The simple fact is that babies cry. All babies cry. Crying is how your baby communicates with you. In the first year of their life, you need to recognize and accept the fact that your baby cries and is going to cry. From the moment they are born, they cry. A healthy baby takes in their first breath of air and as it is expelled, they are screaming. So the upside of crying is that a healthy baby does this at birth.
Other Signals
Your baby may communicate in other signals along with their crying. They may clench their fists. They may turn their head away. They may wave their arms and kick their feet. But the key to all of these impulsive actions is the fact that they cry. Whether it drives you nuts, wakes you up in the middle of the night or leaves you wondering what life was like before there was a baby screaming it’s lungs out in your house – babies cry.
So why do they cry?
The reasons are as varied as the causes. The most common causes of your baby’s cries and tears are:
- Hunger
- Wetting
- Loneliness
- Exhaustion
- Hot & Cold
- Discomfort (e.g. diaper rash, ear ache, uncomfortable clothing)
- Fear
- Stuffy Nose or Nasal Blockage
- General aches & pains
There are more reasons that your baby will cry, but these are among the most common. Remember that when your baby cries that it’s totally normal. So the next time your baby is crying and you’re feeling frustrated, remember that crying does happen and that your baby isn’t trying to make you miserable – they are trying to communicate their misery to you.
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Tantrums! Screams! And Crying! Oh My!
Understanding Excessive Crying
Tips for Bringing Baby Comfort