Do babies know that tears mean upset?

[nmt]

I've been having a bad day with my 17 week old and have ended up in tears on several occasions.
He then looks at me all sad and if he's crying at the time he'll stop and if he's not crying he'll offer me a massive smile as if to cheer me up.

Is it bad that I let myself get upset in front of him even at such a young age?

Well it sounds certainly like it might be bad for you to be getting upset so much! Are you okay?

I think if it's a one off, people do cry you know, and perhaps the best thing is to cry, wipe the tears, and tell him you're okay now.

Who knows what he can tell at 17 weeks. But he loves you and adores you, and won't be ruined by it or probably even remember it. Don't worry, it's rather lovely that he's so responsive to you.

Don't pile guilt on top of crying though. But perhaps if you're crying a lot every day - have a look at why you're crying so much, have a chat with a friend or HV about it?

ahundredtimes is right, the crying is definitly not good for you so you need to look at why you are crying. Can you explain why you are crying, do you have any support nearby?

Or is it just one of those days? If so just relax, put your feet up and have an early night, if not and you feel like you are becoming regularly upset have a chat with a friend, a relative or the HV. 17 weeks is still very early. He does sound adorable, looking out for his Mummy.

I think babies understand our sadness on a simple level because they are so in tune with us. But I think it is most important that A, you are alright, and B, that as long as baby knows that he is very very loved it will not have a massive impact.

The advice is right, maybe this is just a one off, we all have days like that. Being a new Mum is the most overwhelming thing in the world, However wonderful. But talking to someone is very helpful, whether a friend, family member, or your HV.

If it is more than a one off, remember to be kind your yourself, you are doing an amazing job, and if he smiles at you, he obviously thinks so!!

So many of us go through something like it at some point, so you are in no way alone..
Mine are 11 and 6, and it still takes my breath away .

Give yourself a pat on the back, and if you will accept it....a big {{{{{}}}}} from me. I hope you feel better soon, let us know one way or another, it is why we are all here...