I'm a baby expert and there are five types of cries – how to spot them & what they mean | The Sun

FOR new parents, it can be incredibly difficult working out just what your child wants.

If they're full up, dry and comfortable – then why are they crying?

And while it's natural to worry when your baby cries, it's actually "the best and only way they can communicate with you to let you know they need attention", certified infant massage instructor Elina Furman told us.

"Instead listen for the sound and syllables of the cry, and you will become adept at deciphering their cries in no time.

"Once you figure out what they are crying about, you can begin the process of helping them deal with the issue."

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"NEH"

This is the sound a baby makes when they are hungry.

"The sound is created when baby’s tongue touches the roof of their mouth which creates a sucking reflex," Elina, the founder of Kahlmi.com, the first baby massager, explained.

"This is a great way to detect if your baby is really hungry or just wants to nurse for comfort reasons."

Watch for hunger cues – such as putting their hands in their mouth or clenching their fists – so that your baby doesn't get over hungry.

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"Obviously, if baby has just eaten and is making this sound, make sure to check their growth and weight milestones to make sure they are getting enough milk/formula," Elina added.

"OWH"

This sound, which is usually long and drawn out, can mean baby is overstimulated and sleepy.

"It kind of sounds like a long 'ouch' without the 'ch' with baby’s mouth forming an oval shape," Elina said.

"Babies often exceed their wake window times, get overtired and produce this sound."

It can be helpful to figure out a wake/sleep chart for your baby, so you know when they should be in bed – this can help stop them from getting overtired.

"HEH"

"The 'Heh' sound is short much like 'Neh,' so it can be confusing at times to decipher," Elina said.

"But this sound is a clear indication that baby is uncomfortable.

"Whether the nappy is too tight or wet, the room is too cold, if baby has a rash, teething, or if baby is laying in a bad position, this sound is a clear indication of discomfort."

Elina advised starting by checking that baby is dry and warm enough.

"It might take a little extra digging to figure out what is the exact source of discomfort, but sometimes all baby needs is a little extra snuggle from mum," she smiled.

"EAIR"

This sound is usually down to digestive discomfort in the lower abdomen.

"Babies with colic usually make this sound and it can have a piercing quality which stresses parents out," Elina explained.

To try and help your baby, massage their belly or feet to relieve digestive discomfort.

"Another solution is to stretch and wiggle baby’s hips to help them relieve any discomfort," Elina said.

"For an added benefit, use the Kahlmi massage wand as the vibrations help release gas bubbles."

"EH"

This sound indicates that baby has gas trapped in their upper abdomen, and is produced because they are trying to push out air from their chest.

"Practice burping baby and feed them slowly, taking frequent breaks between feeding to burp them," Elina said.

"You can also experiment with different holds, such as the football hold where you apply pressure to their belly while gently thumping their back.

"Another technique is to always burp upward rather than down the back, as you want to help the gas come out of their chest and out their mouth."

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Concluding, Elina said: "The more you practice listening for the sounds and syllables, the quicker you will learn to communicate with your baby.

"Even a simple cold can lead to congestion and a grumpy, crying baby so try not to stress too much but always be alert and listen for the sounds so you can understand your baby better."

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