18 Signs That Will Help You To Understand Your Baby Before They Can Speak

Babies communicate through various movements and sounds when they require attention, food, a diaper change, or sleep. This guide will help you recognize these baby signs.

Though unable to speak, babies express their needs through cries and body language. It's fascinating how they convey messages without words. Even the smallest gesture can be significant, and understanding these can lead to better baby care.

Baby Signs

Dunstan Body Language

Priscilla Dunstan developed the Dunstan Body Language system to help parents interpret their babies' non-verbal communication. While not officially endorsed by all experts, it has received global acclaim for its effectiveness.

Baby Cries

Attention-Seeking Cry

A baby that cries, pauses for 20 seconds, and then cries again is likely seeking attention. In such cases, it's usually best to hold and comfort them.

Hunger Cry

A continuous, often frantic cry accompanied by head movements and distinctive mouth sounds typically signifies hunger.

Discomfort Cry

A baby expressing discomfort will arch its back and squirm, possibly due to being too hot, too cold, or needing a diaper change.

Pain Cry

A loud, sustained cry is a clear indicator of pain.

Sleep Cry

When babies whine more than usual and rub their eyes, it's often a sign that they're ready for a lullaby.

Environmental Cry

Babies who are bored with their surroundings may cry, continuing until they are back in a familiar environment.

Body Language

Arching Back

Babies might arch their back due to colic or discomfort during the first few months. After two months, arching often indicates sleepiness.

Clenched Fist

A hungry baby may clench its fists, which can escalate to a hunger cry if not fed promptly.

Ear Grabbing

While it may be a sign of your baby discovering their body parts, consistent ear grabbing should be discussed with a pediatrician.

Head Rotation

Rotating their head is a self-soothing action babies do before falling asleep.

Leg Lift

Lifting their legs can indicate stomach pain or colic in babies; it's a way to alleviate discomfort. Frequent leg lifting should be addressed with a doctor.

Arm Jerking

Bright lights or loud noises can cause babies to jerk their arms.

Other Sounds

"Ehhhh" signifies that the baby needs to burp, releasing an involuntary sound when excess air escapes from its esophagus.

"Heh" indicates discomfort, often accompanied by the baby jerking its hands and feet.

"Owh" suggests the baby is tired and in need of sleep, demonstrated by an "owwhh" sound and lip folding.

"Eairh" is a sign of stomach pain, bloating, and gas.

"Neh" means the baby is hungry, with the tongue pushing against the roof of the mouth.

Understanding baby cues is straightforward once you learn their language. They simplify communication for you. By interpreting their movements and sounds, you can effectively respond to their needs, and perhaps even avoid reaching for a headache pill. 

Of course, that's just a jest. Babies are endearing, and it's our responsibility to ensure their comfort.