Crying is one of the first responses we learn as humans. As babies we are programmed to use crying as a method of calling out for comfort when distressed. There have been many theories surrounding why babies cry, such as to exercise their lungs or to control you, when in fact the core reason for crying is to summon your help.

Babies may cry because they are hungry, tired, over- or under-stimulated by the adults and environment around them. When we consider that as babies we move from calm to fear of threat and shock very easily - such as shock from stimulants that are too bright, too hot, too cold or too sudden - we can begin to understand how our infant sees their world.

Knowing what your baby’s cry means can take time. Whether it is a tired, hungry or ‘I need changing’ cry doesn’t really matter as long as you gain the ability to calm your baby and meet their needs.

The first three months of a baby’s life is when you will experience the most crying. This usually peaks when the baby is three to six weeks old and reduces at around twelve to sixteen weeks. Some experts explain this timing as a result of babies becoming more mobile and being able to grasp and play, therefore reducing boredom and frustration.

When a baby is left crying, high levels of stress hormones wash over the brain, the feelgood chemicals associated with wellbeing are withdrawn, and pain circuits are activated as they would be if your baby was hurt physically.

There is nothing better than cuddling your baby and getting that wonderful feedback when they look into your eyes and give you that lovely smile! Touch is essential for us humans as it releases the love hormone oxytocin – next time you hear your baby’s cry pick them up and reverse the effects of the stress hormones.

See parentandbabycoach.co.uk