All babies cry but what is normal? The brief answer is anything from, say, once a day for a few minutes to crying most of the day.
Fortunately these times are the extremes of the normal range for babies so if you do have a baby that cries all the time it's important that you try and keep some perspective and not worry unduly.
Typically, the first three months are the worst.
Good parenting information will highlight this bit if you are worried; get your doctor to check.
This is very important, not only in making sure your baby is OK but in helping you to relieve your worry, even if it's only partial.
It's generally thought now that new born babies have an automatic screening ability, which can shut out all noise when it's time for baby to sleep.
This is so they get enough rest.
A good parenting method will tell you that this is the ideal time to sort out or finalise your routine.
This has to be done here because baby's noise screening ability usually disappears after about six weeks.
After that you will have to be quiet or your baby will wake crying.
I still find it amazing how most new mothers, without any experience, can quickly tell what sort of noise or movement etc.
she can do and what she can't do without waking baby.
You must remember that babies are very limited when they want to communicate and make no mistake, crying is a very powerful communication device.
The problem with crying is that babies use it for a range of communications, not just when they are in pain.
Good parenting information will inform parents about this so they can look out for the specific signs and types of crying.
The most common reasons for baby to cry are: - Boredom - babies need stimulation and you are the stimulator.
Good parenting techniques will emphasise this and also emphasise that parents should take turns.
Undertaking this activity for any length of time (by baby's definition) is totally boring for most adults but fortunately, not for the baby's parents.
Uncomfortable - Yes, babies get uncomfortable and, obviously, good parenting requires that you correct this now.
Don't worry about getting it wrong though, your baby will soon give you feedback on your performance.
Babies are very good at teaching their parents how to look after babies.
Pain - This is the same as discomfort but louder and more persistent.
Pain through illness comes into this category.
Most babies will catch a lot of minor but irritating bugs, most of which just have to be endured.
Check with your doctor if you're at all worried.
Hunger - The most common of all reasons for a baby to cry.
There's not a lot more I can say about this except to feed your baby.