Myths vs. Facts: What the First Cry Really Means
Your baby’s birth is a lifetime event, and the very first cry of your infant is magical. It marks the beginning of the life of your baby in the outside world. Meanwhile, it generates doubt and even anxiety. You might have overheard relatives or friends debate on varied beliefs on the first cry, and you are uncertain about whom to believe. To clear up the confusion, let’s explore some common myths about this powerful moment and the facts behind it.
Why Is the First Cry So Important?Your baby’s first cry goes beyond being a mere sound because it means that the lungs are functioning. Your baby receives oxygen in the womb via the umbilical cord, and hence, his lungs can be filled. Initial crying helps expel this fluid, allowing your baby to get oxygen and breathe independently. This cry helps doctors determine how well your baby adapts after birth.
Myths Vs Facts For Baby’s First Cry Myth 1: “If the Baby Doesn’t Cry Immediately, Something Is Wrong” Fact: Not all babies cry right away, and that doesn’t always mean there’s a problem.
A few newborns may start breathing lightly or whimpering gently, rather than crying. The APGAR score (which assesses appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) of the baby is typically determined by doctors within the first 1 to 5 minutes of birth. If the score is healthy, your baby is fine, even if they don't cry instantly.
Myth 2: “A Louder Cry Means a Healthier Baby” Fact: The strength or loudness of the cry is not the only measure of health.
Although a strong cry is an indication that lung function is excellent, a weak cry is not necessarily a sign of weakness. Even when a baby has a soft first cry, they can still be healthy. Doctors explore breathing patterns, changes in skin colour, heart rate, and reflexes, not merely the volume of the cry.
Myth 3: “If a Baby Doesn’t Cry, They Aren’t Alive” Fact: Silence at birth doesn’t always mean danger.
Not all babies cry right away due to C-sections, fast delivery, or calm birth. A doctor might, in this case, introduce simulation to the baby by rubbing the baby's back or clearing the air passage. Most babies respond quickly. A small fraction of newborns, approximately 5-10%, require medical assistance before they begin to breathe.
Myth 4: “Crying Too Much Is Bad for Newborns” Fact: Crying is a natural way for babies to express themselves.
Your baby may cry to signal hunger, pain, or the need for attention. Crying also helps clear the lungs and strengthen their breathing. Nonetheless, strong or excessive crying, accompanied by additional signs such as inability to feed, bluish skin, and sleepiness, can require timely medical attention.
Myth 5: “The First Cry Builds Emotional Bonding” Fact: Bonding occurs through many ways, not just crying.
Although the emotional relief and joy of hearing your baby cry can be a relief, the actual bonding occurs through skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, eye contact, and gentle touch. Your calm presence plays a bigger role in building trust and connection than the cry itself.
When Should You Worry About Crying Patterns?After your baby is born, pay attention to the crying behaviour at home:
Visit a doctor when your baby:
What Can You Do as a Parent?Here’s a quick checklist:
The best thing you can do as a parent is to stay relaxed, trust your medical team, and bond with your baby. It is important to keep in mind that the initial cry is only the first stage of baby development, and of your own development as a parent.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Myths vs. Facts: What the First Cry Really Means
Is it normal if my baby does not cry after a C-section?
Yes, it is normal that C-section babies might not be able to cry immediately, as fluid may be trapped in the lungs. Doctors typically assist in clearing the airway, and most babies adapt within a few minutes. Can my baby be healthy even with a weak cry?
Yes. A low and tender cry is not enough to worry about. As long as your baby is breathing normally, is feeding and active, the chances are that the baby will be healthy. How long will my baby cry daily in the first few months?
Infants usually cry about 2-3 hours each day in brief bursts. This normally peaks at around 6-8 weeks but fades away as your baby adapts to routines. 
Why Is the First Cry So Important?Your baby’s first cry goes beyond being a mere sound because it means that the lungs are functioning. Your baby receives oxygen in the womb via the umbilical cord, and hence, his lungs can be filled. Initial crying helps expel this fluid, allowing your baby to get oxygen and breathe independently. This cry helps doctors determine how well your baby adapts after birth.
Myths Vs Facts For Baby’s First Cry Myth 1: “If the Baby Doesn’t Cry Immediately, Something Is Wrong” Fact: Not all babies cry right away, and that doesn’t always mean there’s a problem.
A few newborns may start breathing lightly or whimpering gently, rather than crying. The APGAR score (which assesses appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) of the baby is typically determined by doctors within the first 1 to 5 minutes of birth. If the score is healthy, your baby is fine, even if they don't cry instantly.
Myth 2: “A Louder Cry Means a Healthier Baby” Fact: The strength or loudness of the cry is not the only measure of health.
Although a strong cry is an indication that lung function is excellent, a weak cry is not necessarily a sign of weakness. Even when a baby has a soft first cry, they can still be healthy. Doctors explore breathing patterns, changes in skin colour, heart rate, and reflexes, not merely the volume of the cry.
Myth 3: “If a Baby Doesn’t Cry, They Aren’t Alive” Fact: Silence at birth doesn’t always mean danger.
Not all babies cry right away due to C-sections, fast delivery, or calm birth. A doctor might, in this case, introduce simulation to the baby by rubbing the baby's back or clearing the air passage. Most babies respond quickly. A small fraction of newborns, approximately 5-10%, require medical assistance before they begin to breathe.
Myth 4: “Crying Too Much Is Bad for Newborns” Fact: Crying is a natural way for babies to express themselves.
Your baby may cry to signal hunger, pain, or the need for attention. Crying also helps clear the lungs and strengthen their breathing. Nonetheless, strong or excessive crying, accompanied by additional signs such as inability to feed, bluish skin, and sleepiness, can require timely medical attention.
Myth 5: “The First Cry Builds Emotional Bonding” Fact: Bonding occurs through many ways, not just crying.
Although the emotional relief and joy of hearing your baby cry can be a relief, the actual bonding occurs through skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, eye contact, and gentle touch. Your calm presence plays a bigger role in building trust and connection than the cry itself.
When Should You Worry About Crying Patterns?After your baby is born, pay attention to the crying behaviour at home:
- Normal crying: 2-3 hours every day during the first months.
- Symptoms of issues: High-pitched crying, constant and persistent crying or breathing difficulty when crying.
Visit a doctor when your baby:
- Turns blue while crying
- Refused to eat or too sleepy
- Problem with gaining weight or decreased activity
What Can You Do as a Parent?Here’s a quick checklist:
- Stay calm during birth. Trust the doctors to handle the first cry.
- Notice breathing and skin colour. These are stronger health indicators than just crying.
- Learn soothing techniques. Rocking, swaddling, and gentle humming often calm a baby.
- Track crying patterns. Keep a simple diary to notice any unusual changes.
The best thing you can do as a parent is to stay relaxed, trust your medical team, and bond with your baby. It is important to keep in mind that the initial cry is only the first stage of baby development, and of your own development as a parent.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Myths vs. Facts: What the First Cry Really Means
Yes, it is normal that C-section babies might not be able to cry immediately, as fluid may be trapped in the lungs. Doctors typically assist in clearing the airway, and most babies adapt within a few minutes.
Yes. A low and tender cry is not enough to worry about. As long as your baby is breathing normally, is feeding and active, the chances are that the baby will be healthy.
Infants usually cry about 2-3 hours each day in brief bursts. This normally peaks at around 6-8 weeks but fades away as your baby adapts to routines.
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