A baby's cries are an instinctive and powerful way of conveying messages about his immediate needs and feelings. Mothers can usually discriminate the unique sound of their newborn's cries from those of other babies, while a breastfeeding mom may notice that her baby's cries trigger the breast-milk letdown reflex. Newborns' cries are limited to two basic types: a loud and wavering cry or wail that usually signals hunger or discomfort and a high-pitched and sudden shriek that signals intense pain. By the age of 2 months, growth and development of babies' vocal cords and cognitive skills enable purposeful communication of more sophisticated messages through different types of cries.
Rhythmic Cries
A rhythmic cry that is loud, low-pitched, wavering and interspersed with gasps of breath usually signals hunger. This type of cry is present from birth, although it may increase in volume as a baby grows and his vocal cords become stronger. A young baby's hunger cries often develop from initial whining and fussiness, or from tentative guttural throat sounds or slurping noises that arise from the crib as he begins to wake up. Rhythmic cries may also signal discomfort, such as discomfort from a soiled diaper or intestinal gas.
Howls and Shrieks
Sudden bouts of loud and shrill howling may signal more extreme discomfort and pain, especially if accompanied by a tense body with the feet drawn up and the arms held straight at the sides. Look for visual signals that accompany this type of cry to ascertain its cause. For example, if your baby is rubbing his ear, it could indicate earache, while squirming movements might indicate soreness from diaper rash. Sudden loud and piercing shrieks might also indicate fear. For example, a loud noise may have startled your baby. Older babies, such as 10-month-olds, may shriek as a result of separation anxiety, which is fear that is caused by separation from the baby's familiar parent or caregiver.
Whines and Whimpers
Intermittent whines that fluctuate in pitch and volume may indicate sleepiness, especially if the crying is accompanied by eye rubbing or ear batting. Overstimulation of babies, especially young babies, may cause whining when they are tired and ready for a nap. A weaker whimpering sound that is nasal and lower in pitch may indicate that your baby feels ill, especially if he shows other signs of illness or pain, such as a stuffed-up nose, fever, ear rubbing or drawn-up legs.
Sobbing
A baby who becomes overtired may produce long, loud and angry sobs that resist soothing and calming, especially if his usual bedtime is delayed. This type of cry is often preceded by other signs of overstimulation, such as facial twitching or turning away from people. Sobs that are equally insistent, but more rhythmic and lower in volume and pitch, may indicate that your baby feels lonely and wants you to give him some attention.
References
- Healthy Children: Responding to Your Baby's Cries; May 2011
- "The Secret Language of Babies"; Sally and Edwin Keister; 2005
