A little time to get to know each other

Don't worry: almost all parents need some time to understand their baby's needs. Likewise, almost all babies need time to get used to the new, big world around them and to become a bit more confident. From time to time the usual tricks and remedies don't help either – for example fresh diapers, milk, the airplane hold, singing and cuddling. In those moments, stay calm – and mentally look forward to the next little break. We've put together the reasons why babies cry in the first months of life and how you can respond to them.

Crying: the communication of the first months

In the vast majority of cases, it isn't "crying" in the literal sense when your baby makes itself heard loudly. In its first months of life it's simply the only form of communication available. Your few-weeks-old baby is very likely not angry or sad, but is telling you through crying that it's hungry, has a pressing belly or that its diaper is full. In general you should respond to crying as promptly as possible – but don't aim to have your baby cry as little as possible: even content babies cry to communicate.

Trust your instincts

If your baby has ever screamed loudly in public, at the supermarket or on the bus, you're probably well acquainted with all kinds of advice. From "It must be hungry" to "Those are the teeth, right?" to the classic "Well, we used to let babies cry – it didn't harm them." Good advice from experienced parents at the right moment can be a great help. Generally you can assume you're doing things right if 1) you pay close attention to your baby's signals and 2) you trust your instincts. This isn't always easy in the first months when uncertainty, exhaustion and well-meaning tips sometimes take over. But you'll quickly get to know your baby better – and also the reasons for its crying.

Checklist – common reasons for crying

• Hunger: In the first weeks maybe also every 1 ½ to 2 hours

• Stomach pressure or tummy ache: Some babies swallow air while feeding or drink too much for their small stomach

• Three-month colic: Persistent crying, especially in the evening hours, likely caused by tummy ache

• Full diaper: Not all babies find a full diaper bothersome, but the delicate skin reacts quickly and can become sore

• Diaper/clothing too tight: Sometimes the diaper presses on the stomach or the bodysuit digs into the leg – that's uncomfortable for your baby

• Tiredness: Lots of new sights, voices and sounds can quickly exhaust a baby

• Need for closeness: Every baby needs affection and physical contact: there is no such thing as "too much" in the first months of life

• Too warm/too cold: Cold hands or a damp hairline are not reliable indicators – you can best check your baby's body temperature at the nape of the neck

• Pain/discomfort: If your baby cannot be soothed and you feel it is ill or in pain, you should see a pediatrician

Image credits

Baby crying on mother's arm © Екатерина Лагунова - stock.adobe.com

Baby crying at mother's breast © Larisa - stock.adobe.com