Learning Baby's Cues and Body Language

Introducing our guest blogger:

Alma Stanley, our guest blogger is a a caring Plunket Nurse and delightful young mom of two little kids. She practically supports new moms in taking care of their babies in and around Auckland. In this blog, Alma shares on understanding babies’ cues and how new parents can both understand and enjoy communicating with and caring for their precious newborn baby!

Our little humans are so precious and very expressive from the moment they are born! Your little one’s body language is a way to you let you know how he or she is feeling and what their needs are from you.

Every baby is different and unique. Each baby develops his or her own type and combination of signs to tell you what he/she wants. Eventually you will understand and learn your baby’s distinct cues and what those cues mean about your baby’s feelings / emotions. As you get to know your baby, as days go by, you will be able to work out the best way to respond to your baby's cues and signals. 

 Let us look at some cues and body languages of babies and what they mean.

• The following are the signs of tiredness in babies. Jerky movements, fussiness, sucking finger, staring into the distance, yawning and not interested in playing or interacting with people. 

• When babies make sucking noises and turn their head towards your breasts, that means they are hungry and needed a feed. In new-borns, these signs can be noticed every 2 to 3 hours. And also, when babies have open fists, that means they are full and closed fists tell you they are hungry. 
• Most babies thrive well with routines. It is better to start having a simple routine with your baby, right from their early age. They normally have a ‘feed-play-sleep’ routine. 
• The following signs mean that it is playtime for them, and they are ready to play with you. Wide awake and bright eyed, having good eye contact with you, smiling, reaching out to you with their hands and having gentle/smooth movements. 

I hope this short blog has helped you. Let me tell you something 'YOU ARE DOING AN AWESOME JOB!’. Congrats again on your motherhood!

So, with what we have looked about the baby’s body language, simply keep it in your mind and just tune into your baby’s cues.  And remember most of all your baby wants you, your face, your touch, your warmth, your love, and all of this consistently. As per a few new studies, you can never spoil your young babies. 

Enjoy your special time with bubs! Take care!

Alma Stanley

Bachelor of Nursing, Plunket Nurse