What is infant crying considered to be?

Infant crying is considered a form of communication in all cultures because it serves as a fundamental way for infants to express their needs and emotions. Crying is not limited to a specific reason; it can signal various states, including hunger, discomfort, fatigue, or the need for attention. The universality of crying among infants across different cultures demonstrates how this behavior transcends linguistic barriers, showcasing its role as an essential tool in signaling for help or interaction.

While it's true that crying can indicate unhappiness or discomfort, labeling it solely as a sign of discomfort would narrow its broader communicative purpose. Similarly, while some infants may use vocalizations as part of self-soothing techniques as they grow older, crying itself is typically a response to an immediate need rather than a method of self-soothing. The idea that crying indicates hunger is just one aspect of what an infant might be conveying and does not encompass the full range of emotions or conditions expressed through crying. Therefore, understanding that crying is a universal form of communication allows caregivers to respond appropriately to the diverse needs of infants.