crying

Crying is a human behavior that involves shedding tears, often accompanied by sounds, as an expression of pain or distress. It is one of the earliest emotional responses observed in infants, appearing within the first few months of life.12

Infants cry in response to various stimuli, including hunger, discomfort, or surprise. As they develop, crying can also signify anger or sadness. For example, a one-year-old might cry when a parent leaves, a phenomenon known as separation anxiety, which is linked to developing memory abilities.2

While crying is a fundamental way for infants to communicate their needs and emotions, it also plays a role in forming emotional bonds, or attachment, with caregivers. The way caregivers respond to an infant's cries and signals influences the quality of attachment, which in turn impacts emotional and social development.2