What your baby says

Crying is about the only way babies have of expressing their needs. Your baby will have a range of different cries, each with a different meaning, such as feed me, change me, I hurt someplace, I'm cold or hot, I'm tired and I'm just plain mad. In time, you'll learn what he or she is trying to tell you.

Hiccups are very common for the first two months and bother us but not them. He or she may "startle" with a noise or jolt and may move his or her arms with jittery movements.

Some babies are more fretful than others. It is common for babies to cry or fuss about the same time each day, often in the evening. This may go on for quite a while without apparent reason and be a real concern to parents. Offering an extra feeding seldom helps. Sometimes a warm bath or holding will help. Some babies relax if they are swaddled snugly in a blanket. Sometimes the only way to handle these regularly scheduled fussy periods is to put the baby in bed, close the door and try to avoid getting frustrated. As your child gets older and begins to coo and laugh, you'll be more than rewarded for your patience during the rough times.

If you choose to use a pacifier, use one that is molded out of a single piece rather than multiple parts that can be swallowed or cause choking. Never put a pacifier on a string or chain around the baby's neck!

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