How to Understand Your Newborn: First Signs of Discomfort and How to Respond

When a newborn arrives home, everything changes. Every movement, sound, or breath stirs emotions — from delight to concern. During this time, parents often ask themselves: Why is my baby crying? What’s bothering them? How can I understand my little one?
In reality, babies are constantly “talking” to us — just not with words yet. You only need to learn how to listen.

Crying — a Baby’s First Language

For a newborn, crying isn’t just a call for mom — it’s a whole world of emotions and needs. Through it, a baby communicates hunger, cold, or simply the desire for warmth and closeness.

Most common reasons for crying:

• Hunger. The baby opens their mouth, turns their head looking for the breast — this is a natural signal.
• Fatigue. Too much stimulation or noise can overwhelm the baby, leading to tears without an obvious reason.
• Physical discomfort. A wet diaper, warm clothing, or folds in the onesie can make the baby restless.
• Need for closeness. Newborns crave the smell of their mother, her heartbeat, and her touch.
• Colic or gas. When the tiny digestive system is still adjusting, it can cause bloating and discomfort.

How to Recognize Discomfort

Even without words, a baby can express emotions clearly.
If the baby pulls their legs to the tummy, grimaces, or suddenly cries out — it may be a sign of colic or gas.
Crying after feeding often means they swallowed air and need to burp.
If the baby wakes up frequently, squirms, or cries during sleep, bloating or a full tummy may be the cause.

Noticing these small signs helps parents respond with love — not panic.

How to Help Your Baby Feel Comfortable

Every baby is unique, but there are simple ways that often bring relief:

1. Hold your baby. Your arms are the best comfort. Warmth, touch, and voice create a sense of safety.
2. Gentle tummy massage. Light circular movements clockwise help release trapped air and ease bloating.
3. “Tummy to tummy” position. The baby feels your breathing rhythm, and their muscles relax.
4. Watch the feeding process. When the baby latches properly, they swallow less air.
5. Support digestion. In the first weeks of life, the digestive system is still very sensitive. That’s why parents often choose high-quality dietary supplements for infants — such as Mamalac Drops from Vorwarts Pharma. They help the baby digest milk or formula more easily, reduce gas, and support the natural gut microbiota.

Care Begins with Attention

Understanding your baby isn’t an innate skill — it’s daily tenderness, observation, and patience.
The baby learns to live in a new world, and parents learn to read their signals.
The more you watch, listen, and touch — the stronger your bond becomes.

Vorwarts Pharma believes true care begins with love for details — in every drop, every touch, every glance.

FAQ

How to tell hunger cries from colic cries?
Hunger cries are short and rhythmic; the baby actively searches for the breast or bottle. With colic, the crying lasts longer, with leg tensing and abdominal strain.

What to do if the baby cries after feeding?
Hold them upright against your chest — this helps release trapped air.

When do newborn colics go away?
Usually by 3–4 months, as the baby’s digestive system matures.

Learn more about products for infants from Vorwarts Pharma on the official company website.