries become to interpret.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn the three basic types of cries. These are: the "basic" cry, the "pain" cry and the "anger" cry. Hunger stimulates a basic cry. The anger cry is like the basic cry, but sudden. More air is forced through the vocal chords, so it̵7;s louder. The pain cry is sharp and loud and the infant holds his breath between cries. Variations on these produce a range of communication.

    • 2

      Listen for the sounds. The basic cry is rhythmic, and repetitive. It will intensify over time. The anger cry is louder. The baby will hold her breath after a pain cry.

    • 3

      Look for visual cues. The hunger cry includes the baby ̶0;rooting̶1; around for a nipple and sucking his fingers. The tired cry may include yawning. If the pain cry is due to injury or sickness, inspect the child or take his temperature.

    • 4

      Match the sound of the cry to a reason for crying. Run through a checklist and eliminate possibilities: hunger, soiled diaper, apparent injury, over stimulation and tiredness.

    • 5

      Meet the identified need. If over-stimulated, take the baby to a quiet location. If she is wet, change her. If she is hungry, feed her.

    • 6

      Take action. Sometimes, a baby̵7;s cries are not due to an easily identifiable source. If he is bored or lonely, the cry will stop when the baby is picked up. Take the baby for a walk or sing a song. A cry that seems unusual and distressed but for which you can find no cause may be a sign that the baby is unwell.

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