Different baby cries and what they mean

Its dishearting to hear a child cry. Most often than not you get overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy and incompetence. It is also frustrating when you are not sure what exactly is making the baby cry.

Sometimes the baby responds to breastfeeding another time, she's silenced by a back rub, it keeps changing with time.

And there's a reason for that.

An infant's inability to speak and voice their problems does not mean that they do not communicate what is upsetting them.

According to New Support Family, different cries mean the baby wants different things.

Here is a quick guide to babies' cries and what they really mean:

1. Overwhelmed

They communicate by looking away from the object or start pushing it away while they cry. If this happens, put the object away from them and let them focus on something else or rest.

2. Exhaustion

Usually, if it's exhaustion then it's harder to put your baby to sleep and this is confused with the 'hungry cry'. When tired, the baby will start rubbing his or her eyes and start crying slowly as it builds to an intense shrill. Be patient and very gentle in soothing them to sleep.

3. Hunger

This type of cry must be addressed immediately. it is rhythmic and increases in sound as the baby tries to gnaw and reach for the mother's breast. 'Waiting for your baby to cry as a sign of hunger can result in a baby who is more difficult to soothe.'

ALSO READ:Expressing milk could kill your baby

4. Gas

This will last until gas is passed and is usually a highly intense, rhythmic and high volume cry. You will also notice body movements, the baby could raise his/her legs to the tummy or arch his back or stack fidgeting.

5. Fright

If scared the cry is a screechy sound with a startled look the baby's face. When it happens, rock your child slowly with soothing until he/she comes down.

6. Attention

When a child simply wants to be held, the cry can be subtle but persistent. Just pick them him/her up for some peace and quiet.

Tending to your baby's cry immediately will build a strong bond between parent and child. Most parents just want silence and go through an hour of guess work before they get to the root of the problem.

Instead of making conclusions, take the time to understand your child's different cries and what they are asking for.

Does your child cry a lot? What do you do?