Why Do Babies Cry When Born?

 

 Table of Contents

 

-  Why Do Babies Cry When Born?

-  Introduction 👶

-     Adjusting to the New Environment 🏥

-     Physical Stress of Delivery 🤰

-     Hunger Cues 🍼

-     Need for Touch and Comfort 🤗 

-     Developmental Immaturity 🧠

-     Overstimulation 🚨

-     Language of Crying 🗣

-  When Crying is Cause for Concern 🚑

-  Soothing a Crying Newborn 🧸

-     Responding Promptly

-     Feeding

-     Skin-to-Skin Contact

-     Motion and White Noise 

-     Swaddling 

-     Pacifiers

-     Bath Time

-     Crying Peaks and Wanes 

-  Preparing for a Fussy Newborn 📝

-  When to Call the Doctor 👨‍⚕️

-  Crying and Brain Development 🧠

-  Conclusion ✅

-  Frequently Asked Questions ❓

 

 Why Do Babies Cry When Born?

 

Introduction 👶

 

The first piercing cries a baby makes when entering the world is one of the most memorable and emotional moments for new parents. But why do babies cry right after they are born?

 

An infant's cry is their first form of communication and a signal to those around them. A newborn's senses are still immature, so crying is their main way to express needs and react to their strange new environment.

 

Understanding why babies cry can help parents provide comfort and care during the initial transition home from the hospital. While it can be alarming to hear your little one wailing, in most cases, crying is healthy and expected for all newborns.

 

There are many reasons babies cry at birth, ranging from the stress of delivery to adjusting to life outside the womb. By responding promptly, you can help soothe your fussy infant and make them feel safe during those early confusing days.

 

 Reasons Babies Cry at Birth 😭

 

Babies cry for a variety of reasons in their first days and weeks of life.

 

Here are some of the most common explanations for newborn tears:

 

 Adjusting to the New Environment 🏥

 

For nine months, the womb was a baby's home. Surrounded by amniotic fluid, the environment was warm, dark, and enclosed. They could hear their mother's heartbeat and voice. 

 

When born, babies are abruptly exposed to a bright, cold operating room or delivery room, handled by masked doctors, and wiped down under harsh lights. This dramatic change of environment from the only home they have ever known is stressful.

 

Having spent months suspended in fluid, a newborn's vestibular system is not accustomed to the pulls of gravity. The differences in smells, sounds, and textures are alarming compared to the familiar womb. Newborns may feel confused and long for the comfort and darkness of the uterus. Loud noises and cold air cause discomfort.

 

Crying helps babies express their distress at this disruption and unfamiliar new surroundings. They have no other way of communicating how overwhelmed they feel. It is an instinctual reaction to a world that is the total opposite of what they are adapted to. Screaming alerts others that something is wrong and elicits comfort from caregivers.

 

With time, the baby will adapt to life outside the womb as it becomes familiar. But those first days of drastic environmental changes make crying an expected reaction. Understanding this helps parents have empathy for their frightened newborn adjusting to their strange new home.

 

 Physical Stress of Delivery 🤰

 

Childbirth is an intense, traumatic event for babies. During the final stage of labor, contractions compress the infant's delicate body to push them forcibly through the narrow birth canal.

 

The baby experiences immense pressure on their skull and extremities as they are squeezed and propelled downward with each contraction. This squeezing is necessary to mold the skull and allow shoulders to pass through the pelvis.

 

But for the baby, this extreme pressure on their fragile, flexible bones and joints is very stressful. The muscles along their body are pressed tightly as they twist and turn moving down the birth canal. This sensation is alarming.

 

Once the baby's head emerges, obstetricians guide the body out by pulling on the head and neck. This handling is uncomfortable. The umbilical cord may wrap around the neck, compressing blood flow.

 

After birth, babies often have skull molding or caput from the pressure of passing through the pelvis. This can give their head a pointed or cone shape. Bruising, facial redness, and generalized swelling is also common.

 

Furthermore, the sudden change in temperature, noise level, and brightness of delivery is extremely disruptive after the calm womb. Hospital staff handles the slimy newborn to wipe them off, suction the airway, clamp the cord, and perform medical checks under bright lights.

 

All of this intense manhandling is stressful for someone just entering the world. A baby's only way to express their discomfort and release the tension caused by the strain of labor and delivery is to cry. Loud, lusty crying helps relieve the trauma.

 

 Hunger Cues 🍼

 

Newborns have a strong inborn need and urge to suckle. Babies are born with rooting and sucking reflexes that encourage breastfeeding. After birth, they begin rooting for the breast and trying to nurse almost immediately.

 

In the womb, babies received continuous nourishment through the umbilical cord. After delivery, the sudden discontinuation of this cord blood flow means babies have to start sucking for food. The change from passive to active feeding can be perplexing. 

 

If mother and baby are unable to initiate breastfeeding right after delivery, the infant can become increasingly hungry. Fussy behavior, like crying and rooting, signals a baby's hunger and need to nurse. This stimulates the mother's milk production.

 

Some newborns may have trouble properly latching on and struggle to transfer milk effectively in the early days. Growth spurts also increase hunger. All of this can lead to frustrated, hungry cries until feeding improves. By crying, the baby is communicating their need to eat.

 

 Need for Touch and Comfort 🤗

 

Positive physical touch and skin-to-skin contact are vital to newborns immediately after birth and in the following days and weeks. Gentle handling helps facilitate bonding, provides warmth and security, stabilizes vital signs, and decreases stress from the trauma of delivery.

 

However, many standard hospital procedures involve minimal skin contact for babies after birth. Newborns are often quickly wiped off under warmers, weighed on scales, and swaddled in blankets before being handed to mom.

 

But babies crave the soothing sensation of skin-to-skin time. Research shows babies who receive more physical contact cry less overall. Kangaroo care and breastfeeding promote oxytocin release to calm babies. But when this need for gentle touch is not met, infants become distressed.

 

By crying, the baby signals their need for affectionate holding and comfort. Physical closeness is key to their emotional well-being and bonding. A baby who is frequently handled, rocked, and cuddled will cry less than one who is left alone in a hospital bassinet. Responding to touch cues is essential.

 

 Developmental Immaturity 🧠

 

Babies are born with very immature brains and central nervous systems. Their senses and abilities to process stimuli are still developing. They startle easily and have difficulty with state regulation and self-soothing.

 

A newborn's vision is blurry in the first weeks until their eyes mature. Their ears are functioning but overwhelmed by loud noises. Smells and touches can be noxious. Vestibular regulation of head and body position is poor. And they lack rhythmicity between sleep and wake cycles. 

 

All of this means newborns quickly become overstimulated with too much light, sound, motion, or activity around them. Their immature brains cannot filter stimuli adequately. They have difficulty transitioning between alert, drowsy, and sleep states smoothly. Expecting them to calmly drift off is unrealistic at this stage.

 

The inborn startle reflex also causes frequent sudden movements that keep waking babies up. Their cries express how overwhelmed they feel by their lack of neurological development. Parents can help by minimizing stimulation, allowing time to rest between activities, and using calming techniques to help regulate baby's immature system.

 

 Overstimulation 🚨

 

With an extremely immature central nervous system, newborns have virtually no ability to filter stimuli and become easily overstimulated. Their cries signal when the lights are too bright, noises too harsh, or activity too excessive.

 

New parents often make the mistake of constantly trying to interact, play with, or keep their baby awake and engaged. But newborns need lots of downtime. Too much excitement can stress out an immature baby accustomed to the quiet confines of the womb.

 

A crying newborn may be trying to communicate they need a break from nonstop attention. The best thing parents can do is gently swaddle them in a quiet, dim room and avoid overhandling. Frequent feeds disrupt sleep cycles too, so allowing longer stretches can help prevent overtired, fussy behavior.

 

Being patient and allowing ample empty gaps in the day helps prevent overstimulation. Let your baby disengage their senses and sleep as needed. They will gradually become more alert and interactive as their nervous system matures over the first 2-3 months.

 

 Language of Crying 🗣

 

Crying is the only form of communication newborns have. Specific cries can signal distinct needs to caregivers. High-pitched, short cries often mean hunger. Low-pitched moaning could indicate tiredness. Piercing screams suggest pain or extreme discomfort.

 

By tuning into cues, parents can learn the unique language of their baby's cries. Subtle differences in tone, urgency, cadence, or pitch provide insight. Over time, you will intuitively recognize what certain cries mean, whether it is a wet diaper, need for touch, or frustration at being restrained in a wrap.

 

Some babies are more vocal by nature and use crying to express themselves often. Others may be more sensitive to stimuli and fussier in response. Every baby is unique. But paying close attention helps parents translate what their newborn is trying to say through their cries.

 

Responding promptly to cries and meeting needs teaches infants that communication is effective. This cycle fosters trust and can lessen fussing over time. Learn your newborn's language through active listening.

 

 When Crying is Cause for Concern 🚑

 

Crying is normal for newborns and typically not a cause for alarm on its own.

 

However, if your baby has any of the following, contact your pediatrician right away:

 

- High-pitched, shrill, inconsolable crying for hours on end

- Pulling knees to chest and arching back due to pain

- Wheezing, rapid breathing, breathing pauses

- Blue color to lips, fingers, toes

- Refusing to eat repeatedly

- Projectile vomiting

- Fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

- Seizures or body stiffness

- Crying without shedding tears

 

While the average newborn cries for 2-3 hours per day, crying that seems extreme or cannot be consoled may signal an underlying medical issue requiring attention. Possible causes include infections, reflux, allergies, neurological problems, or disorders that cause intestinal cramping.

 

Always follow your gut instinct if something about your baby's cry seems disturbing or atypical. You know your infant best. Any signs of respiratory distress, unrelenting pain, lethargy, or other concerning symptoms should be immediately evaluated.

 

In rare cases, colic can also result in prolonged, inconsolable daily crying. Never be afraid to call the doctor if your baby's cries seem distressed. Getting medical guidance brings peace of mind that your little one is okay.

 

 Soothing a Crying Newborn 🧸

 

Attending quickly to a newborn's cries is crucial for meeting their needs, building attachment, and decreasing total fussiness. With time, learning what soothes your baby best will become second nature.

 

Here are proven calming techniques:

 

 Responding Promptly

 

Crying starts a stress response in babies' bodies that intensifies the longer left unattended. Responding as soon as possible, even just with touch and vocal reassurance, signals your presence. This helps shut off the cry response rather than letting it escalate.

 

Studies show newborns whose caregivers respond faster cry less overall by 8 weeks old. Promptly checking for wet diapers, hunger, discomfort, or overstimulation lets your baby know their needs will be met. Consistency is key - the more promptly you attend to cries, the less baby will fret.

 

 Feeding

 

Hunger is one of the most common reasons for newborn tears. Offering the breast or bottle is often the simplest first step when a baby cries. Sucking is extremely soothing, and babies nurse for comfort as well as nutrition. Keep feedings frequent on demand.

 

If breastfeeding, ensure baby is properly latched and positioned. Check for signs your baby is transferring enough milk, like swallowing and wet diapers. Growth spurts around 2-3 weeks and 6 weeks increase hunger. Refusing a pacifier but rooting indicates hunger. Crying stops with a full belly.

 

 Skin-to-Skin Contact 

 

Also called kangaroo care, holding your diapered baby against your bare chest facilitates bonding, warmth, and relaxation. The contact and sound of your heartbeat mimic the womb to help shut down crying. Loose swaddles allow cuddling without restraining arms and legs.

 

Aim for at least an hour per day of skin time. Carry in a sling or baby carrier to keep contact constant through activities. Given the choice, babies will opt for a warm chest over bassinets. Skin nourishes a newborn emotionally as much as milk does physically.

 

 Motion and White Noise

 

The motions of being rocked, bounced, or swayed with a rhythmic "shushing" sound comfort and lull newborns. These actions mimic being back in the womb. Try rocking chairs, baby swings, strollers, yoga balls, and infant car seats for gentle movement. For white noise, use sound machines, fans, or recordings of heartbeat sounds.

 

 Swaddling

 

Newborns startle easily and have difficulty calming themselves. Swaddling provides a cozy, womb-like feeling by containing arm and leg movements. Ensure swaddles are secure but loose enough to avoid hip issues. Only swaddle under supervision for naps and nighttime, stopping once baby can roll over. Many babies sleep longer when swaddled.

 

 Pacifiers

 

Sucking is innately pleasurable for babies. Pacifiers provide non-nutritive sucking when the baby simply wants to gratify this need between feeds. This helps soothe mild fussiness. Introduce pacifiers after 3-4 weeks old to avoid confusion with breastfeeding. Never force them if rejected or attach to clothing or toys due to safety risks.

 

 Bath Time

 

Warm baths remind newborns of the snug womb environment they knew. Baths relax muscles, distract from discomfort, and expedite bedtime routines. Keep the temperature comfortable and lights dim. Talk, sing, or smile during baths so they become associated with positive interactions. Avoid vigorous splashing. After, lotion massage helps sustain soothing.

 

 Crying Peaks and Wanes

 

When consoling a crying newborn, remember fussing happens in bursts with intermittent calmer periods. Crying tends to peak around 6-8 weeks then lessen. Attempting to soothe constantly can be counterproductive - baby needs "mini-breaks" from stimulation. Watch for windows of quiet alertness as signals to engage.

 

With experimentation, you will find the techniques that work to console your particular baby, whether it is touch, motion, white noise, pacifiers, or swaddling. Babies cannot be spoiled with too much responsiveness - meeting their needs builds trust. Stay patient and cling to restful moments when fussy behavior seems nonstop.

 

 Preparing for a Fussy Newborn 📝 

 

Since most newborns go through a period of frequent crying, preparing yourself mentally makes coping easier:

 

- Ask for help: Line up family and friends to assist with meals, errands, and giving you breaks. Don't be afraid to ask. You need support.

 

- Take shifts: If co-parenting, arrange shifts to alternate who handles night wakings and fussy periods. Splitting duties allows each parent some uninterrupted rest.

 

- Establish routines: Structure your days to help baby's cues align. Feed, nap, and sleep at consistent times. Wind down at night gradually. Minimize stimulation late.

 

- Learn soothing techniques: Experiment to find what works best to calm your baby. Study their cries so you intuit what they need. Respond quickly.

 

- Lower standards: Household chores will slide. Let go of perfectionism temporarily. Survival trumps laundry. Order in food or use paper plates. Streamline where you can. 

 

- Sleep when baby sleeps: Rest whenever possible, even for catnaps. Sleep deprivation exacerbates stress. Ask others to watch baby while you recharge.

 

- Trade off: On rough days, take turns being "on duty" every 2-3 hours to briefly relieve each other. timeouts prevent burnout.

 

- Limit visitors: Keep visits brief and low-key. Explain you may need to excuse yourself if baby is fussy and your priority is calming them.

 

- Walk away if needed: Place baby safely in crib on back if you feel frustrated or overwhelmed. Take a few moments to regroup and calm down before resuming soothing efforts.

 

- Talk to other parents: Chances are they experienced similar challenges. Bond over the ups and downs. Share advice and lean on one another.

 

- Stay patient: Remind yourself daily that fussiness peaks around 6-8 weeks then wanes. You've got this! Better days are coming.

 

 When to Call the Doctor 👨‍⚕️

 

Consult your pediatrician promptly if:

 

- Crying persists over 3-4 hours consistently 

 

- High-pitched cry or scream sounds pained

 

- Inconsolable without pausing, especially in the evenings

 

- Pulling knees to chest and arching back

 

- Difficulty breathing, turning blue, or rapid breathing

 

- Wheezing or coughing

 

- Gagging or choking during crying

 

- Fever over 100.4 F

 

- Excessive sleepiness or lethargy

 

- Poor feeding or vomiting after feeds

 

- Signs of dehydration like no wet diapers 

 

- Rash, swollen eyes, hives, or scratching facial rash

 

- Seizures, body stiffening, or tremors

 

- Irritability after a fall or hard impact

 

- Crying without shedding tears

 

Prolonged and intense crying in an otherwise healthy infant can signify colic, but first rule out other possible medical issues. Fever, breathing issues, and signs of pain warrant prompt medical assessment.

 

Always trust your instincts as the parent. You know what is typical crying versus unusual for your baby. Any time crying seems like a new pattern or associated with other issues, check with your pediatrician right away.

 

Describe the cry characteristics like pitch and intensity along with any accompanying symptoms. Work with your doctor to identify potential causes like reflux, allergies, infection, or neurological problems.

 

Checking in provides peace of mind that your baby is healthy or a diagnosis if intervention is needed. Never feel bad consulting professionals - getting answers allows for better support.

 

While waiting for your pediatrician appointment when worried:

 

- Check baby's temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate

 

- Ensure baby is eating enough by monitoring feeding frequency and counts of wet/dirty diapers

 

- Try skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, white noise, pacifier, gentle motion, and other soothing techniques

 

- Dim lights, minimize stimulation and noise

 

- Hold and comfort baby close, offering reassurance

 

- Avoid introducing new foods or formulas without asking doctor

 

- Make sure baby is not overdressed or getting overheated

 

- Write down details about crying episodes like time of day, duration, pitch, triggers, and associated symptoms

 

- Have your pediatrician's emergency after-hours contact number handy

 

- If symptoms seem severe, go directly to the emergency room or call 911

 

With colic, remember:

 

- It starts/peaks around 2 weeks old and improves significantly by 3-4 months old

 

- Crying often peaks in the late afternoon/evening

 

- High-pitched intermittent cries, grimacing, knees pulled up

 

- Crying duration averages 4 hours but is temporary

 

Never shake or harm a colicky baby. Remain calm and use support systems. Colic resolves on its own as the nervous system and muscles mature. During intense bouts, place baby safely in crib and take a breather. Check in frequently.

 

While exhausting, colic is temporary and no one's fault. Consult your pediatrician to ensure it is not another medical condition. With patience and teamwork, you will get through this phase.

 

 Crying and Brain Development 🧠

 

Crying during infancy serves several important roles for brain development:

 

- Strengthens lungs & vocal cords: The deep breaths and robust vocalization of crying exercise the respiratory muscles and lungs. These systems are still immature after the womb.

 

- Releases stress hormones: Crying helps purge the stress hormone cortisol that builds up from discomfort, pain, overstimulation. This protects the nervous system.

 

- Increases circulation: The surge of activity and extra oxygenation of tissues boosts blood flow to the brain and body. This nourishes growth.

 

- Enhances parent-child bonding: Crying motivates caregivers to provide affection and care. Responding to needs forges secure emotional attachments.

 

- Exercises pathways in the brain: The brain's neural connections multiply as babies communicate needs, which parents then meet. This repetition aids development.

 

While excessive crying can be frustrating, it serves a purpose. Responding patiently to your newborn’s cries nourishes their growth in multiple ways. With time, crying peaks then lessens as babies become more communicative and regulated.

 

 Conclusion ✅

 

Hearing your newborn cry can be worrying and exhausting for parents. But try to remember that crying is normal and expected for all babies, especially in the first 2-3 months.

 

Newborns cry for many reasons like discomfort from delivery, major adjustments to their environment, hunger, need for touch, or developmental immaturity. Crying is their only way of communicating needs at this young age. 

 

With attentive, responsive caregiving and affection, most babies cry less by 6-8 weeks old as they become more settled and attached. Once concerning medical issues are ruled out, have confidence your baby just needs time to transition to the outside world.

 

Meeting your newborn’s needs promptly when they cry fosters trust and eases fussiness over time. Stay patient, keep soothing, ask for help when overwhelmed, and take comfort that this intense period of crying will pass. The sound of coos and giggles will come soon!

 

 Frequently Asked Questions ❓

 

Q: How long will my newborn cry each day?

 

A: Crying duration peaks around 6-8 weeks at 2-3 hours daily on average. By 3-4 months, it drops to about 1 hour per day. Preemies and babies with colic may cry more. Responding to cries consistently helps minimize total daily duration.

 

Q: When does colic crying peak?

 

A: Colic crying intensity typically peaks around 6 weeks of age then slowly improves until 3-4 months. The inconsolable crying often starts in the early evenings. Colic is intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby that lasts over 3 hours a day, over 3 days a week, for longer than 3 weeks.

 

Q: Is it normal for newborns to sleep a lot?

 

A: Yes, it is completely normal and healthy for newborns to sleep an average of 16-18 hours per day. Their frequent sleep is crucial for rapid brain development. Allow your baby ample downtime between feedings and interaction. Crying often increases with overtiredness, so uninterrupted daytime sleep helps fussiness.

 

Q: Can newborns be spoiled if I respond to crying right away?

 

A: No, newborns cannot be spoiled with too much responsiveness in the first 3 months. Promptly responding to their cries is key to reducing total fussiness by meeting their needs and building trust. Infants cry to communicate. Leaving them to "cry it out" is detrimental at this age.

 

Q: When can I let my baby "cry it out" to sleep?

 

A: Letting a baby "cry it out" is not recommended until after 6 months old when sleep training may be appropriate for some babies. But newborns should never be left to cry it out - tending promptly to their needs is crucial. Between 4-6 months, some brief fussing with parental checks can help babies learn to self-settle.

 

Q: What is the most common reason newborns cry?

 

A: The most common reason newborns cry is hunger. Feed on demand whenever showing rooting cues. Other top reasons for crying include a wet or soiled diaper, needing sleep/naps, wanting to be held, and getting overstimulated. Check these first when baby fusses.