Babies cry. It's their way of communicating with adults, their way of telling us what they need and desire. It's up to us to decipher this noisy and sometimes unfathomable language.

As your newborn gets older, you probably will be able to figure out what each cry means. For now, though, you wonder why this tiny person is crying his head off. It can be frustrating and confusing. But most babies have a reason for their tears.

A hungry baby often tops the list of reasons for crying. Think about how you feel when you get hungry. Do you get moody, shaky, upset? I do. If you find him still crying after he's been fed, perhaps the source of sadness can be found in one of the following:

Does he need a clean diaper?

Is the temperature upsetting him? Is it too hot? Too cold?

Is he sleepy?

Are his clothes irritating him, like an itchy tag?

Does he feel ill? (Contact your child's pediatrician immediately if has a high fever, is vomiting or has other symptoms causing concern).

For all of these reasons, there is a relatively quick solution. Yet if you still find your little bundle of joy not so joyous, he may be overstimulated or afraid. Since his nervous system isn't fully developed, sounds, smells and sights that don't bother you could be irritating him.

Your baby may be comforted by:

• Swaddling. Most infants enjoy this secure feeling. But don't swaddle too tightly, lest there be more tears.
• Motion. Hold him, rock him, walk with him. I often found myself walking my daughter around in circles to calm her cries. She hated rocking in a chair. I felt a little silly marching around my home, but it worked.
• A pacifier. Sucking comforts infants, and some babies may need to suck more frequently than others.

You might want to cry right along with your baby when it seems his tears are endless. Realize that crying is normal, and this time will pass. A crying child does not mean your are a bad parent. Just reading this article shows that you are a caring one.

If you cannot bear a screaming child after many tries to comfort him, leave him a couple of minutes in his crib to regain composure. Take some deep breaths. Don't be embarrassed to call for help. A spouse, mother or friend can give you the break you need.