How Your Baby Says "I Love You"

Moms and dads wait a long to time to hear their baby speak those magic words, "I love you." Hearing those words is a kind of loving affirmation for parents that warms the heart and lets parents know, "Hey, I'm doing okay!" Believe it or not, your baby sends those "I love you" signals long before he or she says the words. With patience and a careful eye, parents can see how your baby says, "I love you." As your child ages, look for those tell-tale signs of love.

Smiling and Cooing

Don't listen to the "old wives club" that tells you his smile is just gas. At some point, and who can honestly tell you when, her smile means, "I love you." Even if baby does not have a glimmer of what that means, he recognizes his bond with you and celebrates it by smiling. Loving smiles may be accompanied by soft cooing and gurgling, another expression of how he really feels.

Gazing

Babies can become intense. If your child is sending you serious stares for lengthy periods, you should be flattered. Gazing or staring is the child's way of establishing comfortableness and a loving feeling with parents. Allow your child to stare and send her a smile of acknowledgment.

Extended Arms and Kissing

If grandma is holding baby, but he holds his arms out to you, then he is expressing his love. Children recognize their parents and over time come to prefer their company. Around the same time, your baby may begin kissing or slobbering on you. It is normal for children learn physical affection and they often mimic what they have experience. If parents are big smoochers, chances are baby will be too.

Your Shadow

Stay at home moms learn that children love banging on pots like to help "clean." Your baby will quickly become your shadow copying you in everything you do. Her mimicry is an expression of her love and desire to be like you, doing and trying the things you do.

Watch your baby for these signs of affection. Each child is different and it is up to parents to learn how your baby says "I love you."