Understanding Baby Cries

Understanding Baby Cries
What those tears really mean, and how to soothe them by Abbey Westbury May 31, 2011
http://www.babble.com/baby/baby-development/no-more-baby-cries/?page=2

Type of Cry: Violent, high-pitched, short and loud screams, closed eyes, skin flushed and feverish or sometimes pale
Cause: Real pain
Cure: Check for high temperature, swelling, rash, blood, breathing issues. If necessary call the doctor.

Type of Cry: Whiny, breathy, indecisive, repetitive sound, increases in volume and intensity. Wriggly body, maybe flushed or cold skin
Cause: Discomfort
Cure: Check the obvious: diaper, skin temperature, clothes (including socks!) and adjust accordingly. The crying should stop forthwith.

Type of Cry: Short, siren-like, rhythmic “nyah-nyah” cries, builds in volume and intensity
Cause: Hunger
Cure: If your baby has eaten a full feeding in the past two hours, he might just need to suckle. Don’t be afraid to pass him a pacifier or a finger.

Type of Cry: A confused pause and then quick onset of high-pitched wailing, stops easily when the child is held.
Cause: Fear
Cure: Usually your baby just needs a cuddle and maybe a little bit of rocking to calm down and be reassured.

Type of Cry: A sharp, open-mouthed wail that can come on gradually with eye rubbing.
Cause: Tiredness
Cure: Let the baby settle in the crib. Some like to be swaddled. Dark rooms and soft music can be helpful as can the rhythmic movement of rocking and swaying.

Type of Cry: Ranges from a whimpering, pushing sound to an urgent, panicked grunting cry, often legs are pulled up, or baby is flailing
Cause: Indigestion/Gas
Cure: They may just need to be burped. If it seems to be more intestinal try putting the baby on their back and move their legs in a peddling movement or massage the lower abdomen. If it is continuous check your diet if breastfeeding or the baby's formula.

Type of Cure: A piercing, howling, “aaah” cry, relentless, inconsolable, accompanied by tensed limbs, arched back, clenched fists. Your child cries at least 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks (usually late in the day)
Cause: Colic
Cure: It only affects about 20% of babies and will it will stop around 14 weeks.
Some things to try: the football hold (carrying baby face down across your forearm), a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel under baby’s tummy, skin to skin contact, a warm shower (hold your baby tightly: slippery when wet!)
HP reader Jenn P. sends this along-"For the colic cry, I recommend the Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr Harvey Karp -- his theory and solution worked perfectly for our very fussy daughter!"