THE “FEED ME!” CRY
You’ll hear: Short bursts of low-pitched cries that usually rise and fall, explains Nancy Mork, a specialist with the Fussy Baby Network at the Erikson Institute in Chicago.
Some parents hear a “neh” or “nah” sound.
You’ll see: Baby may put her hands to her mouth and bob her head around, in search of breast or bottle. “When my kids were nodding their head in all directions like Stevie Wonder when he sings,” says Tracey Diamond, a mother of two from Randolph, Vermont, “I knew they wanted to nurse!”
Calm-down fix: Open baby’s mouth, insert breast or bottle.
THE “LET ME SLEEP!” CRY
You’ll hear: Intermittent yelps or soft, rhythmic cries.
You’ll see: Yawning and eye-rubbing.
Calm-down fix: Wrap baby in a comfy blanket, put her in a sling, or just cuddle. Gentle rocking also helps. Lullabies: optional! Sing whatever you want…softly.
THE “THAT HURTS!” CRY
You’ll hear: Loud, high-pitched wailing or shrieking.
You’ll see: Tensed muscles, rigid body, hands clenched into fists.
Calm-down fix: Check to see if baby’s hands or feet are caught in anything or if she’s in an uncomfortable position; that there’s no strand of hair wrapped around her toes (strange but not uncommon); and that she’s not too hot or cold. If your infant has a temperature of 101 degrees, or a 1-month old goes higher than 100.4; if there is any other sign of illness (like vomiting or diarrhea); or if she cries inconsolably for two hours or more and there’s no history of colic, call your pediatrician.
THE “BURP, PLEASE” CRY
You’ll hear: Fussing noises that sound like “heh,” “eh” or “eair”
You’ll see: Squirming, fidgeting or fussing
Calm-down fix: Burp away! If your baby is extra gassy, put her across your lap, support her head with one hand so it’s higher than her chest, and gently pat her back.
THE “I’M STRESSED!” CRY
You’ll hear: Erratic sounds—think fussing combined with whimpering.
You’ll see: Baby’s body may tense or go semi-limp.
Calm-down fix: Your baby might be overstimulated, so try hanging out together in a quiet, dimly lit room. “Before I had my first child, my older sister told me that if babies are dry, fed, cuddled, and not sick but still crying, you can’t do any more than you already are,” says Andrea Messina, a mom of three in Montclair, New Jersey. “I learned not to feel bad—and to keep right on cuddling!”
An article from the HUGGIES® Brand
