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Child Development 101: Communicating through Crying

July 26, 2010
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From the moment they enter the world, babies have the ability to express themselves through crying. While crying is expected and normal, recognizing the cause and responding with the right actions can be challenging for new parents.  

The most common causes of crying include hunger, digestive discomfort, change of environment, illness or pain, boredom, a desire for attention, sleepiness and fear.  Some babies have colic and are calm during the day but cry excessively at night, a condition that can last a few months.  

In identifying the source of their baby's cries, parents should ask the following to determine what action to take: Could the baby be hungry? Does the baby need to be burped? Could the baby have an upset stomach or constipation? Is the diaper wet or soiled? Does the baby feel insecure or frightened? Could the baby be sick or in pain? Is the baby uncomfortable (e.g., excessive temperatures, pinching diaper) or sleepy?

"It is important for parents to step back and consider what is going on with the baby and also with themselves," according to Joan Maltese, a First 5 LA child development consultant, clinical psychologist, and executive director of the Child Development Institute in Woodland Hills.  

Most of the time, she notes, parents can take appropriate steps to soothe the baby and stop the crying. But parents should seek help when:

  • They feel overwhelmed by the infant's crying and don't feel they are having success in meeting the child's needs.
  • They don't want to be with their baby because of the crying.
  • The baby is losing weight and eating habits have changed.
  • The baby is very reactive to sensory stimulation like touch, noises, movement, etc.
  • They can't identify why the baby is crying and nothing seems to work.

"Crying is one of the most powerful ways for an infant to communicate -- and it's particularly effective with the people who need to hear it and respond to its meaning -- parents," she adds.

‹‹Back to this week's Monday Morning Report 



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