One of the challenges new mothers often face while caring for their babies is understanding and responding to their crying, especially for two-month-old infants who cannot express their needs verbally and can only communicate through crying. Baby cries can generally be categorized into two situations: one is due to actual needs, such as hunger, needing a diaper change, or physical discomfort, which will be accompanied by tears; the second is a “physical release” type of crying, during which the baby may not have tears but cries out loudly. The correct way to respond to this “physical release” crying is to avoid picking the baby up immediately and instead allow them to naturally release their energy to prevent excessive excitement at night.
One strategy to train babies to reduce unnecessary crying is not to pick them up as soon as they cry, but to embrace them when they are calm, helping the baby gradually realize that they can only receive hugs when they are quiet. In practice, parents can set a time, initially allowing the baby to cry for a few minutes before soothing them. Although this may cause parents distress, sticking with it can help the baby learn that crying is not a way to gain attention.
Regarding the health signals of babies, the early stools of breastfed infants are usually softer and have a sour smell, which is normal and should not be overly concerning. As time goes by, the frequency and texture of bowel movements may change, but as long as the baby has no other uncomfortable symptoms, such as bloating, vomiting, and their weight is growing normally, there is no need to be overly anxious.
However, if the baby is unusually quiet and unresponsive to their environment, this may be a sign of health issues. For example, hypothyroidism may lead to reduced crying and slow growth; Down syndrome affects intellectual development and is characterized by distinct facial features and lower activity levels; cerebral palsy may also present as abnormal quietness and developmental delays during infancy. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be identified and managed through prenatal screening and early diagnosis.
When facing frequent crying from a two-month-old baby, parents should respond promptly to their basic needs. If the baby continues to cry after ruling out common factors, health issues should be considered, and medical help should be sought in a timely manner. Correct understanding and response are crucial for promoting the baby’s healthy growth.
