Baby Body Language for New Parents

Baby body language is simple to interpret if you know how. New parents might have difficulty in this area at first. It takes time to get used to baby body language. Soon, new parents will understand their baby's body language better than anyone. Until then, here is a helpful guide to common baby body language and what it means.

Fist in Mouth
In baby body language this means one of three things. Either the baby is hungry, teething or just wants something to suck on. New parents can easily tell the difference. If the baby is less than three months old, teething can be ruled out. If the baby has just eaten and clearly had enough, rule out hungry. If it's been a couple hours since the last feeding and the baby is chewing on their fist and crying or whimpering, it may be time to feed more or more often.

Lip Smacking or Puckering
This is almost always an indication of hunger. Baby body language mimicking the motions of eating tells new parents what's on baby's mind. This is especially true if baby starts fussing and fidgeting, then increases to a full on wail. It can, however, indicate the need for something to suck on. Babies have an inherent need to suckle, sometimes more than is required to eat their food. Some babies respond well to a pacifier.

A Word About the Pacifier
The pacifier is a controversial subject. When baby body language signifies a need for something to suck on, new parents may be picturing four year olds they have seen with pacifiers. In most cases babies no longer need a pacifier past the age of six months. In fact there will come a time when baby will use body language to spit the pacifier out. This is the time to stop offering it. When this is done there is usually no problem. I find that sometimes the parents are the cause for pacifier addiction because they continue to offer it when it's no longer needed.

Crying
A crying baby indicates hunger, pain, discomfort or illness. If your baby is screaming at the top of their lungs with clenched fists and shows no indication of stopping, they are either hungry or in pain. On the other hand, there are times when a baby will get themselves upset and just cry for hours with no reason evident. New parents will quickly learn the different sounds made by their baby to express different needs. How will they know in the meantime?

Trial and Error
When baby body language presents itself with crying, first check normal problems. If it's been a while since the last feeding, offer milk. Check to see if the diaper needs changing or the baby has a rash. Try burping the baby by gently rubbing it's back. Check for fever or other signs of illness. Never bounce or shake the baby. Bouncing and shaking can cause injury and also give the baby a feeling of insecurity which will only make them cry louder. Use a calm gentle swaying motion while holding the baby securely and close to the heart.

Flailing of Arms and Legs
Baby is wiggling, crying and trembling with arms and legs moving about and fists tightly clenched. Baby body language tells us the baby feels insecure. Baby is used to being in the womb where he is held tight and secure. This is especially true of newborn baby body language. Try wrapping baby securely in a blanket and holding them close. Leave room to breathe but keep arms and legs restricted. If baby continues to cry, there may be another issue. New parents shouldn't worry about spoiling the baby by picking him up. Babies and children need love and comfort to survive and develop a healthy mental state.

Legs Drawn Up and Face Contorted
This baby body language indicates gas, bloating and constipation. This is especially true when baby is crying and squirming. New parents should think about the pain you have when you experience these things. It's the same for baby. There are several techniques to help baby with this. Burping is one. Another technique is to gently hold baby's feet and push knees toward stomach repeatedly. This may relieve gas pressure. Gently rubbing the tummy may help too. If this problem happens often, new parents may want to consult their doctor. Baby could have a more serious problem such as lactose intolerance.

Pulling on Ears
This baby body language presents itself with ear pulling accompanied by crying or whimpering. Baby may have a fever or be fussy. Sometimes baby will sleep more, but take longer to go to sleep. Baby body language may be inexpressive or seem lethargic. New parents should be aware these are symptoms that baby may have an ear infection or other illness. If baby presents the other body language with no ear pulling, they may have a cold or flu.

Biting or Gumming
New parents should know this baby body language means baby is teething. Biting and gumming everything they can is baby body language for, "My teeth hurt". Teething is often accompanied by drooling. Some babies run a low grade fever when teething as well. New parents can give baby a cold, clean washcloth to suck and chew on for teething pain. There are special teething lotions to rub on the gums as well. Be sure to use one intended for infants. Ask your doctor what fever reducer they recommend for infants.

Eye Rubbing
Naturally this baby body language may be a sign that baby has something in his eye. More commonly, this signifies fatigue. New parents can recognize a tired baby by the way he cries as well. If baby seems out of breath between yells, this is a sign of fatigue. Just like grownups, babies yawn when they run out of oxygen and are tired. New parents may also notice the common baby body language of eyelids drooping or opening and closing when baby is tired.

Please Note: Although the author is an experienced parent, she is not a licensed medical professional. New parents should consult a doctor for further advice and concerns about their new baby.

Source:

Personal Experience