Is your baby crying? Oh! That’s a typical question. Yes, we all know that babies generally cry and that’s their only known language to communicate. Crying is a habitual thing for babies they may cry for wet diapers, boredom, feeling hungry, gas, etc. Mothers always feel confused among those. Without even knowing why their baby is crying, they assume it must be hunger and strive to feed milk to stop crying.
How to understand a baby’s cry?
Crying is always invariably considered a hunger sign. It is true 90% of the time in the first two months but becomes quite unreliable later on. When it is misunderstood and tried to feed milk, it ends up in overfeeding and vomiting, so be cautious.
In the first 2 months after birth, babies’ cries may indicate hunger/wet diapers, feeling too hot/cold, wanting to be held for a while, or colic. It is advised to check the diaper periodically and also try to feed. Do you know? In the early period up to 3 months, their eyesight is slightly blurry and can only see in black and white.
From 3 months, babies have good vision and can see colours. They like to look around, begin to understand the surroundings and see people clearly. It’s time for them to start realizing that there is more to life than just feeding, sleeping and pooping. There comes crying for boredom, attention, warmth or communication.
If feeding was just done or else tried feeding, but the babies refuse to take and continue crying, carry them, talk to them, show them outside the window, show colourful things, try making funny faces and engage them by playing.
Reliable Hunger signs:
At 1-2 months, the baby instinctively turns and seeks the breast, displays lip thrusting, and enjoys sucking on their fist or the surrounding air.
As the baby reaches 3 months and beyond, they continue to turn their head repeatedly, actively searching for the breast, and eagerly sucking with increased vigour when offered.
Why do new-born babies cry at night and sleep in the morning?
Babies in their first month have no concept of day and night, leading them to sleep during the day and stay awake at night. During early mornings, usually between 3 am to 5 am, they might become restless and fussy.
Parents often find it challenging to put them back to sleep during this time, but it’s essential to remember that this behaviour is entirely normal. When the baby is awake and cranky, try rocking, swaddling, feeding, or moving around the house to provide comfort. There are some strategies that can help parents cope with these sleep patterns:
- Morning Light Exposure: Allow some natural light into the room during the morning, such as by keeping the curtains partially open. This helps the baby become more aware of the daytime. When the baby is awake during the morning, expose them to natural light, take them to the balcony, or engage in gentle activities.
- Night-time Darkness: Create a completely dark environment during the night. A small table lamp can be used for parents to see the baby without disturbing them. Make sure the lamp is positioned below the bed level, so the baby won’t look directly at it.
- Establish a Consistent Schedule: Set a fixed daily schedule, including a designated “lights-off” time. Even if the baby is awake, ensure that the room is dark at a particular time, such as 8 pm, every day.
By following these practices, the baby’s brain will gradually learn to differentiate between day and night, ultimately leading to a more regular sleep cycle. Around 2-3 months of age, most babies will naturally begin sleeping through the night.
