Children are each born with different personalities, features, and characteristics.
Although all babies are different, they each have similar needs.
Parents tend to find themselves overwhelmed with questions and concerns upon the birth of a newborn child.
Amongst some of those concerns include wanting to know their child's correct birth weight, when to feed them, the difference between a hungry cry and a sleepy cry, etc.
Sometimes babies cry because their tummies are aching, and then at other times, they cry simply because they want to be held.
The first way to understand what your baby is really in need of is to listen to his cry.
Given below is a small list of different types of cries and their distinctive meanings: Hunger cry - Babies who are hungry will often exhibit a somewhat low-pitched cry that rises and falls but keeps within a certain rhythm.
Other present characteristics include thumb-sucking, rooting, and an inability to be calmed down.
Discomfort cry - The situations in which a newborn can become uncomfortable are many.
The child might be too cold, too hot, need a diaper change, miss their blanket, etc.
A basic whiny cry that doesn't stop after a couple of minutes indicates that the child needs attention immediately.
Restless cry - Newborns need lots of attention and stimulation for development of healthy emotions and learning.
When a child becomes restless, it's time to do something else such as turn on an educational cartoon, play patty-cake, or look at a picture book.
A restless cry is similar to a whiny cry but stops just as soon as the child receives attention or is picked up.
Painful cry - When a child is in pain, it isn't difficult to spot.
A painful cry is loud, somewhat rhythmic, with pauses in between.
Some people would describe painful cries as screeching noises.
Another major concern of parenting newborns includes helping the child maintain the proper weight.
All children are different in shape and size, so not all weights are the same.
You must first check in with your babies pediatrician to be sure he is of the proper weight.
The key is to get the newborn infant on a set feeding schedule.
Unless there is cause for concern, always feed the child when he is hungry.
If the child won't eat, check for symptoms of gas, bloating, diarrhea, and colic.
Oftentimes, newborns have a difficult time adapting to formula if the parent chooses not to breastfeed.
Always express any concerns you may have with feeding with the child's pediatrician.
Cases in which the child will not eat anything at all should be taken very seriously, especially if all other options have been exhausted.
An emergency-room visit may be required.
If bottle-feeding, make sure to use a variety of bottle-nipples and bottles to see which one the child prefers.
Formula may also have to be switched around to avoid feeding complications.
No one ever said parenting a newborn was a piece of cake, but if you pay close attention to your child, it comes rather easy.
What it all boils down to is attentiveness to their cries, providing lots of love and attention, keeping an eye on their weight, and keeping a close relationship with the pediatrician.
If you can do that, then you've got a good chance to make it to the next stage, parenting a toddler.