Understanding Why Your Baby Cries: A Simple Guide for New Moms

Understanding Why Your Baby Cries: A Simple Guide for New Moms

Crying is your baby’s way of telling you something. Since they can’t talk yet, this is how they communicate their needs. While all cries may sound the same at first, with time you’ll notice small differences in how they cry for different reasons.

Here are the most common reasons why newborns cry—and how you can respond:


1. Dirty or Wet Diaper
Babies don’t like sitting in a wet or soiled diaper. If your baby is crying, check the diaper. You can either smell it or gently check with your finger for any wetness. Change the diaper and see if they settle down.


2. Hunger
Newborns need to feed often—usually 7 to 10 times a day. If the baby hasn’t been fed in the last 1–2 hours, they could be hungry. Try feeding them and see if they calm down.


3. Feeling Too Hot or Too Cold
Babies are sensitive to temperature. If they’re dressed in too many layers or too few, they may feel uncomfortable. Check their chest or neck to see if they feel sweaty or cold. Adjust their clothing as needed.


4. Gas or Stomach Discomfort
If your baby is crying and pulling their legs toward their tummy, it could be gas. You can try gently rubbing their stomach or moving their legs in a bicycle motion to help them feel better.


5. Wanting Comfort
Sometimes, babies just want to be held. They may cry when they want to be cuddled, rocked, or simply to feel close to you. Picking them up and holding them often helps.


6. No Clear Reason
Sometimes, babies cry even when nothing seems wrong. It may be their way of releasing energy or adjusting to the world. In such cases, try to soothe them and give them some time.


Final Tip:
Try to observe your baby’s cry patterns over time. You’ll slowly begin to understand what each type of cry means, and this will make things easier for both of you.

Back to blog