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My oldest daughter just turned 4 in June and my youngest turned 2 in May. No matter how old they get, though, I still remember their infant days quite clearly. My oldest was a peaceful baby who smiled and slept and occasionally cried. My youngest was a colicky baby who wailed and smiled and cried some more. Despite their very different dispositions, the things that soothed their crying were usually the same.
Here’s the thing, crying is the universal language of infants everywhere. In China, in Africa, in England, in Bermuda, in America – babies cry to communicate. And babies have pretty basic needs so a parents job is to run down the basic list of baby needs and check off the ones that don’t stop the crying and keep on doing the thing which makes it stop.
Next time your baby is crying and you can’t figure out why, stay calm, run down this list and respond with love.
- Feed me. They have little bellies but they’re growing like weeds. Every little thing requires great energy from their tiny bodies so they need lots of fuel to keep them going.
- Time for some shut eye. What would seem like a no effort activity to us (say, being carried around in a giant seat all day & never walking anywhere), actually takes a lot of energy for your baby. While baby may seem to have had a laid back day, they are busy taking everything in; it can be exhausting. Not to mention they need lots of sleep for healthy development.
- Sensory overload. It doesn’t take much for a baby to become over-stimulated. Some babies can become sensitive to too much sound, color or movement after only a short period of time. Things like toys, mobiles, music, TV, even a large family gathering can take it’s toll on a baby.
- Hot, cold, hot, cold. Just like adults, babies have strong opinions about how warm or cool they want to be. Add a blanket, take one away. Add a sweater, take one away. Test things out and see which your baby prefers.
- Time for change. Some children will never make a peep about their dirty diapers but others won’t be able to stand it. Sometimes a child who does not normally cry about a soiled diaper will because they may have developed a diaper rash that is irritated.
- Love me, hold me, cuddle me. Just like some adults, sometimes babies just want a little lovin’. They want your attention. They need to fill up on some mama and/or papa love so give them what they want!
- Gas, anyone? Gas in a little tummy can be really uncomfortable so get to burping or bicycle those legs. It doesn’t matter which end it comes out of just help get rid of it!
- Growing pains. Teething can sneak up on you, especially since babies can begin to feel discomfort well before new teeth begin to emerge. It’s never too early for teeth!
- A little something. Little babies are highly sensitive and the smallest little thing could bother them. Undress baby and do a thorough once over to see if perhaps a piece of clothing was irritating their skin or if something was caught on their toe or fingers.
- Under the weather. Crying might also be an alert that baby isn’t feeling so great. Be on alert for other symptoms.
Remember, when your baby cries and you respond, those are your first conversations, his or her first lessons in communicating with others. Show your baby you’re listening.
Why does your baby cry? Share in the comments and help another fellow mama or papa calm their baby.
Kelly LaChance Guertin: I'm a lady with a cackle that can be heard in any room. If it comes to Pregnancy or Childbirth I have a real answer, from a mom who knows a little something about it. I have three children, The Boy, age 9; The Girl, age 7, and The Baby, just three years old!
