Your Baby Can Not Talk, Or Can She?

Even if your baby can not talk quite yet, she can communicate with you in other ways. Some of these cues will come naturally to her, even if they’re mysteries to you.

How many times have you thought, I wish my baby could just tell me what was wrong or what she wanted! Well, that time will come, and when it does, you might just find yourself wishing your baby couldn’t constantly ask for a “coo-ey” (a.k.a. “cookie) or “cah” (“cup,” meaning her treat cup). But in the mean time, the your baby’s failed attempts to communicate her needs and desires can be quite frustrating for both of you. Here are some “translations” that might help you understand what she’s trying to say.

• “Waaaah!” There are three typical meanings to a consistent cry:

1. “I’m tired.”

Your baby can fight sleep, even or especially when she needs it most. That’s one of the reasons it can be counter-productive to pick her up every time she cries. How long you let her cry is up to you, but sometimes your baby can fall asleep after just a few whimpers. Having your baby on a routine in which she is typically fed after, not before, nap time or bed time can help you to discern whether this is a sleepy cry or a hungry cry.

2. “I’m hungry.”

Like the sleepy cry, the hungry cry can be repetitive. However, it generally gets more intense as time goes by, and rarely are there breaks in the crying, as your baby gets comfortable and tries to sooth herself in order to get to sleep. Of course, an additional way your baby can tell you she needs food is by “rooting,” or opening her mouth, moving it around in search of a food source.

3. “I’m dirty.”

Very young babies are typically not bothered by dirty diapers, but as they reach around 6 months of age, your baby can begin to communicate discomfort when she soils herself. Of course, there are other senses involved in your ability to discern a cry as a request to visit the nearest changing station, so this one is pretty easy to figure out.

• “_________Ahhh!”

This noiseless cry, followed by a high-pitched wail has only one basic meaning: pain. Pain for babies is typically caused by one of the following conditions:

1. “I’m gassy.”

Since babies’ digestive systems are still developing, intestinal discomfort is common. It is especially common after a dietary change, such as going to formula from breast milk, changing formulas, or adding foods. (If you’re exclusively nursing, it could also be due to something in your diet.) In addition to burping or pumping your baby’s legs, various over-the-counter medications are available to aid in relief.

2. “I’m bound!”

Again, this is a digestive issue often caused by a change of diet. Unlike the gassy issue, though, this sound cue is often accompanied by a facial grimace that shows straining. While apple juice may help, most of what you can offer your baby is comfort. Hold her and talk calmly to her, or otherwise attempt to distract her from her pain.

Even though your baby can’t talk yet, she does try to communicate with you. In the end, all you really have to do is what you want other people to do for you: listen and respond.

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