During the middle of the night, the sleeping baby may wake up crying inconsolably. It is a common episode every mother bumps into.
Most often you can't figure out what your little one needs. Interpreting baby cries and soothing a crying baby is not always an easy task. However, by using some tips and tricks, you may be able to find out the cause or reason for a baby crying.
Tips To Decode Baby Crying ?
There are some general guidelines to distinguish your baby's cries and emotions. Baby crying sounds play a significant role.
Hungry : Whimpering that develops to short, sharp, intense cries, more or less rhythmic, that won't stop away until the baby is fed indicates hunger. The baby will also try to gnaw at its hand or peck at your breast.
How to soothe: Respond to hunger cries quickly. The more your baby cries due to hunger he or she turns more difficult to soothe and feed. Try feeding your baby when you see hunger cues.
Too exhausted : Fatigue cry is often misread as hunger cry. However, unlike the hunger cry, fatigue cry tends to be accompanied by rubbing of the eyes and yawning.
How to soothe: Try breastfeeding him, rocking or swaddling him or whatever you used to do. Or put him down in his crib, an overtired baby sometimes just wants to be put down and allowed to sleep by himself
Overstimulated : Sometimes the sights and sounds can become too much for your baby. Your baby may try to turn his or her head or body away from over stimulating sights or sounds and unexpectedly starts to cry.
How to soothe: Try taking your baby to a less stimulating location. A dimly lit, quiet spot will help to calm the baby down.
Upset or surprise/fear : Long and loud cry appears to come out of blue indicates the baby is upset or startled by a sound or light or some event that skipped your eyes and ears.
How to soothe: Hug the baby and ensure he is protected in your arms. Take the baby away from that location.
Dirty Diapers : A whiny, nasal, continuous cry (holding their breath in gasps) indicates the baby is in pain or discomfort and needs your immediate attention. Babies usually do this whenever the dirty diaper bothers them or if they need to change their position.
How to soothe: Besides checking for a dirty diaper, look out for diaper rash or make sure the diaper elastic isn't too tight and irritates his or her skin.
Stomach pain : This cry is characterized by the high intensity with a high volume, causing redness in the face, and will last until the pain is gone. Body movements include raising of legs to the tummy, clenching of the fists. Also, if you press it lightly on the stomach, it might feel a bit hard.
How to soothe: Patting the stomach gently, lightly pressing the thigh of the baby to the stomach, helping the baby to burp by holding the baby tummy down, etc. will help to soothe the baby
Boredom : Boredom usually occurs if the baby has been put down for a long time without interaction. Babies require continuous attention. The boredom cry starts out as coos, then turns into fussing, then turns into offended crying.
How to soothe: Boredom cry can easily transition to laughter with proper interactions
Sick : Soft, continuous whines that are weak indicate the baby is sick. A sick cry will be of a lower pitch than the "pain" or "fatigue" cry.
How to soothe: Breastfeed your baby. It will make him more at ease. If you suspect your baby is sick, be on the lookout for additional symptoms like temperature, rashes, diarrhea, etc. If needed, don't hesitate to contact your baby's doctor
Anger : When the baby starts to scream, wave their arms, kick their legs and cry hard, it indicates he or she is very angry.
How to soothe: Babies can be furious (more or less similar to a teenager!!!) until what they need is done. It is up to you how to deal with the anger of the baby. You can completely ignore unnecessary demands or grant permission. Both have their own pros and cons.
Happy Parenting..!