Understanding your baby's cry?

Question

Many people have told me how they know what their baby wants from their cry. My son is 8 weeks old but i can't tell the difference between his cries. Can you normally tell by now?

Answer 1

I bet if you sit quietly and think about it ....you can.
You do what needs to be done when he cries...so how is it you know what to do if you aren't tuned in to his cries?
YOU ARE SO GOOD AT THIS!!! Number one!
Peace, Momma.

Answer 2

To be honest many babies are different and unique in their own way... my son is 71/2 weeks old and I can sort of tell what some of his cries mean but I am not exactly on point just yet. I think in a matter of time we will both be able to tell.. its naturally a mother's instinct... no one has put a time frame on when a mother should be able to tell her babies cries it's just a natural instinct it will come around I am sure of it... be patient for your baby and "study" the babies cry as far as the differences between when they are hungry, wet or just want attention... like I said I am in between knowing and not knowing but I know it will only be a matter of time when I will know as the baby get's older and more wiser smiles enjoy these precious times now because I am told they go by pretty fast...smiles take care~

Answer 3

Some baby's have very distinct cries for different things, others have very similar cries.

Do you find yourself automatically reaching for a bottle/breast or a diaper when he cries? You may recognize his cries and not even realize it. It's usually trial and error. You may never really be able to distinguish his cries but as long as his needs are being met and you are not going insane from his constant crying - you're doing what all moms do- new and seasoned.

Answer 4

My kids are all grown up and when they were babies I always had trouble distinguishing what their cries meant. My solution was to just try everything. Were they hungry, tired, wet? Sometimes you tell because you assess other clues. Like they haven't napped in a long time so they are probably tired. Eventually they learned to talk and they could tell me in words. Don't worry, it all works out. sometimes kids cry and there is just nothing you can do about it - doesn't mean you are a bad mom - just some kids have different temperaments.

Answer 5

I think it is kind of hard to say that you can understand exactly what your baby wants just by his/her cry. Best thing you can do is to pay attention to your sons actions when he cries...visual signs are more likely to help you understand what is wrong. For instance hands in the mouth..he is hungry...Tightening of his fists and pulling his legs to his stomach could mean that he is gassy. Eight weeks is still young you are both trying to figure each other out....and you will. Don't worry so much chances are if he has been fed and changed he is most likely just tired or wants to be held. Best of luck

Answer 6

My wee babe is 4 months old, and I'm just getting the hang of which cry means what (first time mom!). What I find is working better than listening is watching. Body language says so much (eye rubbing, hand sucking, sporadic kicking, turning her head away), and is helping me figure out what the cry means when she does a certain thing.

Don't worry -- people say you'll start to know for a reason. That reason is because, after you and your baby start to get used to one another, you'll figure out his language. Give it time. It'll get easier! Good luck. :)

Answer 7

My boy is 4 months old and I now can identify:
Hungry - screaming very loud in his deepest voice
In Pain - a shrill cry
Wet - a whimpery cry
Lonely - a sad little cry at intervals
Bored - A loud cry that stops as soon as you pay attention to him

You will get to know your boy's language. Have faith!

Cheers,

Samlet

Answer 8

I am a FTM to a 3.5 month old and only within the last month maybe less have I been able to tell what she wants by her cry. Don't worry about it. One day it will just click.

Answer 9

I think w/ my first child I could tell by the time she ws at least 4 weeks aybe earlier. I was a stay at home mom, if you work it may take longer for you to pick up on the cues.

Answer 10

with my son it was when he cried soft and kinda loud he was wet and needed changing.....when it was loud and sounded like he was in pain it was gas and needed to be burped........more of a sobbing cry was hunger......all other cries I just picked him up and held him until I heard one of those familiar cries and acted on it......

Your mothering instinct will kick-in and you will find out what your son needs as well, best of luck

Answer 11

If you are in Australia there is a special on tonight called, "Look Who's Talking" with the baby whisperer woman that was on Oprah.

I'm going to watch it to see what all the fuss is about.