Newborn cries can feel like a foreign language, leaving parents exhausted and bewildered.
But fear not! This symphony of sounds actually communicates your baby’s needs. Let’s dive into this brief guide.
What’s Normal?
Newborns cry for a reason, and most often, it’s due to basic needs like hunger, discomfort, or tiredness.
Red Flags:
Kaiser Permanente suggests that if baby cries more than 3 hours a day, then it can be a good idea to call your baby’s pediatrician/doctor [1].
Decoding the Cues:
Hunger Cues:
Before a full-blown cry erupts, your baby will offer subtle hunger cues. Look for
- rooting (turning their head towards your touch or nipple)
- sucking motions
- fussiness or hands in their mouth.
Responding to these early cues helps avoid frustration and promotes a calmer feeding experience [2].
Other Reasons for Crying: Crying can also signal:
- Discomfort: A dirty diaper, feeling too hot or cold, or gas can all cause distress.
- Tiredness: Yawning, fussiness, and glazed eyes are signs your baby needs sleep.
- Overstimulation: Too much noise or activity can overwhelm newborns.
- Need for Comfort: Sometimes, a simple cuddle or being held close is all your baby needs.
Feeding on Demand & Night Feeds:
Forget the “feeding schedule” myth!
Newborns have tiny tummies and frequent feedings are essential.
A healthy range for newborn feeding frequency is typically 8-12 times every 24 hours, but this can vary depending on your baby’s individual needs.
Kelly Mom, suggests that some babies may eat more often, while others may go slightly longer stretches [3].
so responding to your baby’s hunger cues, rather than waiting for a full-blown cry, promotes better digestion and prevents overfeeding.
Nighttime expectations:
Newborns don’t understand the concept of night and day yet, so expect frequent night wakings for feedings.
This is completely normal and will gradually improve as your baby gets older. Most newborns will wake every 2-3 hours for night feeds in the first few months (California WIC [4]).
Tips for Night Feeds:
- Keep it calm and quiet: Dim the lights and avoid stimulating activities during night feeds.
- Feed in a side-lying position: This can be a comfortable and safe way to feed your baby at night.
- Comfort is key: Change diapers only if necessary to minimize disruptions.
- Take turns (if feeding with a partner): This allows each parent to get some rest in between feedings.
The Love Factor:
There’s no such thing as spoiling a newborn with too much love and attention.
Responding to their cries and providing comfort builds a strong emotional bond and promotes healthy development [5].
The Support System:
Remember, you’re not alone!
Lean on your partner, family, and/or friends for help with household chores and giving you breaks for sleep and self-care.
Adequate sleep and proper nutrition are crucial for your own well-being, allowing you to better care for your little one [6]
The Breastfeeding Advantage:
Breastfeeding not only provides your baby with optimal nutrition and strengthens their immune system [7], but also promotes emotional regulation and bonding.
Research by the National Institute of Health suggests breastfed babies experience less crying and fussiness compared to formula-fed babies [8].
Embrace the Journey:
This newborn stage is both challenging and rewarding.
By understanding your baby’s cries, utilizing support systems, and prioritizing your own well-being, you’ll navigate this precious time with confidence and love.
Remember: While this blog provides general information, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with any concerns you may have.
References
- National Center for Early Childhood Development and Learning. (n.d.). Excessive Crying in Infants. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/hawaii/health-wellness/healtharticle.understanding-why-your-baby-is-crying
- California WIC. Recognizing Your Baby’s Hunger Cues.
- La Leche League International. (2023, January 11). Recognizing Hunger Cues. https://www.facebook.com/LaLecheLeagueUSA/posts/babies-use-many-cues-to-indicate-hunger-prior-to-cryingearly-cues-include-smacki/2396234273738438/
- KellyMom. (2023, June 05). Feeding Cues. https://kellymom.com/store/handouts/newborn/hunger_cues.pdf
- California Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Nighttime Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DWICSN/Pages/Program-Landing1.aspx
- Walker, N. (2019, September 19). Does Breastfeeding Help Babies Sleep Better? National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163497/
- National Healthy Start Association & Zero to Three. (2021, June). Better Sleep for Breastfeeding Mothers, Safer Sleep for Babies. https://nichq.org/insight/better-sleep-breastfeeding-mothers-safer-sleep-babies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers and Babies. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/recommendations-benefits.html
- National Institutes of Health (.gov). (2021, December 09). Benefits of Breastfeeding