What is your baby telling you? (Newborn Communication) Let's listen!

Do you remember the first sound your baby made when he was born? That is, the baby's first cry. In fact, babies start talking to us from the moment they are born. At first, these cries and sounds of the baby may seem like a strange language that you cannot understand. But before you know it, you learn the baby's 'language' and learn to understand exactly what the baby needs and give them to him. Isn't it amazing? This is the beginning of that wonderful bond between mother and baby, and father and baby.

How do babies talk to us?

Crying is the main way a baby communicates after birth. When a baby cries, it usually means that something is wrong with them. Let's take a look at what it is:

• Maybe hungry: The cry, "Oh, I'm hungry!" may come a little slower and shorter. Some babies cry while trying to put their hands in their mouths.
• The clothes may be wet: Babies are very uncomfortable when their diapers or clothes get wet. Even then, they cry to let you know.
• It could be because of the cold: Small babies get cold easily. If their hands and feet are cold, or if they are not wearing enough clothes, they may cry.
• It could be because they're tired: Babies feel tired after playing hard or when the noise level in their environment increases. Even then, they cry and say, "I want to sleep now."
• It may be because they want to be cuddled: Sometimes all babies want is the warmth of their mother or father. Babies cry even when they want to be cuddled and feel loved.

Imagine, you're working in the kitchen and your baby suddenly starts crying. You run over and see that your baby is looking at you with both arms outstretched. That could be saying, "Please pick me up," right?

However, sometimes babies cry when they can't handle all the things and noises around them at once. Or, babies may cry for no apparent reason . So when your baby cries, don't worry that you couldn't calm him down quickly. Crying is a way for babies to express their feelings and respond to things they can't control.

In addition to crying, babies communicate with us through other sounds, facial expressions, and body movements . It's important to recognize these, and it strengthens the bond between you and your baby.

Pay close attention to how your baby responds to your voice. Your voice is the baby's way of telling him to eat, to be warm, to be touched, and to be comforted. When your baby is crying, notice how quickly he calms down when you come closer and talk to him. Notice how much he listens to you when you talk lovingly. Even if your baby is looking away, his full attention is on your voice when you talk. Your baby may then slowly change his body position, change his facial expression, or even move his arms and legs to match the rhythm of your speech.

A little more about understanding baby's "language"...

• Cooing and gurgling: Around one and a half to two months, babies start making sounds like 'oo' and 'ah'. These are their first words. They become more interested when you respond to those sounds.
• Laughter: Babies start to smile around two months old. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing your face and smiling when you talk to them, right?
• Facial expressions: Babies' faces change when they are hungry or uncomfortable. They widen their eyes when they are surprised. You can read a lot from these expressions.
• Body movements: When your baby is happy, he or she will flap his or her arms and legs, and when he or she is nervous, he or she will tense up. These are also signals that your baby is sending you.

So, what should you do as a mother?

From the moment your baby is born and you hold him in your arms, you start communicating with each other - with your first glance, your first sound, your first touch. Babies learn about the world very quickly using their senses. So don't forget to do these things:

• Talk to your baby whenever possible. Even if your baby doesn't understand what you're saying, your calm, loving voice will provide him with great security and comfort. Talk to him when he's bathing, changing, feeding, or playing. Say things like, "How's my precious son/daughter?" "Let's wear a nice dress today, right?"
• Give your baby a loving kiss and cuddle. Babies learn about the world through every touch. Your loving touch makes them feel like the world is a beautiful and safe place.
• Always respond when your baby cries. Babies are not 'bad' if they are hugged or picked up too much. This is something that many mothers think wrong. In fact, when you respond quickly, your baby understands that he is safe, that there is someone to take care of him, and that he is not alone. This builds his confidence.
• Try to soothe your baby when he cries. Some babies are calmed by gentle rocking or walking around the room. Others may enjoy a lullaby, a slow poem, or a monotonous sound called 'white noise' (e.g., a slow running faucet, a fan, or sometimes a vacuum cleaner). It may take some time for your baby to find out what he likes best. Be patient with him.

Sometimes, even if you've met all of your baby's needs – hunger, diaper changes, warmth – your baby may still cry. Don't worry about it. Maybe your baby is a little tired, or overstimulated by the noise and light around them. Or there are times when they just want to cry for no reason. Even then, it's best to cuddle them and talk to them lovingly.

Is my baby crying too much? Is that possible?

Many newborns have a period of time during the day when they are a little fussy and cry a lot, especially in the evening. This is normal. All newborns cry and fuss.

However, if a healthy baby with no other illnesses cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for three weeks in a row, we medically call that condition `(Colic)` . This is a very difficult and stressful time for parents. When a baby cries continuously, it is difficult to know what to do.

But the good news is that most of the time, colic will go away on its own by the time your baby is 3 or 4 months old. So, stay strong. Try everything you can to comfort your baby during this time, seek medical advice, and get the support of those who are there to help you.

When should you tell a doctor about a baby's crying?

Although it's normal for a baby to cry, sometimes it can be a sign of a problem. So be sure to see a doctor in these cases:

• If your baby cries for a very long time, meaning for hours at a time, no matter how hard you try to soothe him, he still won't stop crying.
• If you notice something unusual or different in the sound of your baby's crying. For example, if they are crying in a very high-pitched voice, or if they are crying in a very weak, barely audible voice.
• If the baby has other symptoms along with crying. For example:
• If your baby's activity has decreased , seems sleepy, or has no interest in playing.
• If you have reduced your milk intake , if you are reluctant to drink milk, or if you vomit the milk you have drunk.
• If there is a fever (usually above 38 degrees Celsius / 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
• If you have difficulty breathing (breathing rapidly, chest going in when breathing, lips turning blue).
• If the baby seems to be in pain somewhere (e.g., crying while holding his stomach, crying while drawing his legs, crying when you touch a certain part of his body).
• If the baby's skin looks yellow (like jaundice).
• If you have vomiting or diarrhea .

Even if you have one or two of these signs, it's wise to see a doctor for advice. Since illnesses in young babies can quickly become serious, it's important to get them checked out if you have any concerns.

Also, if you have any concerns about your baby's hearing or vision , tell your doctor. There are special tests that can check these things for newborns (e.g., newborn screening tests). Because the sooner a problem is identified, the more successful it is in treating it.

Finally, a few things to remember

Your little one has been talking to you since the day they came into this world. While that language may seem a little complicated at first, you will gradually become adept at understanding it.

• Your baby is really trying to tell you things. Listen to him, try to understand him.
• Your love, affection, and quick responses are what make your baby feel like this world is a safe and beautiful place. This helps his confidence and mental development.
• Every baby is different. What works for one baby may not work for another. So be patient and find what works for your baby.
• You are not alone. As a new mother, it is normal to have questions, concerns, and doubts. At that time, seek help from your husband, family, and friends. Also, if you have any doubts about your baby's health or behavior, do not be afraid and do not delay in seeking medical advice.

We hope that this wonderful, loving bond between you and your little one grows stronger every day!

` newborn communication, baby crying, soothing baby, colic, parent-baby bond, Sinhala medical advice, child health Sinhala