The video discusses the unique language of babies, starting with their cries. It explains that during the first four months of life, crying is the main way babies express their needs. The video identifies seven types of cries: calling cry, hunger cry, pain cry, physiological cry, sleep cry, discomfort cry, and bored cry. Each type of cry has a specific meaning and response. For instance, a calling cry means the baby needs attention, a hunger cry indicates it's time to feed, a pain cry suggests the baby is in pain, and a physiological cry signals a need for a diaper change.
The video also introduces the sounds babies make, which are explained by Australian pediatrician Dr. Priscilla Dunstan. She states that babies start making communication sounds only after four months old. The video provides a "sound" cheat sheet, explaining that "neh" means the baby is hungry, "eh" indicates the baby is about to burp, "owh" signifies the baby is tired, "heh" means the baby is uncomfortable, and "eairh" suggests the baby has a sore tummy.
The video then discusses the body language of babies, such as arching their backs, rotating their head, grabbing their ears, clenching their fists, lifting their legs, and jerking their arms.
1. The first year with a baby is both challenging and exciting.
2. During the first four months of life, crying is the main way babies express their needs.
3. There are seven types of cries to listen for and what they mean:
- A calling cry: This means that your baby has been alone for a while and now desperately needs your attention.
- A hunger cry: This is a clear sign that it's time to feed.
- A pain cry: This crying is flat and constant. Small hysterical outbursts mean the pain is increasing and you should call the doctor as soon as possible.
- A physiological cry: Babies usually let you know right away by whining and squeaking as they cry.
- A sleep cry: Sleepy babies also tend to rub their eyes and ears.
- A discomfort cry: This crying sounds very irritated and often comes together with fidgeting.
- A bored cry: This is extremely common – your baby is simply frustrated or bored!
4. Australian pediatrician Dr. Priscilla Dunstan has been studying early childhood sounds for more than 20 years.
5. Your baby starts actively making communication sounds only after 4 months old.
6. Here's a little “sound” cheat sheet:
- “Neh” means “Hey, I'm hungry here, feed me!”
- “Eh” is “I think I'm gonna burp now!”
- “Owh” means “I'm so sleepy and tired!”
- “Heh” is baby speak for “I'm not feeling it, I’m uncomfortable.”
- “Eairh” indicates “I have a sore tummy, help!”
7. Small babies have their own body language that can help you detect their needs and moods.
8. Arching their backs: If your baby arches their back during eating, it's a sign of reflux. After eating it means they're full.
9. Rotating their head: This is your baby's way of calming down.
10. Grabbing their ears: This may look pretty scary but it's completely natural – your baby is simply exploring their body!
11. Clenching their fists: A perfectly relaxed hand means that they're full, while strong fist shows that they need baby food right this minute.
12. Lifting their legs: Your baby tries to cope with it on their own by lifting their legs to ease those unpleasant sensations.
13. Jerking their arms: Loud sounds, bright lights, and sudden wake-ups provoke the startle reflex in little babies. As a result, they jerk their arms out of fear.
14. Pediatricians recommend parents talk to their babies as often as possible.
15. This type of constant communication will help them develop their own individual sounds and gestures to express their needs better.