The saying, "Every mother knows her baby," is often used to express the deep connection between a mother and her child, especially when it comes to understanding the reasons behind a baby’s cry. It's a familiar reality that babies cry for various reasons, and in the first few months, this can be overwhelming for parents, especially mothers. The initial excitement of welcoming a newborn is often overshadowed by frequent crying, which can reduce the mother's comfort and rest. However, if a mother can distinguish between the different types of cries, she can manage them better.
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Azhar Al-Badri, a pediatrician and newborn specialist, she discusses how mothers can recognize and differentiate the reasons behind their baby’s crying—whether it's due to hunger, discomfort, pain, or exhaustion.
Signs of Hunger Cry in Babies
A baby crying due to hunger often follows a gradual pattern. It starts with a lower-intensity cry, which gradually increases in volume and intensity. As the baby grows, the cry becomes more pronounced, particularly when the baby senses that the source of nourishment (usually the mother) is near. The baby relies heavily on their sense of smell to detect the scent of the mother’s milk. As the mother gets closer, the cry becomes more intense, signaling hunger and the baby’s need to nurse.
Key signs to look for include:
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Crying that intensifies as the mother approaches: The baby may start crying louder as the mother draws near, an indication that they are hungry.
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The baby sniffing or moving toward the mother’s chest: This behavior signals the baby’s desire to feed. Once the mother holds the baby and prepares to nurse, the crying tends to subside.
Signs of Pain Cry in Babies
Around two weeks of age, a baby may begin to experience gas pain, often caused by accumulated gas in the stomach. In the early days, babies are typically calm, crying only for reasons like hunger or the need to feel their mother's presence. However, as the baby grows, digestive issues such as colic pain or gas accumulation can lead to prolonged crying episodes, especially during the evening hours.
When the baby is in pain, some tell-tale signs include:
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Clenched fists: The baby may clench their fists tightly, which is a sign of discomfort.
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Bending their legs toward their stomach: This is a typical sign that the baby is feeling abdominal pain due to gas.
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High-pitched and continuous crying: This type of cry can continue for hours and may seem unsoothable, especially during the night when gas builds up throughout the day.
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Difficulty soothing: Even when the baby is held or fed, the pain may persist. Sometimes, gentle rocking or lying the baby on their stomach on your lap may help ease the discomfort.
In some cases, the crying may not be due to gas but because of other discomforts like:
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Pinched skin or hair: Check for any clothing threads or hair strands around the baby’s fingers or body, as these can cause pain and persistent crying.
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Insect bites or sharp objects: These can irritate the baby’s skin, leading to constant crying.
Signs of Tiredness Cry in Babies
Just like adults, babies also experience fatigue and frustration, and they need rest. Babies may become increasingly irritable when they are tired or in need of a nap. The crying due to tiredness is often accompanied by certain physical cues:
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Yawning and rubbing eyes: These are common signs that the baby is feeling sleepy and needs rest.
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Turning away from noise or distractions: A tired baby will attempt to avoid external stimuli, such as loud voices or bright lights.
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Fussing and continuous crying: This can increase in intensity until the baby is given a chance to rest, such as being put to sleep or cuddled in a quiet environment.
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Pulling ears or arching back: These behaviors can also signal that the baby is feeling discomfort or exhaustion and needs a break from activity.
Additionally, babies need frequent naps, and when they don’t get enough sleep, they may exhibit this type of cry.
Signs of Boredom Cry in Babies
It’s a common misconception that babies do not get bored, but they certainly do. Around the fourth month, babies start to interact more with their environment. If they are left alone for long periods or if there is not enough stimulation, they may begin to cry out of boredom. This cry is often characterized as a soft, whining sound, gradually increasing in intensity as the baby expresses their discomfort.
The signs include:
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A cry that escalates slowly: This could be a sign that the baby feels bored and needs attention.
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A need for interaction: Babies want their mother’s or caregiver’s attention to feel emotionally secure. The crying could be a plea for connection.
This type of cry can also happen if the baby feels overstimulated or stressed due to the presence of unfamiliar people or loud environments.
Conclusion: Decoding Baby's Cry
Every type of baby cry tells a story, whether it’s hunger, discomfort, pain, exhaustion, or boredom. Understanding these cries and their signs can significantly help in soothing the baby, making the experience of parenthood more manageable and less stressful. Through attentive observation and a little patience, mothers can learn to distinguish the reasons behind their baby’s cries and respond accordingly, ensuring a happier and healthier environment for both mother and child.
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