Crying is your baby's only language, and in the beginning, it can feel like they're speaking in code. Take a breath -- you will learn to decode this, usually faster than you think. Here's a starting cheat sheet for the five most common cries and what's likely behind them.
The 5 Main Cries: Hunger, Tired, Pain or discomfort, Overstimulation, Boredom or wanting connection.
Cries Have Different Sounds -- Even If It's Subtle: Pitch, Rhythm, Urgency.
The Checklist Approach: When you're not sure, run through needs in order rather than guessing.
Colic vs. Normal Fussiness -- The Rule of 3s: crying that happens for at least 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or longer.
When to Call the Doctor: Fever over 100.4F in a baby under 3 months, forceful vomiting, blood in the stool, weak or unusual-sounding cry.
