The top reasons for an infant to cry are:
Hunger – Babies often cry when they need to be fed.
Tiredness – Crying is a common sign that a baby is sleepy or overtired.
Dirty Diaper – A wet or soiled diaper can make a baby uncomfortable and fussy.
Need for Comfort – Babies may cry because they want to be held, cuddled, or need reassurance.
Pain or Discomfort – This could be due to gas, colic, teething, or other physical discomforts.
According to Harvard's Center on the Developing Child, babies cry as a primary way to communicate their needs and feelings. Crying is a normal and healthy behavior that signals to caregivers that the baby may be hungry, tired, uncomfortable, in pain, or in need of attention and comfort. It is also a way for babies to express stress or overstimulation.
Responding to a baby's cries with sensitivity and care helps build trust and supports healthy brain development. Consistent, nurturing responses from caregivers teach babies that their needs will be met, which is essential for emotional security and the development of strong parent-child bonds.