The Language of Babies: What Your Baby is Trying To Tell You

The Language of Babies: What Your Baby is Trying To Tell You

April 5, 2023 Infant

Your baby has been talking to you since they were born. Well, not exactly with words, but with the language of babies: gurgles, babbles, cries, moans, arches, waves, grimaces and more. Understanding this special language is the key to helping meet your baby’s everyday needs, from “Feed me, I’m hungry!” to “Change me, I’ve got a poopy diaper!”

Unfortunately, sometimes parents get confused about what their baby is trying to tell them and may mistake discomfort or tiredness as hunger. In a 2010 Academic Pediatrics study, 72% of mothers surveyed believed that a crying baby meant a hungry baby.

Let’s face it, babies cry. A lot. Your baby isn’t always hungry when they cry.

Here’s what they may actually be trying to tell you:

I’m tired

The doctor’s appointment, the grocery store and the friendly visitors have worn me out. I just want to take my nap, because all this activity is tiring.

I’m HUNGRY

I’m growing and sometimes that makes me hungrier. I love it when you let me eat every two to three hours and listen to me when I’m ready to eat and when I am done.

I’m Too hot

The weather is warming up and you’ve got me dressed like we’re in the middle of winter! Please take that extra blanket off of me.

I’m Too COLD

I’m too cold. I kicked off my blankets and now I am cold. Will you please cover me up?

My diaper is dirty (or wet)

I pee or poop frequently during the day, so I need a diaper change every few hours. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I want is a clean diaper!

I’m BORED

I’ve been staring at the ceiling all morning {or in the same position, in the same baby carrier, looking out the same window} and I need a change of scenery.

I’m Gassy

That funny face, arching back and drawn up knees mean that I’m having a hard time digesting my food. It’s not a bad thing, but it might mean the food I ate is a little harder for my system to digest.

I need a break

The truth is, the noise, lights, and general chaos gets to be overwhelming and I need a moment (or two) of quiet.

Sometimes figuring out what your baby is trying to tell you is hard. You’re busy, distracted, or in the middle of doing something important. But your baby has a language all their own, and it’s important to understand it. This way, you’ll be able to meet their needs without feeding them too much or too little, send the message that they’re important to you, and grab those chances to connect and build a solid attachment with them.

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position