Parenthood is an interesting journey, from the excitement to the challenges of raising a baby. A baby enters this world with a loud cry, and that first cry brings such a joyous moment to your life. With time, your baby’s crying tone changes depending on the situation.
As a pediatrician, I have made it easy for you to understand your infant’s primary means of communication.
- Subtle Crying
Initially, after entering this world, a baby only knows crying as the better means of communication to fend for themselves. Their tiny crying voices give way to the prospective discomfort or hunger pangs due to an empty stomach. You can find subtle cues such as restlessness, fussiness, or sucking on random things.
- Whimpers
In case, you miss the initial stages of fussiness or restlessness, your baby has other means to grab your attention. They will begin to whimper indicating their intensified hunger pangs or discomfort. The vocalization is usually followed by body movements or changes in facial expressions.
- Wail
Your toddler may appear very distressed by clenching and unclenching his fists and arching his back, followed by loud, constant cries. The first thing you can do is hold your baby for comfort and feed him if necessary.
- Intense Crying
A baby’s health condition, nourishment, and discomforts can only be indicated by the level of crying. Mostly, intense crying indicates that either your baby has health issues or is sensing discomfort for some reason. Frantic body movements, loud crying, and difficulty in consoling accompany this phase of crying.
- Fatigue
Once you have met all of your baby’s needs, he will gradually calm down. This is the end of your little one’s crying episodes, and you will eventually fall asleep due to exhaustion.
How to Soothe Your Baby’s Dilemma?
Promptly responding to your child’s needs is the first thing a parent does, especially new parents. Sometimes, a baby cries out of loneliness, hunger, or discomfort. From a pediatrician’s perspective here are some tips:
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Check for Basics
The initial stages of crying are often the result of wet diapers, sleeplessness, or hunger. Make sure you check your baby’s necessities in sequence and take a look at their clothing, eyes, and body language. This will help you highlight what your child needs exactly.
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Comforting Your Baby
Hold your baby close to you, if you can offer skin-to-skin contact then that is a plus point. As a pediatrician, most infants enjoy skin-to-skin contact which calms them down immediately. Rock them along with you, use soothing sounds, or change your surroundings, these will help control their whimpers.
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Set a Routine for Your Baby
You may think it is too early, but it is the opposite. It is never too early to set your baby’s routine. Establish a regular playtime, feeding schedule, and sleep time to prevent wailing in the future. This can help settle down your little one and make them feel secure.
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Trust Yourself
A parent’s instincts about their children are no match. If your baby is crying out of control, look for signs that may indicate a high level of discomfort. Their red faces, clenched fists, and shrill crying indicate they have a gas problem. Don’t panic, follow your pediatrician’s guidance about gas-related tips and medications.
These points address the stages to help you nurture and grow your child in a supportive environment. But remember, every child is different and it is completely normal for babies to have varying crying patterns. Parenting can be challenging, and seeking the best pediatrician is okay. With time, you can learn to deal with your baby’s needs.
