Crying Baby Sounds

Hunger

When your baby becomes a toddler, she may be able to point at the refrigerator or your food to signal that she is hungry. She may even prowl through your cabinets and bring you an empty cup or bowl! A younger baby or infant can't communicate her hunger in that way, however, so she cries.

Of course, the crying baby sounds are different for each child, but many babies signal hunger by crying in short bursts. The cries may be almost rhythmic in nature. Another tell tale clue is when your baby begins to suck on his fingers or smack his lips. Once you offer him food or the breast or bottle, and he hungrily eats, you've solved your problem!

Overstimulation

Even infants love to be played with and entertained, but once they've had enough, well, they've had enough! Your baby will let you know when she's had all the fun she can take if she looks away from you, begins fidgeting, and cries in a whiny, fretful cry. Once she begins to do this, you need to stop your playing and comfort her. More than likely she is tired, but she may also be hungry. Don't worry. There'll be lots of playtime for you both later!

Fatigue

When baby becomes tired, he may not be able to settle right off to sleep, especially if he is younger than eight or nine months. He may let you know that he is tired and ready for a nap or bedtime by crying suddenly and in an increasingly louder tone. In other words, if you don't help him get to sleep quickly, he'll only become more irate!

Boredom

So, you've just purchased that new baby video, and your little one is sitting in his infant seat entranced in front of the television. Uh oh! There's trouble in paradise. All of a sudden, his focus has shifted to almost anywhere but the tv, and he is starting to squirm and cry in a fretful tone, maybe waving his arms and kicking his legs. What's the problem? He may be bored and ready for something new. Remember, babies have rather short attention spans, and while he may love that video for about five or ten minutes, he may soon tire of it and want some new distraction, especially if it is you!

Pain

Recognizing a cry of pain is probably one of the easiest. If your baby is in pain, she will suddenly cry out at the top of her lungs. The cry will be shrill and loud, and it may be accompanied by baby's red face. She may stiffen her arms and legs and squeeze her eyes shut. Of course, first you need to determine what is causing the pain, then do what you can to stop it, and comfort your little one the best that you can.

Sickness

If your baby is coming down with some type of illness, you may begin to notice subtle changes in his behavior. Instead of playing quietly on the floor, he may only be satisfied if he is held by you. He may sleep restlessly. He may cry in a whiny, half-hearted manner, as if he doesn't have enough energy to throw a full-blown fit. If you suspect your child is sick, but you can't see any obvious signs, continue to watch him closely and take his temperature periodically. If you have any doubts at all, notify your pediatrician.

Colic

Colic typically occurs in the first three months of an infant's life. Some colicky babies may cry off and on all day, while others begin their consistent crying every evening. Colicky babies are hard to comfort, and their cries are generally rhythmic and hard to control. In fact, babies who suffer from colic are almost impossible to quiet. Sometimes taking your baby for a car ride or placing her in her infant seat while the dryer is turned on (with your total supervision, of course) can help soothe her. Try to keep in mind, though, that she will grow out of it after a few weeks.

Unknown Crying

Finally, if you simply can't determine what the crying baby sounds mean, you may want to contact your doctor. Be sure to describe how your baby is crying, when she is crying, and whether or not you can comfort her. The doctor may want to you to bring her in for an examination.

Yes, eventually you'll learn to recognize almost all of your baby's cries, and just remember, this is your first means of communicating with your baby!

Related Baby Links

• Newborn Baby Care
• Newborn Baby Sleep Habits
• Breastfeeding Basics
• Starting Baby on Solid Foods
• Baby Development Stage for the First Six Months
• Baby Development Stage for Ages Seven Through Twelve Months
• Baby Development Stage for Ages Twelve to Twenty-four Months

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