How to figure out what your baby is telling you

As a new parent, you listen to every little sound and movement your baby makes, trying to decipher what they are feeling or wanting to tell us. A baby’s behaviour can seem random, but they have their own thoughts and feelings right from birth. Often viewing your baby as his or her own person can help you intuit their needs.

Making sense of your baby’s communication comes with being a keen observer. Over time you will start to learn what their facial expressions and body movements mean.

Babies need gentle loving responses from their parents. Usually when a newborn cries, it’s a strong signal or cue of “I need to be comforted” and it’s important to respond in a timely manner to relive distress and calm them. It is also a late sign of hunger and frustration. Facial and body movements such as intently gazing into your eyes while lying calmly and quietly means they’re interested. When moods change you may also notice subtle signs such as turning of the head, looking away and gazing to the side.

As adults we don’t like being kept awake, so neither will your baby. As soon as bub shows signs of sleepiness – such as yawning, becoming quiet, fussing and losing interest in people and toys – it’s very likely bed time. Often missing this window of opportunity may cause your baby to become grumpy and difficult to settle.

It’s important to know you might not get it right every time, and that’s completely normal. Every baby is different, so trial and error is something a parent will often take part in until they find what works. The key is to let your baby know their needs are important to you and that you’ve tried to make things better.

Through all the little daily interactions a baby needs, likes and dislikes will be clearer to you – parents often understand baby talk without even realising. However, if communication seems off, such as being delayed or having no reaction to a noise, we recommend getting checked it by your preferred GP or paediatrician.

To find out more information regarding bub’s development, you can visit todaysparent.com/baby/baby-development/baby-talk/ and bellybelly.com.au/baby/baby-cues/.