No amount of research, experience, patience, or knowledge can prepare you for when your baby won’t stop crying inconsolably in the middle of the night. I hope the information below can be useful for someone who is sleep deprived, exhausted and caring for a crying baby who isn’t responding to the regular comfort measures.
The information in this article is derived from an article explaining Dunstan Baby Language , and the original article can be found on alternativehealthuniverse.com and entitled “These Signs Will Help You Understand Your Baby Before It Speaks.” Using Dunstan Baby Language, the author explains how to decode your baby’s cries, movements, and sounds to guess what they are needing. While science is skeptical about the theory of using cues and signs to decode what your baby is needing, trying to figure out what your baby needs can be complicated and overwhelming at times and any helpful tool, tips, and tricks can be a Godsend.
So, what does all the crying mean and how do you differentiate what the different cries mean? Six distinct baby cries are addressed with Dunstan Baby Language:
Calling Cry: When your baby cries for a few seconds, stops for about 20 seconds, and then starts crying again, she needs attention and probably just wants to be held. If you aren’t able to hold her right away, the crying will most likely continue.
Hungry Cry: If your baby is hungry, he won’t stop crying. Your baby might make smacking sounds with his lips, turn red in the face and eventually the crying could turn hysterical which can be as stressful for the caregiver as it is for the baby.
Discomfort Cry: The tell-tale signs of a discomfort cry are that your baby will arch her back and squirm non-stop. She may need her diaper changed, be too hot or cold, or is not feeling well.
Pain Cry: This cry will be louder and sound different than any other crying you’ve heard from your baby before. The loudness, distinctness and duration of the pain cry will definitely get your attention.
Sleep Cry: A sleep cry is more of a whiny cry. Your baby will start rubbing his eyes also. When you hear your baby sound persistently whiny and he’s rubbing his eyes, then it's time for a nap.
Environmental Cry: When your baby keeps crying to get your attention and just seems fussy, she isn’t comfortable where she’s at. She may want to go home, want a different crib/rocker to play in, or be bored and she’ll keep crying to let you know.
Babies also communicate using body language. Here are six types of baby body language:
Arched Back: Babies under two months old arch their back when they have discomfort such as gas pains, colic, or need a diaper change. Babies over two months old may arch their back when they are sleepy.
Clenched Fist: A baby with a clenched fist is usually a hungry baby. If you notice your baby’s clenched fist and are able to feed right away, you may avoid the hunger cries that would come later.
Ear Grabbing: Babies love to explore and a baby who is grabbing his ear from time to time may have found his favorite new toy attached to the side of his head. If he is grabbing his ear frequently, you may want to talk to your doctor.
Head Rotation: When a baby is tired, and just about to fall asleep, you’ll notice they may turn their head from one side to the other over and over again. It almost looks like they can’t quite get comfortable. This is actually a calming technique that helps babies fall asleep.
Leg Lifting: Stomach pains and colic are the most common reasons that make a baby lift its leg because it stops the ache for a moment. Consult with a doctor if this becomes a habit or concern.
Arm Jerking: A baby will jerk her arm suddenly and wake up if she’s asleep when startled by a loud noise or bright light.
Being aware of different types of cries and body language your baby makes can help you feel even more connected to your child. Janet Lansbury explained this well In “Elevating Child Care” when she explained “hearing and acknowledging our children’s emotions can be intensely challenging, but it is essential for raising healthy children who feel connected to us.”