There's a reason for the expression, "Cry like a baby." Babies cry. A lot. It's simply how they communicate.

In the first three months of your baby's life, he's going to spend a lot of time crying. Your baby will cry when he's hungry. He'll cry when his diaper needs changing. Sometimes, it will seem as if he's crying for no reason at all. If your baby cries excessively and seems inconsolable, you should talk to your baby's doctor.

Why All the Tears?

Your baby is getting used to a brand new world. And that can be a lot to take in. His tiny nervous system is still developing. His little brain is receiving all kinds of new signals from organs and other parts of his body. And the only way he's able to respond to it all is by crying.

When the Tears Start to Stop

At about six weeks, your baby's crying will peak. An average six-week-old cries about two hours a day. You may notice this more around the evening and end of the day. Your baby is becoming more aware of many sights and sounds around him and isn't able to filter them. Which can be pretty tiring for him, causing him to cry. Your little one may also cry more often because he is fussy. Of course, not all babies experience this crying peak.

Soon you'll begin to experience some relief. That's because his vision and motor skills are better developed, giving him brand new ways to entertain and distract himself. By the time he is four months old, he will be better equipped to handle the stimulation surrounding him. And will reduce his crying to about an hour a day.

By six months, your baby will start to refine the art of crying. He will combine crying with looking at you to communicate that he needs you. And at a year, he'll cry and point at something specific to show you what he wants.

Learning Which Cry Is Which

All babies are different. Some cry more than others. It's all a matter of getting to know your baby. And you will. Quickly. By the first month, you'll be able to distinguish between cries. Here are few questions to ask yourself when the tears start to flow.

• Does he need a diaper change?
• Does he need to be burped?
• Is he too warm or too cold?
• Does he need a more comfortable position?
• Does he need love and attention?
• Does he need some quiet time?
• Is he hungry?

How to Stop the Tears

If overstimulation is the source of your little one's tears, try cuddling, rocking, stroking ,and gentle talking for 15-20 minutes. You can even help reduce bouts of crying by carrying your baby around at regular intervals during the day.

Colic Is Something Worth Crying About

If your baby cries excessively, especially at night, he may have colic. Colic is often brought on by a feeding sensitivity. If you're nursing, try eliminating dairy, caffeine, onions, cabbage, and other foods that could disturb your baby's developing digestive system.