Talk Baby to me - Decoding Baby Language

Well, babies are born with the innate ability to communicate their needs and feelings. From the moment they enter the world, babies use a variety of methods to express themselves. They start to communicate with us even before their first words, and understanding this ‘baby language’ is key to building a strong parent-child relationship. From babbling to crying and pointing gestures, these heaven sent creations use a variety of means to express their needs and wants. 

From our research, Ari Brown, M.D., author of Baby 411, says that when a toddler arches their back, it may be akin to an act of rebellion, but when infants unleash the arch, it may be a reaction to pain. In that case, heartburn is the most likely culprit. Then comes the decoding. Do we as adults understand the baby's needs? Because their dependence on us is crucial, decoding baby language can be challenging but rewarding for parents. It allows you to respond in the most appropriate way that helps the child learn and grow in a positive environment. These cues range from facial expressions, body movements, sounds and words, to help parents better understand their little one’s needs and feelings.

For example, when a baby scrunches up their knees, you may think, "Aww, so cute and tiny!" Well, this position is usually a sign of abdominal discomfort, either from having gas, passing a bowel movement, or being constipated. Probably the same thing YOU do behind closed doors no? So what next? Try to make them feel better! If gas seems to be a problem, be careful to burp your infant frequently during meals. Check your diet for typical gas-causing foods like broccoli or beans if you're breastfeeding.

Please remember to always consult your pediatrician if you believe constipation is a problem because it can happen when infants switch from breast milk to formula or when they begin eating solids around 6 months of age. Their recommendations will be based on the age and general health of your infant. They may look so adorable lying in their cute new Moses baskets and bassinets but don't get blinded by the cuteness; rather listen and observe even more too. 

You see, I feel like baby language is a confusing yet fascinating subject. While babies may not yet be able to speak, there are many ways in which they communicate their needs and feelings. By trying to understand the different sounds and gestures babies make, parents can better understand their little ones' needs and emotions. 

It is more than just crying or cooing; it is a complex system of communication that involves different sounds, facial expressions, body movements, and other cues. By analyzing these cues, parents can begin to recognize patterns in their baby’s behavior and understand what he or she wants or needs. 

With the help of experts in the field of child development who have decoded baby language, parents can now learn how to read their baby’s cues and respond accordingly.

Ask yourself this… if babies were incapable of communication, would experts go out of their way to help parents understand their needs? Babies may not be able to communicate in words, but they are masters of communication. From the moment a baby is born, they start using body language, sounds and facial expressions to communicate their needs.

Babies often communicate their needs to us in ways that are difficult to understand. 

Babies are amazing creatures with their own way of communication. They use a variety of ways to communicate with you:

1. Sounds – crying, cooing, and babbling

2. Facial expressions – eye contact, smiling, grimacing, mouth movements

3. Gestures/body movements – moving their arms or legs in distress or excitement.

Every baby has a unique way of communicating their needs and wants. From facial expressions to body language, babies have many creative ways to let their parents know what they are feeling. They’ll cry or use their body language to tell you they have a physical need, things like; they’re hungry, they need a nappy change, they need a sleep, they have an upset tummy and need to get rid of wind, they’re too hot or too cold, they need to be with you for a cuddle. 

Babies are constantly communicating with us even before they can speak. Through noises, gestures, and facial expressions, babies are able to let us know what they want or need. Listen to your baby... they are talking to you.