Just for Mums
<p><b>Baby cues and what they mean</b></p>
<p><b>Learn to understand your little one</b><br />It may take you a few weeks to get the hang of things after giving birth. Very few first-time parents immediately know when a baby is hungry or needs a nappy change.</p>
<p><br />Your baby can't verbally speak yet but this doesn't mean he doesn't have ways of communicating with you. Your baby's non-verbal language or cues are his ways of telling you what he needs at that moment.</p>
<p><br /><b>What should you look out for?</b><br />You will be amazed at how your baby communicates effectively. They will signal when they are uncomfortable, hungry, sleepy, and ready to play. Look closely at your baby's body language for clues.</p>
<p><br /><b>Responding to baby cues is important</b><br />Responding to your baby's cues helps make your baby feel safe and secure. These are the crucial times of forming a strong bond that will benefit your baby's development. Perhaps smiling helps stop them in their tracks before crying, or maybe cradling them in your arms may soothe and bring warmth.</p>
<p><br /><b>Your baby is tired if they:</b><br />• Stare into the distance.<br />• Have jerky movements.<br />• Rub their eyes and ears.<br />• Suck fingers.<br />• Lose interest in people or toys.</p>
<p><br /><b>Your baby is hungry If they:</b><br />• Make sucking noises.<br />• Turn towards the breast.<br />• Try to suck on their fists<br />• This is a late hunger cue, try and avoid it.</p>
<p><br />You can start to look for these cues every two hours in newborns or every three to four hours for an older baby. Remember newborns need to feed every two to three hours.</p>
<p><br /><b>Your baby wants to play if they:</b><br />• Have their eyes wide open and bright.<br />• Make eye contact with you.<br />• Have smooth movements.<br />• Have their hands reaching out to you.</p>
<p><br /><b>Your baby needs a break if they:</b><br />• Turn their head away from you.<br />• Squirm or kick.<br />• Cough, spit up or arch their back.<br />• Put up their hand in a sort of "stop" sign.</p>
<p><br /><b>Good to know</b><br />Remember, not all babies will have the same cues, assess your baby and study their patterns. Take your time and get to know your baby's way of communicating with you, like when they're enjoying playtime, feeling a bit overwhelmed, and when they become hungry or tired. Should you miss certain cues your baby is likely to become grumpy and find it difficult to settle.</p>
<p><br />Your baby will develop his or her unique way of communicating with each family member or friend, with the help of your partner you too will learn to respond in a suitable way that brings comfort to your baby.</p>
