The baby’s only means of communication, his crying expresses his emotions but also all his daily needs: hunger, pain, fear, boredom, fatigue, etc. It is then up to young parents to decode these signals in order to respond to them as best as possible.

Very common during the first weeks of an infant’s life, crying is sometimes difficult for parents to understand and bear. Sources of anxiety for those close to the little one, they can be perceived as real suffering for the child as well as for his parents. Yet their presence is all that is more normal.

On average, the baby cries for about two hours a day, but sometimes a lot more (or a lot less) depending on the child and without these phenomena being abnormal. These tears can be consecutive to a breastfeeding, a change or arrive randomly and stop just as suddenly. Moreover, at the end of the day, many babies experience an episode of what is called unloading crying. This is a time when the baby needs to “release” the tensions accumulated throughout the day. Powerless, the parents can only cajole him and reassure him with their gentle presence and their love.

In any case, the newborn does not cry here to manipulate or make a whim. Incapable of such a perversity at such a young age, he only communicates with his parents to warn them of a malaise, problem or need. It is therefore important to remain attentive to this crying which expresses a discomfort or a sudden need.

Sometimes lost in the face of the cries of their infant, young parents do not yet know how to analyze and differentiate crying. It is only around the age of 3 months that communication with the baby is facilitated:

• Quite discreet crying at the start then increasing in intensity and becoming very rhythmic are often a sign of hunger;
• Pain, on the contrary, causes more shrill and shorter cries;
• As regards the cries of fatigue or boredom, they are most often discontinuous and quite discreet but end up increasing in intensity if the parent does not react;
• If the seizure follows a breastfeed or appears during the meal, the child is probably telling you that he is no longer hungry, that eating causes him stomach aches or that he would rather breastfeed rather than eat. ;
• If he’s crying in your arms, maybe he’s tired, needs to be played and stimulated, or he’s uncomfortable in his soiled diaper. The sensation of cold or hot can also cause him discomfort which he will show loudly by crying;
• The crying of a baby lying in bed, on the other hand, can indicate a rude awakening, boredom and the desire to be coaxed by his parents.

If you have met all of your child’s needs but your child continues to cry, you may well have an episode of unloading crying or colic. In either case, these crises are very difficult for parents who feel powerless to calm the infant.

Start by talking to him calmly and gently. Sensitive to your intonation, the little one calms down and is reassured by hearing your voice. Wear it and also hug it as much as possible because the baby likes to feel wrapped up and tight against you. Also consider going for a walk. The movements of the stroller will quickly calm the child and soothe him. Last but not least, stay calm. A real sponge on your emotions, the newborn feels your stress and it will only reinforce his state of discomfort and aggravate the situation.

And if fatigue and screaming push you to the limit and your stress is at its peak, do not hesitate to pass the baton while you calm down and rest. By accepting to entrust the child and recognizing that fatigue is overwhelming you, do not feel guilty. A good parent is someone who does what is best for their child and keeps things from getting out of hand.

Finally, if your child’s crying is accompanied by fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or if they are insistent and last longer than usual, do not hesitate to consult a pediatrician or doctor immediately. .