how do you figure out what your child needs everytime they cry

Go through the checklist:

1) Fed?

2) Burped?

3) Upset tummy? Need some simethicone drops or something similar? My strictly nursed babies still needed these drops.

4) Diaper changed?

5) Diaper rash?

6) Too hot? (many people overdress/overbundle their babies)

7) Overtired, and thus needs more assistance going to sleep? (too much stimulation makes them cranky, too)

8) Any clothes or diaper binding or pinching? (we all accidently do things in the middle of the night that we wouldn't do when we are wide awake!)

If all of those things are okay, then try walking with a slight bounce, or rocking, or putting the baby in a swing and trying both low and high settings. Put on soothing music (which helps you, too!) and either walk or rock or alternate between them. Talk or sing very softly and soothingly. They are used to hearing your muffled voice!

Some newborns need to be swaddled to stop crying, but if they like their hand next to their face then be sure to leave it out!

If you are nursing, just because you nursed 20 minutes ago does not mean that they definitely got full and aren't hungry again.  My daughter at about 6 weeks started feeding almost continuously from 7 pm to midnight, with only short breaks in between sides (this is called "cluster feeding"), BUT then she slept for 5 straight hours!  I loved this because I got solid, uninterrupted sleep and I went back to work when she was 2 months old. It was hard when I was figuring out what she was trying to do, but thankfully had an understanding husband who just let me figure it out and didn't tell me, "oh she CAN'T still be hungry" when she started crying again.

Having support is so very important and will help you enjoy motherhood more. Don't take the crying personally - as others have said, it's just your baby's way of communicating with you. And, if you carefully watch for the early signs of hunger (grunting, mouthing, turning toward your hand when you stroke their cheek) or diaper wetting or poopy diaper and respond before the wails begin, then your baby will quickly learn that they don't have to start off with the full out wail, and you will both be happier.

Some babies simply need more holding and my second baby really did better when I got the Maya wrap and wore him all the time. This also freed up my arms and saved my back! We were both happier.

And, by all means, if no one else is around to hand the baby to (even a good neighbor), and you feel yourself getting angry or frustrated with the baby (everyone has at one time or another), then DO put the baby in a safe place (swing or crib) and separate yourself from the crying for a few minutes until you calm back down.

You will get the hang of it and you will enjoy motherhood and your baby sooner than you can possibly imagine. Their little smiles and coos make it all worthwhile! The day that your child is a toddler and is finally able to say, "I love you, Mommy" will simply make you melt and make your heart want to bust from being so absolutely full!