Before I became a mom, I naively thought I’d just “know” what my baby needed when they cried. Spoiler alert: I did NOT.
When my first baby arrived, I quickly realized that newborn cries all sound exactly the same—or at least that’s what I thought. Is she hungry? Tired? Gassy? Just messing with me?! 🤯 The guessing game was exhausting, and at one point, I just accepted that crying was my baby’s first language—and I was failing at translating it.
Then, I stumbled upon Dunstan Baby Language—a system that claims babies actually have five distinct cries, each with a specific meaning. It sounded too good to be true, but after testing it out, I was shocked at how often it was accurate. So today, I’m sharing what I learned, so you don’t have to feel as clueless as I did!
The 5 Universal Baby Cries & What They Mean
According to Priscilla Dunstan, a former opera singer with an incredible ear for sound patterns, newborns around the world make five reflex-based sounds before they fully cry. These sounds signal basic needs like hunger, discomfort, or tiredness.
Here’s what each one means & how to respond:
1️⃣ “Neh” – I’m Hungry! 🍼
✔ This sound comes from the sucking reflex—babies push their tongues to the roof of their mouths, creating the “neh” sound.
✔ You’ll often hear it before the full meltdown starts.
👉 How to Respond:
✔ Offer a feed (whether breast or bottle).
✔ If they just ate, consider whether they’re comfort sucking rather than actually hungry.
2️⃣ “Owh” – I’m Tired! 🥱
✔ This cry sounds like a yawn—because it is! The baby’s mouth forms an oval shape when making the sound.
✔ Usually comes with fussy body language (rubbing eyes, zoning out, turning away from stimulation).
👉 How to Respond:
✔ Try a nap before baby gets overtired!
✔ Use soothing techniques (rocking, white noise, swaddling).
✔ Watch for early sleep cues so you don’t miss their window!
3️⃣ “Eh” – I Need to Burp! 💨
✔ This is a short, grunty sound caused by trapped air moving up the esophagus.
✔ If ignored, it can turn into full-blown screaming because trapped gas is painful.
👉 How to Respond:
✔ Hold baby upright and gently pat their back.
✔ Try the “bicycle legs” trick for tummy discomfort.
✔ Burp them frequently during and after feedings.
4️⃣ “Eairh” – My Tummy Hurts! 😫
✔ This one sounds strained, deep, or like a grunt—because baby is pushing down, trying to relieve gas pain.
✔ Often paired with kicking legs, arching back, or clenching fists.
👉 How to Respond:
✔ Try a gentle tummy massage or bicycle legs.
✔ Hold baby in a “colic carry” (lay them face-down on your forearm).
✔ Use warm compresses on their tummy for relief.
5️⃣ “Heh” – I’m Uncomfortable! 👶
✔ This sound signals discomfort, like a wet diaper, being too hot/cold, or just feeling generally irritated.
✔ It’s often paired with wiggling, squirming, or pushing away.
👉 How to Respond:
✔ Check their diaper, temperature, or clothing.
✔ Try skin-to-skin contact to help regulate body temperature.
✔ Offer comfort measures (pacifier, cuddles, repositioning).
Does This Really Work?
While not every cry perfectly matches these five sounds, many parents (myself included!) have found this method super helpful for cutting down on the “WHY are you crying?!” frustration.
But here’s the real trick:
👉 Listening early. The longer a baby cries, the harder it is to recognize the original sound.
👉 Observing body language. Pairing these cries with your baby’s movements makes them easier to decode.
👉 Trial and error. The more you practice, the easier it gets!
When to Worry About Excessive Crying
All babies cry—it’s their only way of communicating in the early weeks. But if your baby seems inconsolable for long periods, it’s important to rule out issues like:
🚨 Reflux or digestive issues (especially if paired with frequent spit-up)
🚨 Allergies or sensitivities (if crying happens after feedings)
🚨 Colic (if crying lasts more than 3 hours a day, 3+ days a week)
🚨 Illness or discomfort (check for fever, rashes, or unusual lethargy)
If something feels off, trust your gut and check in with a pediatrician!
Final Thoughts: Less Guesswork, More Confidence
Decoding baby cries doesn’t mean you’ll never feel confused, but understanding these sounds can make life way easier in those exhausting newborn weeks.So next time your baby cries, try listening closely—you might just hear exactly what they need.