5 Cries Every Parent Needs to Know: Cracking the Baby Cry Code
New parents are always on their toes and tend to panic easily if they see their little ones getting uneasy and crying inconsolably.
But wait! It is not the time to get stressed; instead, you must stay calm and analyze the situation. Here is a guide to help Indian parents decipher the different types of baby cries.
We collaborated with Dr. Pavan Mandaviya for accurate information, who shared some valuable insights. So, read on for some exciting and helpful information to help you render better baby care as per the situation.
Comprehending the Early-Phase Situations of Both Parents and Babies
We understand that new parents are already handling so many tasks simultaneously, which is stressful. Also, there may be instances when they would need clarification on how to proceed and reduce further complicating the situation.
Every parent wants to give their child the best care and love; hence, they try random soothing methods to console a crying baby in this pursuit.
Understanding the tot’s cries lets you soothe a crying baby with an instant solution and helps build a strong bond. This is because the baby gets calm quickly, which keeps him content.
So, do not leave any opportunity to share some memorable moments with your child that you can cherish for a lifetime.
The 5 Cries of a Newborn Baby
The most common approach parents adopt when they see a crying baby is to try various methods to calm the tiny tot. It is like a hit-and-trial method, which should not be this way.
Dr. Pavan shares five types of baby cries that parents should be aware of and take appropriate steps. Here is a brief of all the types with newborn baby cries meaning and patterns for better understanding:
1. NEH (Hungry Cry)
The most common baby crying reasons are when they are hungry, and when you hear the NEH cry, you need to know it is feeding time. Your newborn will start with an NEH sound at a lower intensity, increasing until he is fed.
The cry is frequent and rhythmic, so look out for such patterns, and as soon as you hear this cry, start preparing the feed!
2. OWH (Sleepy Cry)
Newborns have two everyday tasks throughout the day: feeding and sleeping. So, the next cry would be the sleepy cry, where the sound is usually OWH. Accompanying this sound, you will see the child yawning and rubbing his eyes, and if unattended for a few minutes, be ready for a fussy and irritated baby.
We understand no parent wants this situation, but it is very common as the tot is still adjusting to the outside world and may have abrupt sleeping patterns.
3. HEH (Discomfort Cry)
There may be times when the child feels discomfort due to different conditions, like a wet diaper, a mosquito bite, or when he feels hot or cold.
This cry is usually high-intensity and should be addressed immediately by the parent.
4. EAIR (Gas Cry)
Most newborns face gas and colic issues since their digestive systems are still developing. This condition is painful for your baby, so look for the EAIR sound and see if your child is drawing the legs to the chest or frequently squirming.
You may need to give medicine to combat the situation by either massaging the tummy or if the cry is too loud. This is a severe condition, so you should handle it smartly and quickly.
5. EH (Burp Cry)
A burp cry is short and frequent, similar to a hiccup. In the initial days, there are several short feeding sessions, so you do not need to worry about it much.
Ensure the baby burps after each session, as this will help avoid a colic situation.
Responding to Your Baby’s Cries
Knowing the right responding techniques is essential now that we have deciphered all the newborn baby cries. As parents, you should adopt all strategies and proactively take measures to evade any discomfort.
This can be done by checking diapers frequently so the baby doesn’t feel wet. Remember, wet diapers can lead to aggravated situations like rashes, which isn’t a pleasant situation. Also, taking the baby on the shoulder and making him burp after every feeding session keeps him from uneasiness.
Newborns are delicate, and their bodies cannot adjust to extreme weather changes like those in winter and summer, which makes them fussy. You should maintain a standard temperature in the room according to the weather by using suitable cooling or heating machines.
Make sure to invest in branded products that are safe for use with tiny babies in the house. Do not compromise the product quality to save some money, as this may negatively impact the child’s health in the long run. To enhance it, you can install a humidifier in the room, which enables the baby to breathe easily.
Even if you are always observant, there will still be instances when your newborn cries. The best approach is to stay calm and look for cues to handle the situation like a pro. It may seem difficult initially, but you will eventually be a pro. So, do not worry and keep going.
Also Read: How To Soothe A Crying Baby?
Additional Tips for Soothing Your Baby
Every baby is different, so you must care for him according to his needs. It is great to be a proactive parent and keep an eye on the baby’s health, but there are some ways that if you adopt it in your daily life, these can help make your child’s life better.
The aim is to create a positive growth and developmental environment for the child to make him feel secure and happy. However, this is possible only when the parent is inquisitive about new methods for better results.
Relieving the tot can be a task if you aren’t acquainted with the right soothing techniques, so here are some valuable tips that you can consider as first steps when your baby starts crying:
- Kangaroo-style care or skin-to-skin connect is an effective approach to quickly calm the baby. Just pick your baby in your arms, talk to him in a soft voice, and swing him gently.
- Swaddling the baby is an excellent technique for making the baby sleep peacefully, as tiny babies tend to wake abruptly during sleep. Swaddling in a soft, breathable cloth makes the baby feel secure and lets him sleep for longer hours.
- White noise is another way of soothing a crying baby. It involves natural, soothing sounds in the room and creates a calm environment.
Also Read: Is Your Parenting Spoiling Your Baby's Habits?
When to Call the Doctor
The newborn is delicate and may have issues you may not be able to analyze by yourself. Apart from regular cries and discomforts, expect some sudden changes in the baby’s behavior as he is still accommodating to the changes in the environment.
This situation is very common during weather changes; hence, you also need to acknowledge such conditions wisely. This will help you make wise decisions and keep unwanted crises away.
If the child is crying uncontrollably and you cannot understand a newborn cry in India, it is wise to connect with your child’s doctor and seek advice. Also, if you notice any unusual symptoms or fever, administering medicine as per prescription is best to relieve the baby.
The Benefits of Understanding Your Baby’s Cries
Every parent wants to see a calm and happy baby, which is possible when you understand the baby’s cries. If you handle the situation nicely, eventually, you will see that the baby has adjusted well and does not create a fuss anymore.
This helps reduce stress for you as well since you are able to take instant action with simple steps for effective results. After all, only happy parents can raise a content child.
Do not focus on the problem; instead, come up with a solution using your intellect, allowing you to instill a good feeling in the baby over time. Understand your baby well and foster a strong, everlasting bond with good associations for a lifetime.
Also Read: Common Mistakes First Time Parents Make
Key Takeaways
New parents are susceptible to stress whenever they see the apple of their eyes in discomfort. Thus, being an aware and proactive parent is the secret to the best parenting and baby care.
Once you understand the baby’s cues well, you will undoubtedly feel relief and let the baby enjoy every moment of his life with minimal distress. Be an aware and content parent to nurture a beautiful, happy soul.
