Decoding the tears

A crying baby is trying to tell you something. Your job is to figure out why and what — if anything — you can do about it.

Over time you might be able to identify your baby's needs by the way he or she is crying. For example, a hungry cry might be short and low-pitched, while a cry of pain might be a sudden, long, high-pitched shriek. Picking up on any patterns can help you better respond to your baby's cries.

Consider what your crying baby could be thinking:

• I'm hungry. Most newborns eat every few hours round-the-clock. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Look for early signs of hunger, such as hand to mouth movements and lip smacking.
• I want to suck on something. For many babies, sucking is a comforting activity. If your baby isn't hungry, offer a pacifier or help your baby find a finger or thumb.
• I'm lonely. Calmly hold your baby to your chest. Gentle pats on the back might soothe a crying baby, too.
• I'm tired. Tired babies are often fussy — and your baby might need more sleep than you think. Newborns often sleep up to 16 hours a day or sometimes more.
• I'm wet. A wet or soiled diaper can trigger tears. Check your baby's diaper often to make sure it's clean and dry.
• I want to move. Sometimes a rocking session or walk can soothe a crying baby. Or try placing your baby in an infant swing or going for a car ride.
• I'd rather be bundled. Some babies feel most secure when swaddled.
• I'm hot or cold. Add or remove a layer of clothing as needed.

Too much noise, movement or visual stimulation also might drive your baby to cry. Move to a calmer environment or place your baby in the crib. White noise — such as a recording of ocean waves or the monotonous sound of an electric fan — might help your crying baby relax.