A–Z Glossary

Cry curve

The cry curve is the typical pattern in which infant crying rises during early weeks, peaks around six to eight weeks, then gradually declines.

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How crying changes by age

How crying changes by age

Newborn crying: an immature but powerful alarm system In the newborn period, crying is primarily a rapid state-regulation and communication response. A baby may cry because of hunger, wetness, temperature discomfort, fatigue, pain, overstimulation, separation from a caregiver, or difficulty transitioning between sleep and wakefulness. Because newborns have limited voluntary control over attention and arousal, […]