Recognizing Pain in Your Baby

      When your baby cries, it isn’t “just fussiness.” Whether it’s hunger or discomfort, every cry tells a story—and knowing what it means can bring relief to both you and your baby.  
​Babies suffering from colic usually display specific movements. By observing your baby closely, you can tell when they are experiencing pain rather than simple hunger.
A​ hungry baby will not show the same movements as a baby in pain. Once you learn the typical body language of pain, recognizing colic in your baby becomes much easier.

Reading Body Language

Hunger cues:
  • Movements mostly in upper body, arms, and head
  • Legs stay relatively still
  • Rooting or sucking motions
  • Cry is monotone and steady
Pain cues:
  • Kicking Legs and Flailing Arms  The baby will kick harder and flail its arms more as the pain increases.
  • Arching Back, Head to the Side The baby will become stiffer and stiffer as the pain increases.
  • Scratching Face and Ears, Pulling Hair The baby is trying to minimize pain by distracting the body.  Example: If you stub your toe, you will try to step on the other toe to minimize the pain you are feeling in your stubbed toe. The baby uses this distraction technique to try and get relief from the sharp stomach pains.
  • Wincing Facial Expression  Eyes will be closed tightly with a wincing facial expression and a red face. 
  • Hard, Distended, Bloated Abdomen Pressure builds up in the intestines causing a hard, distended, and bloated abdomen.  Umbilical hernias are usually cause to suspect that a baby has colic.

Listening to Tone of Voice

​A baby’s cry can reveal a lot about what they’re feeling. A pain cry often fluctuates in pitch and volume, sounding intense or irregular, especially if the pain comes in waves or grows stronger. In contrast, a hunger cry usually has a consistent tone that is more rhythmic and steady, signaling a clear need for food rather than discomfort.

​ Sometimes, though, hunger and pain can overlap, making it harder to tell the difference. In these cases, try offering a feeding. If the baby struggles to latch, sucks quickly but can’t stay latched, pain is likely an issue. However, if the baby latches on easily and continues feeding until satisfied, hunger is probably the main reason for the cry.

Why Observation Matters

By learning to read your baby’s body language and cries, you can quickly tell whether they’re hungry or in pain, prevent discomfort from overfeeding, and respond with confidence to keep your baby calm and comfortable. 

Feeding and comfort

Here are some tips to help with feeding your baby in a way that keeps them comfortable and happy:
  • ​Watch for hunger cues: Feed your baby when they show signs of hunger instead of following a strict schedule.
  • Stop when baby slows down: If your baby pauses or stops sucking, it often means they’re full.
  • Burp frequently: Regular burping helps relieve gas and prevents discomfort after feeding.
  • Stay flexible: Hunger levels can change from day to day, so let your baby’s needs guide you.
  • Offer a pacifier: It can soothe your baby and signal when they’re content. 
  • Understand your baby's signals: Watch the baby’s body language and cry tone  rather than relying solely on volume or duration.

Doc Explains:
Understanding body language

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This is actions, sounds and behaviors that express the feelings and emotions of a living being.

Research tells us that communication is divided into three areas.

               1. Body language - 55%

               2. Tone of voice -  38%

               3. What we say - 7%

                             If this is true then when we learn to interpret what the body language is saying then we will know at least 55% of what the person is trying to tell us.  When it pertains to a baby, what we have to do is realize we only have two lines of communication because they cannot express through words what they are feeling. Once you realize how important body language is and that it truly is telling you something, then to assume that your baby is fussy for no reason, doesn't really make much sense.     

How Does Doc Stop colic?

D.R. Scharenberg, D.C. has developed a proven technique for treating infant colic that is gentle, non-invasive, and does not involve spinal manipulation, supplements, or medication. What sets his approach apart is a method that provides lasting relief by addressing the root cause of colic—not just the symptoms. D.R. Scharenberg, D.C.’s in-office colic treatments frequently bring relief in just a few sessions. For families who cannot travel,  a self-treatment video course will be available starting October 15, 2025.​