Stages of Development> Period of Infancy - Crying and Breathing

When a baby is born, the first cry is a sign that the baby is alive. The cry begins as a reflex and helps air enter the lungs for the first time. This cry does not show emotion but helps the baby adjust to life outside the mother’s womb.

• The baby’s first cry is a mechanical reflex — it happens without thinking.
• Crying at birth helps clear the lungs and lets air in so the baby can start breathing.
• When the baby moves from the womb (intrauterine environment) to the outside world (extrauterine environment), everything changes rapidly.
• If the baby does not cry after birth, it is dangerous, because the baby may not start breathing. Sometimes, doctors or nurses gently tap or shake the baby to make them cry and start breathing.
• In the beginning, crying happens naturally; later, babies cry to let others know their needs.

• Newborn babies sleep for most of the day — about 18 to 20 hours after birth.
• Their sleep is not deep or continuous. Instead, babies sleep in short, broken periods.
• As babies grow older, their sleep time slowly decreases and becomes more regular.
• By the third week, sleep time drops to around 15 hours. By the end of the first year, babies sleep for about 12 hours a day (about half the day).​
• Sleep helps reduce tiredness and keeps the baby's body balanced.

• The birth cry is not about emotion; it helps the baby start breathing.
• The first cry is a sign of life and is very important for the baby’s health.
• Newborns sleep much more than adults, but their sleep is broken and changes as they grow.