What does your baby's crying mean?

Understanding the different types of baby and child crying

As parents, we all know that crying is a natural way for babies and small children to communicate their needs. However, deciphering the different types of cries can sometimes be a challenge. Is your little one hungry, sleepy, or in distress? It's important that you have an understanding of what your child's cries mean before you start a sleep coaching or sleep training programme. That way, at 3am, you know the best way to respond to them to meet their needs. In this post, we'll explore some of the different types of baby and child crying so you can better understand what your little one is trying to tell you.

Hunger crying

Hunger crying is one of the most recognisable cries, and babies use it to signal that they need food. The cries are often low-pitched and rhythmic, and the baby may even suck on their fists or fingers. The solution to this is simple- feed them! As a sleep coach, I don't recommend scheduled feedings for small babies (unless you have twins/triplets), especially when breastfeeding.This is because of the basic principles of supply and demand. All babies feed differently on a day-to-day basis. They may be having a growth spurt, a developmental leap, be teething.... the list is endless! Just because you’re sleep coaching or sleep training doesn’t mean you have to schedule every feed, or leave your child to cry it out.

Sleepy crying

Sleepy crying can be confused with hunger crying because the sounds are often similar. However, sleepy cries are usually softer, and the baby may rub their eyes or yawn. If your baby is crying due to sleepiness, try to put them down for a nap or bedtime as soon as possible. Crying is one of the last signs of tiredness in babies, and usually indicates that your baby is overtired. As a sleep coach, I work with you on identifying early signs of tiredness in your little one before we start sleep training.

Pain crying

Pain crying is a distress call that requires immediate attention. Babies may cry in a high-pitched scream and have a pained expression on their faces. Pain crying can be caused by several issues such as teething, ear infections, or other discomforts. If your baby is crying in pain consistently, and cannot be soothed after you have ruled out all causes, consult with your paediatrician or other health professional to see if there are underlying causes. Whilst some crying can be absolutely normal in sleepcoaching/sleep training, a pain cry should never be ignored.

Colic crying

Colic is a frustrating and exhausting type of crying for everyone. Colic crying is usually loud, long, and inconsolable. Colic cries often occur late in the day and can last for hours. The cause of colic is still unclear, but step scan be taken to reduce the symptoms. Try a baby swing, white noise, or holding your baby in a football hold to see if it will soothe them. Colic (also known as 'blue' crying) usually peaks around 6 weeks old, as your baby's digestive system starts to mature. Colic crying feels endless when it's happening, and can be really distressing for both parents and baby. It's not advisable to start sleep training at this young age for multiple reasons, not just colic. At this age, your sleep coach should focus on creating solid sleep foundations in your little one.

Attention crying

Attention crying is when a child wants comfort and attention from a parent. It's absolutely natural and how babies signal that they want us. It can often be confused with pain crying, but is slightly different, more frustration based. This cry may not have a specific pattern, but the baby will often stop crying once you pick them up or hold them. Babies in pain generally won't stop crying when they are picked up. Babies will often display this type of cry during sleep coaching/sleep training. This type of crying is common during periods of separation anxiety, often around 8-10 months of age. Showering your baby with attention (love bombing) during the day can help soothe this type of crying. This type of crying is common during sleepcoaching, depending on the method you are using. With any sleep training method, there will be crying (and anyone who tells you there won’t be is perhaps being a bit economical with the truth!), the answer lies in how you respond to the crying.

Whatever you decide, the key is to be consistent in your responses. Think of it like a play- you say your lines, and your baby then knows how to respond. You change your lines; they are confused and unsure as to what is expected of them.

In summary

Remember that no two babies are the same, so while these are the most common types of baby and child crying, your child may have their own communication style. It's important to pay attention to your child's cries and to know what they mean. If you're having difficulty identifying the cause of your child's crying, consult with your paediatrician or other qualified healthcare professional to help put your mind at ease. The more you communicate with your baby and get to know them, the better you'll be able to understand and meet their needs.

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