Fussy babies happen. Ask any parent and they’ll tell you that even their perfect infant is far from perfect. Unfortunately, very little people lack the ability to look at Mom and Dad and ask for medicine to soothe an upset tummy, or for a bottle to fill an empty one.
Infants do, however, use their lungs to communicate. Their idea of good communication is screaming. Their wails mean something different each time, and moms and dads get to be pretty good at figuring out just which scream means what because there are a few common baby cries that parents can learn to recognize.
Let’s take at look at them.
Baby is hungry
Babies get hungry, and since they can’t help themselves to what’s in the pantry, they cry. Moms and dads are usually pretty good at figuring out when a baby might be crying due to hunger, because most babies eat on a pretty set schedule.
Baby needs a new diaper
Another common message behind an infant’s cry is the need for a new diaper. Consider this: You wouldn’t want to lie around the house in a wet or messy diaper, so why would you expect your infant to do it?
When babies cry, sometimes it means they want you to get up and change their diaper. A simple touch test or smell test will help you determine whether or not this is the case with your little one.
Baby is tired
Babies need significantly more sleep than adults. You probably can agree based on your own level of sleep deprivation. If they become too tired, they’ll simply cry until you figure out what’s wrong with them and put them down for a nap.
Sometimes a gentle rocking motion in a swing, a quick drive in the car, or overwhelming exhaustion while feeding will help your baby go to sleep.
Baby has gas
If your baby isn’t tired, hungry or in need of a new diaper, don’t panic. It’s probably just gas. A back rub, frequent burping during meals, and natural baby gas remedies are all helpful solutions to help calm your little one and soothe his or her crying for good.
Children are all different. Once you have one of your own, you’ll be surprised how quickly you learn to pick up on the meaning behind his or her cries. It’s not difficult and it’s not something other people can do, but as the parent, you’ll develop that ability.
