Why Babies Cry At Birth Yet Take Weeks To Laugh — The Science Behind Their First Emotions

Why Babies Cry At Birth Yet Take Weeks To Laugh — The Science Behind Their First Emotions

We have all seen this moment countless times: a baby enters the world and bursts into tears. It is so common that we rarely stop to wonder why it happens. Why do newborns cry instantly after birth? Why is no baby born smiling or silent?

The first cry is one of the most fascinating mysteries in science, nature, and human life.

Yes and no. Every delivery room hears a baby's first cry, and while it is not always compulsory, it is an important sign. Crying indicates that the newborn's body systems are switching on. Interestingly, scientists agree that babies do not cry from pain at birth, as is commonly assumed.

Inside the womb, the baby lives in a warm, fluid-filled environment for nine months. Their lungs are filled with fluid, and they have never taken a real breath. The moment they are born, air rushes into their lungs for the first time. This sudden pressure expands the tiny air sacs and triggers crying, helping oxygen flow through the body. Doctors often call this the baby's first ‘system on' moment.

A sudden shift in temperature and surroundings triggers the newborn's instinctive cry. The womb stays at a constant 37°C.

Outside, the newborn faces cold air, bright lights, loud sounds, and the pull of gravity for the very first time. This dramatic shift shocks the nervous system, and crying becomes the natural response.

That first cry is a sign of good health.

Doctors use something called the Apgar score to assess the newborn immediately. Crying shows that the lungs and breathing system are working. If a baby does not cry, doctors gently rub their back or tap their feet to activate breathing.

Yes, in two rare but normal cases:

As long as their skin colour looks healthy and they are active, these babies are considered normal. Medical records do document such quiet births.

If a baby neither cries nor breathes, immediate medical help is required.

Science says no. There is no verified case of a baby smiling at the moment of birth. And there are a few reasons behind it:

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A newborn's cry is like the first music of life; a natural declaration that says, ‘I am here, and I am ready for the world.' It is not just a sound; it is nature's way of ensuring survival, signalling that the baby's body has begun adapting to life outside the womb.

Source: News18
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