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It’s true that nothing can compare to the bond between a parent and their child, especially in those first few months when you are constantly available at their beck and call. But no matter how inseparable you are, parents are not mind readers. And therefore, they can’t always figure out what their baby needs from instinct alone. Sometimes it takes some basic knowledge and careful observation to assess and recognize what your baby needs. Taking care of babies is a task rife with challenges and responsibilities and no one expects you to get everything right the first time around. But there are a few ways in which you can learn to understand your baby better. Want to know what they are? Then keep on reading!
1. Notice Their Movements
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At first glance it may look like all the gestures your baby does are random but in truth, these little movements are what you need to look out for. Your baby is not capable of speech yet, so they rely heavily on body language to convey what they want and need.
- Clenching Their Fists – Babies clenching their fists may be a sign of hunger or distress. So, if your baby repeats this gesture, it’s probably feeding time.
- Unclenching Fists After Eating – As babies get fuller upon feeding, they slowly start opening up their fists and their body seems more relaxed. This is your cue to stop feeding your baby.
- Arching Their Back – Usually when a baby is experiencing gas, reflux, or any stomach discomfort, they start arching their backs as a way to find some relief and comfort. This gesture is also noticed in babies after feeding or when they need to poop. They can even do it lying down.
- Raising Their Legs – Most of the time babies raise their legs up instinctively when they need to fart. You may help them by rubbing their tummy in circular motions to facilitate the release of gas.
2. Observe Their Manner Of Crying
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Every parent will soon learn that babies have a language of their own: crying. Babies cry for everything but their cries don’t all sound the same. On closer inspection you will find that babies often cry differently to signal different needs. And it is imperative that you learn how to differentiate one from the other.
- Hunger – Babies feel hungry often. So if they’re crying, chances are, they need to be nursed again. But since this isn’t the only reason they cry it’s important to keep in mind exactly what they sound like when they are hungry. This is usually a low-pitched, rising and falling crying sound. As soon as you hear this, it’s time to breastfeed or offer your baby a bottle.
- Reflux – Sometimes babies may cry even after they have been fed. This could be a sign of heartburn. Relieve this problem, by taking frequent breaks and burping them during their meals. This will ensure that they are digesting the milk and it isn’t causing them discomfort.
- Colic – Typically babies anywhere between 1 to 5 weeks old may be affected by colic. Crying longer than 3 hours a day, thrice a week, is a sign of this condition. You could always consult your doctor to see what needs to be done. Try to comfort them with a pacifier or gently rock, sway, or pat their backs while walking with them in your arms to see if it helps. Your baby will slowly overcome this condition eventually.
- Sleeping Patterns – Around the 6-month mark, babies may learn to put themselves to sleep without much help from you. However, no one likes change, not even infants and they may cry in protest of their newfound autonomy. Chances are that they will cry just to get your attention. Some studies have shown that letting your baby cry it out for a bit may exhaust them, driving them to fall asleep faster and enjoy longer sleep hours.
3. Decode Their Language
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Your baby may not speak in coherent words but they definitely try to use sounds to communicate with you.
- Neh – Your baby is hungry. This sound usually indicates a sucking reflex where their tongues push against the roof of the mouth.
- Owh – Your baby is sleepy. This sound resembles a yawn.
- Eh – Your baby needs to burp. Babies make this sound when a lot of air is trapped in their chest, causing them discomfort.
Taking care of a newborn is not for the faint of heart. They need 24/7 attention which can be exhausting and overwhelming. However, learning to understand them will help you cater to their needs easily.
