Interpreting Cries
Here's What To Do
1
Notice the different types of cries I make:
- Can you hear any differences between my pain, hungry, wet, and need attention cries?
- Sometimes it may be impossible to figure them out.
2
If my cry is difficult to figure out, you can try to help me through trial and error (change my diaper, offer a feeding, cuddle me, etc.).
3
There will probably be times when nothing seems to soothe me. Sometimes babies cry for no known reason!
4
It can be very hard to hear me cry for a long time or with great intensity. If nothing seems to help, remember:
- It's okay to put me in my crib, make sure I am safe, and leave the room. I will be okay and I need you to be okay too.
- You can check on me and cuddle me again every few minutes to reassure both of us. And you may be surprised, and I’ll just fall asleep or stop crying on my own!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Before you respond to my cry, try to notice how it sounds.
E
Engage:
- Talk to me quietly about what you think the problem may be. I may not understand, but your comforting tone will let me know that you're trying to help.
- It's great for us to spend lots of time cuddling when I am not crying. This helps me learn that I don't need to cry to be held and comforted.
E
Encourage:
- When you respond promptly to my crying, you're letting me know that you understand my communication. Don't worry about spoiling me at this age.
- If I don't cry much, I still need plenty of your attention. Some infants don't cry as much as others, and you'll learn to understand other cues that they need something.
R
Reflect:
- Do you think you correctly interpreted any of my cries today?
As your child grows...
They will develop other methods of communicating their needs, through facial expressions, pointing, and eventually talking.