{"id":45285,"date":"2022-07-21T17:55:08","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T17:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/?post_type=first-things&p=45285"},"modified":"2022-12-06T16:24:45","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T16:24:45","slug":"positive-parenting-what-is-baby-saying","status":"publish","type":"first-things","link":"https:\/\/www.ftf-stg.magnetry.com\/es\/first-things\/positive-parenting-what-is-baby-saying\/","title":{"rendered":"Positive Parenting: What is baby saying?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I remember looking down at my wailing newborn daughter and telling her, “If I just knew what you wanted, I would do it!”<\/p>\n

Babies are born with some<\/em> ability to communicate what they are feeling and need from us. But it takes practice to get the message. Learning to see these (sometimes) tough-to-notice cues can help us meet our babies\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

Research shows that getting to know your baby\u2019s cues also helps the two of you build a strong, secure attachment<\/a> \u2014 a loving, trusting relationship.<\/p>\n

Do parents get it right every time?\u00a0 Heck no. But noticing and responding to your baby\u2019s expressions and gestures is what great parenting is all about. Your baby learns that they can trust you, feel safe with you, and rely on you. And that\u2019s what strong families are made of.<\/p>\n

Understanding and Responding to Your Baby’s Cues<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s impossible to list every cue your baby might use, think of this as the starter kit to figuring out what your baby is trying to say:<\/p>\n

I\u2019m hungry<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When baby is ready for some milk or formula, they may:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Keep hands\/fists near their mouth, suck hands<\/li>\n
  • Make sucking or \u201clip smacking\u201d noises<\/li>\n
  • Pucker their lips<\/li>\n
  • Search or root for the nipple<\/li>\n
  • Clench their fists<\/li>\n
  • Use a \u201chunger\u201d cry\u2014listen to see if your baby has a distinct cry when hungry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    I\u2019m done eating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    When baby is all done with milk for now, they may:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Suck more slowly or stop sucking<\/li>\n
    • \u201cPlay\u201d with the nipple \u2013 mouth it, rather than suck<\/li>\n
    • Turn or push away from the nipple<\/li>\n
    • Relax\/open their hands<\/li>\n
    • Look drowsy or fall asleep<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      I\u2019m ready to play<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      When your baby is ready for play and interaction, you may see them:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Gaze at your face, making eye contact<\/li>\n
      • Have a bright, calm expression<\/li>\n
      • Turn their head or eyes toward you<\/li>\n
      • Become more still; arm and leg movements are fluid, not jerky<\/li>\n
      • Reach out to you, or stretch fingers or toes toward you<\/li>\n
      • Slow or stop sucking<\/li>\n
      • Smile<\/li>\n
      • Coo or babble<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n