During the birthing process, newborns usually cry immediately after birth. This cry is known as the "birth cry" and is a normal response to the sudden change in environment and the initiation of breathing outside the womb. The birth cry is important as it helps to clear the baby's lungs of amniotic fluid and assists in establishing their respiratory function.
After birth, newborns continue to cry as a means of communication. Crying is one of the primary ways infants express their needs and discomforts since they cannot verbally communicate yet. Newborns may cry for various reasons, including hunger, needing a diaper change, feeling too hot or cold, being tired, experiencing gas or colic pain, or simply seeking comfort and attention.
The frequency of newborn crying can vary from baby to baby, but it is common for newborns to cry for an average of 1 to 3 hours per day during the first few weeks after birth. Some newborns may cry more, while others may cry less. As babies grow and develop, their crying patterns tend to change, and they may develop more effective ways of communicating their needs.
It's important for parents to be responsive to their newborn's cries, as this helps build a sense of trust and security for the baby. If parents are concerned about excessive crying or unusual crying patterns, they should seek advice from their pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues or discomforts.