Why Do Babies Cry at Birth? The Science Behind a Newborn’s First Cry

It is a beautiful moment of euphoria for the parents and nearest family members when they hear the cry of a new born child. Most of us might have went through this experience; and others may have seen it in numerous movies. In fact, these precious moments in which the newborn is given into our hands for the first time and when it starts crying, contain within it some of the most marvellous riddles of nature, humanity and science. In this article, we will explore the curious reason why babies almost always cry at birth and do not smile or remain silent.


Scientists and doctors agree to the fact that crying is a very positive sign and babies are not doing it due to pain. Even though it is not always considered as compulsory, it is a key sign that doctors always look out for. Let’s explore the Science behind this phenomenon now.


To understand the reason for their cries, firstly we should understand the cozy and safe environment inside the womb where they spend 9 long months. Inside the womb the condition is dark, warm, snug and rhythmic. The baby will also consistently hear the sounds of the mother’s heartbeat and gentle rhythmic rocking from movements. This is also the reason why they often feel very happy when we saddle them tightly after birth. Additionally, inside the womb, they don’t take real breath and their lungs will be totally filled with fluid.


What happens when they are born is, suddenly for the first time, air will rush into their lungs. Therefore, this sudden pressure enhances their tiny air sacs, thereby making the baby cry. These are the moments when oxygen is flowing throughout the baby’s body and doctors usually call this ‘system on’ time.

This intuitive cry occurs also due to the quick change in their surroundings and temperature. We have to note that a mother’s womb stays at a constant temperature of 37 degree celsius. In contrast, when arriving into the outside world, the little one has to face strong lights, push and pull of gravity, air and loud noises. Experiencing these elements for the first time shocks their nervous systems and crying becomes a normal response.


First cry is usually seen a sign of good health by doctors. Crying points out that the breathing system and lungs of the baby are working properly. If it is not happening, doctors will tap their back or rub their feet to activate breathing. Then the question arises will there be an instance in which the infant be born without crying?

In two unique instances, yes.

1. When the newborn is breathing well but is staying silent.
2. The baby remain calm but has taken a deep breath.

These are situations documented in medical records. The key is to ensure that they are active and their skin colour is looking healthy. On the other hand, if an infant neither breathes nor cries, then we have to make sure that sudden doctoral intervention is provided.


The truth is, no, there are no instances. There are some valid and scientific reasons for the same. Neuroscience has proved that smiling is a process that demands the usage of numerous, complex brain circuits. It will take some weeks for these neural connections to become mature after the day of birth. Sometimes what we identify as a smile on the face of a newborn is reflex smile instead of a true feeling. Of course there are folklores that provide stories of the birth of happy, smiling babies. But science doesn’t confirm it.

The cry that we hear when a newborn comes out of a mother’s womb is actually the song of life. It is a sign of health; a signal that the baby gifts us. This cry can be translated as the baby telling us “I have arrived. I am here.” Always remember that the baby is crying not because of pain and rejoice in welcoming them into this wonderful world.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the hardest weeks with a newborn?
   Many parents point out that the hardest weeks with a newborn are typically the first 6 to 8 weeks as the initial adrenaline fades and crying peaks.
2. What's the longest a baby has been overdue?
   The longest medically documented pregnancy was 375 day by Beulah Hunter in 1945.
3. What is the 5 8 5 rule for babies?
   The "5-8-5 rule" for babies is a scientifically-backed method to calm crying infants and encourage sleep. Carry your crying baby while walking gently for 5 minutes, then sit and cuddle them for 8 minutes, then gently place them in their crib to sleep.