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When a baby is really young, their parents tend to have a bunch of fears about their little one’s well-being and health. They try to guess exactly what their baby wants and what it is that might be causing them discomfort.
But how do you understand babies without using words ?
Experts outline 3 main methods that can help babies communicate with adults.
1 - The movements they make
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Body language says a lot about a baby’s well-being:
- Jerking their arms. This movement means that the baby got frightened. A loud sound, bright light, or sudden awakening can provoke the startle reflex. In this case, the baby needs to be comforted.
- Clenching their fists. This is a sign of hunger. If you manage to notice it in time, you can prevent the crying caused by them being hungry.
- Lifting their legs. This is the sign of colic and tummy pain. The baby is trying to reflexively ease the pain.
- Arching their back. Babies under 2 months old often make this movement when responding to pain and colic. If a baby arches their back after eating, it means that they are full. If you often see your baby doing this movement during eating, it can be a sign of reflux. If the baby is older than 2 months old, this movement usually indicates tiredness and a bad mood.
- Grabbing their ears. In most cases, this movement shows that the baby is just exploring their body. You should consult the doctor only if this movement is followed by crying and repeats often.
- Rotating their head. This is a calming movement for the baby. They might do it before falling asleep or when they’re around unknown people.
Pediatricians recommend talking with your baby as often as possible, explaining and showing them everything in their environment, even if it seems that they don’t understand anything yet.
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