Do you remember your baby’s first cry? Actually, from birth, babies begin to communicate.
At first, a newborn’s cry may seem like a foreign language to you. But before you can realise, you’ve learned that “language” and are able to meet your baby’s every little need.
How does the baby communicate?
Babies are born with the ability to cry, that’s how babies initially communicate. Your baby’s cry usually tells you that. What’s going on with your baby: he’s hungry, his diaper is wet, his feet are cold, he’s tired, or he likes to be cuddled.
Soon you will be able to recognize the needs your baby requires and respond appropriately. In fact, sometimes a baby’s needs can be identified through crying. For example, the cry when the baby is hungry may be short and soft, while the cry when the baby is upset will be louder.
Babies can also cry because of too many images and sounds around. Or maybe cry for no reason at all. Don’t be so upset when your baby cries that you can’t understand and comfort him. Because crying is one of the ways babies release anger.
Crying is the primary method babies use to communicate. But there are also other more subtle forms that you need to know to strengthen the bond with your child.
Babies can distinguish between human voices and other sounds so try to pay attention to your baby’s response to your voice when you care for him: feed him, keep him warm, or cuddle him.
If your baby cries in the crib, see how your sweet voice can make the baby stop crying quickly. Observe how your baby listens to your loving words, your baby may not be able to combine sight and hearing yet. But even while staring into space, your baby may still be paying close attention to your voice. Your baby may be able to gently adjust body position, facial expressions, or even hand and foot movements while you speak.
In the first month, you can sometimes observe your baby’s soft smile. It’s another baby communication skill.
How to understand baby?
When you hold your baby right after he’s born, you and your baby have begun to communicate with each other by first sight, sound and touch. Newborn babies quickly learn about the world through their senses.
After that, your baby will gradually get used to seeing you and will begin to focus on your face. Then touch and hearing are especially important.
Your baby will become curious about sounds, but will be especially sensitive to voices, talk to your child whenever you can. Even though your baby doesn’t understand what you say, the interest in your voice will be conveyed completely to him, babies learn about life through touch. Therefore, kiss your baby a lot and tenderly, and then she will feel life is so light.
Communication is also a way to meet your baby’s needs. Always respond to your baby’s cries. Babies can’t be spoiled just because they get too much attention. Indeed, a prompt response to your baby’s cries lets her know that she’s important and deserves attention.
There may be times when you’ve met all of your needs, but your baby still cries. Don’t despair – your baby may be overstimulated. There’s too much energy, or it’s just a good cry with no apparent cause.
Usually babies cry at the same time every day, between mid-afternoon and midnight. Even though babies are all crying and upset. But when a healthy baby cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, and for at least three weeks, he’s having colic. But this symptom will not last long. Most babies will clear up on their own by the time they’re about 3 months old.
You can try soothing your baby. Some babies like to be comforted by being active. Like swinging back and forth across the room. Other babies may again respond to sounds such as soft music or the sound of a vacuum cleaner. It may take time for you to learn what is best to comfort your baby when she’s stressed.
What should you care about in your baby?
See your doctor if your baby seems to cry at unusual times. If the crying sounds strange, or if the baby’s crying is accompanied by inactivity, loss of appetite, breathing, or abnormal activity. Your doctor may be able to give you advice or find the cause. Chances are nothing out of the ordinary happened. And so you can feel comfortable and calm when your baby cries.
Here are some reasons why babies cry so long:
- Baby is sick. When your baby cries more when being held or rocked, he may be sick. Call the doctor, especially if your baby’s temperature is 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher.
- Baby has eye irritation. Your baby may have a scratch on his cornea or a foreign object in his eye that causes redness and watery eyes. Call the doctor.
- Baby is in pain. Diaper buttons or other objects can hurt your baby’s skin. Be careful to look everywhere, even on fingers and toes (it’s possible for hair to wrap around a baby’s finger or toe and cause pain).
If you have any doubts about your newborn baby’s ability to see or hear. You should take your baby to the doctor immediately. When necessary, the baby can be examined with specialized equipment. Once a risk is detected early, it is better treated.
