As a new parent, your relationships take on a whole added dimension. You now speak as a parent and have new ideas, concerns and ways of communicating with both your partner and your family and friends. You have the excitement (and challenge!) of learning what this new baby wants to tell you, and how you can tell him that he can trust and love you.
You and Your Baby
New parents may often feel like crying is the only way their baby communicates! But as you get to know your baby, you’ll realize that they can communicate using both verbal and non-verbal cues. Once your baby starts to smile, for example, you’ll notice that she often “smiles” with her whole body!
Your baby is probably showing “I like it” when:
- He is quietly alert and attentive
- He is smiling
- His face “brightens” when you smile or speak or sing to him
When your baby shows some of the following behaviours, he may be saying “I don’t like it”:
- Pouting
- Whimpering
- Eyes partly closed or looking away
- Turning away from you
- Tight fists
- Crawling away
Your baby is probably saying “I need you” when she:
- Reaches up with her arms
- Looks for you
- Starts making more sounds
- Leans or crawls towards you
Every baby is unique and by looking into your baby’s eyes, holding her close, talking, singing and reading to her, and learning about her different cries, you and your baby are learning how to communicate with each other.
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