Babies are cute and amazing; however, they’re still too young to speak and so, as parents, we need to learn some important “tricks” to know what our babies want and need. Soon enough, you will become the best baby whisperer!
Many parents can get a bit frustrated when they’re constantly trying to understand their babies; Unfortunately, until they’re old enough to speak, this communication is usually one-way.
But, there are useful ways to learn how to “read” your baby. From laughter and crying and bodily movements, babies give a lot of other signs for us to “decipher”, so, who needs words, right?!
For a lot of parents, Pricilla Dustan’s theory presented on the Oprah Winfrey show back in 2006 is very helpful. Check it out the method below for yourself and start “reading” your baby better than ever before.
Even though this theory hasn’t been scientifically proven, many parents swear by it…
How to Become the Best Baby Whisperer
The baby’s crying
- The cry for sleep
When we’re exhausted, we can become quite whiny and groggy and the same happens to babies. When they’re sleepy and can’t fall asleep, they will rub their eyes and ears and the cry will be quite whiny.
- The cry for food
If the baby is rotating its head and produces smacking sounds with their mouth, they’re probably hungry.
- The cry because of pain
This cry is louder and more persistent than the other ones. The higher the pain and discomfort in the baby, the more hysterical will the crying be. If they become tired from the crying, the cry will become more quiet and tiresome.
- The cry because of discomfort
When the baby’s feeling too hot, too cold or needs a diaper change, they will cry intermittently and irritatingly. They may also squirm uncontrollably or arch the body.
- The cry for attention
If the baby is crying and stop and then crying again, they probably need your attention. They want you to pick them up or cuddle them. If this doesn’t happen, the crying cycle will continue.
- Psychological cry
This whiny and squeaky cry may often be heard when the baby is struggling with gas, bloating and/or is urinating or defecating.
The baby’s movements
- Back arching
This movement is very common when the baby is experiencing colic or pain and it’s more common for babies younger than two months or so. This movement may be seen after they’re fed and it means they’re full. If they do the movement during feeding, they may be experiencing reflux. In babies older than two months, this arching may mean they’re tired and need rest.
- Clenching their fists
When they’re hungry, babies will often clench their fists. This means that they need to be fed.
- Grabbing their ears
When you see your baby touching his/her ears or pulling them, it means they’re exploring their body. However, if they’re constantly doing it, you may need to consult a pediatrician.
- Head rotation
When the baby is rotating their head, it means they’re trying to calm themselves down or trying to fall asleep.
- Jerking their arms
When the baby is startled by loud noise, sudden awakening or bright lights, they may jerk their arms. This is a sign of being scared.
- Lifting their legs
When you see your baby lifting its legs, it means they’re struggling with colic or belly ache and are trying to alleviate it.
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