How to read your baby’s mind
THE secret to cracking the code when it comes to what baby wants, thinks and feels may be easier than you think – if you know what to look for.
Maybe it’s the middle of the night when baby’s crying up a storm, and you can’t figure out what the little guy wants for the life of you.
The look: Scrunched-up face, accompanied by grunting noises
What it means: He’s probably uncomfortable, especially if he’s crying. The likely culprit? Gas.
Try rubbing his belly gently to relieve it a bit. (Note: A scrunched face without the crying, plus some widening of the eyes, may just be baby’s “poop face”. You’ll get to know that look pretty well if you haven’t already.)
Wait a bit for it to pass. If it doesn’t, call your doctor.
The look: An intense, investigative stare at an object or in one general direction
What it means: Baby gets fascinated pretty easily and is particularly intrigued by things around him.
Another point of fascination? Watch an object or person disappears.
Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget claimed babies don’t understand that an object can still exist once it’s out of view, but recent studies have thrown this theory out the window.
That’s why baby will continue to stare after mum has walked out the door: He’s looking for her to return.
The look: Furrowed brows and a pouty lip
What it means: He’s most likely been overstimulated and is on the brink of a meltdown.
Place him in a swing for some rhythmic movement to chill him out and back away slowly.
He needs some alone time and the comfort of his swing will probably do the trick.
The look: A series of unexplainable crying, yelling or even object-throwing
What it means: If this behaviour is accompanied by some ploys for your attention, then guess what? That’s what it is. Baby’s bored (hey, it happens) and probably wants some one-on-one time.
Entertain him with a fun toy or sing a song he loves.
As for baby’s (sometimes maddening) cries, they, of course, differ slightly with every baby – but there are definitely some similarities all tots share.
So the next time you’re pulling your hair out trying to decode baby’s cry, consult this list:
The cry: Rhythmic and repetitive
What it means: Baby’s probably hungry – especially if he’s rooting around for mum’s breast or sucking
What it means: It’s time for a nap – your little guy’s tuckered out.
What it means: If this carries on for a while, baby’s not feeling so good. It may be time to visit the doctor.
The cry: Powerful screams
What it means: If baby’s wailing at the top of his lungs for any prolonged period, it’s time to consult your doctor. It could be a variety of things, but the likely culprit? The dreaded colic.
The cry: Whiny and irritated
What it means: Your tot’s fussing is probably because he’s been overstimulated and getting stressed. – TheBump.com/McClatchy-Tribune Information Services