Let’s Learn The Gestural Language Of Babies Together

Difficulties in understanding the needs of their child represent the greatest frustration and fear of mothers. For this, one must open the mind and pay attention. The little ones use different ways to express their needs and make their requests. Among these we find the language of gestures.

Unable to speak, children express themselves primarily through their own bodies. By interpreting these small gestures, you will be able to understand what your child wants.

Crying is the best known means of communication, but it is not the only one. Babies also use movements, smiles, gestures and sounds to get attention.

In general, the baby’s signals are most intense when they are directed to the parents. With you he will cry louder, but he will also dedicate his best smiles to you. This will happen especially when you have to separate from him and when you return to get him, after leaving him with other people.

Newborns begin to express themselves through gestural language

All newborns make gestures, make sounds or engage in different behaviors to make themselves understood. For example, if they look away, turn their heads or arch back while playing, it means they need to rest and prefer to continue playing later.

If they cry, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re hungry. They may be cold, the diaper may be dirty, or they are tired. Each baby has a different cry to express these annoyances and, with a little patience, you will learn to identify them.

A newborn has multiple ways of making himself understood. If he smiles while you are with him, it shows that he feels comfortable, that he is happy, and that he probably wants the situation to stay that way for a while longer. You will find that discovering these signs will be very helpful when it comes to establishing habits. For example, when he has to sleep, you can help him fall asleep.

Around 8 months of age, you will notice that your baby will cling to your neck and start crying when he sees your friends or when you take him to the pediatrician. This indicates that he knows how to distinguish known people from strangers and that the latter frighten him.

As time goes by, he will find that these people greet him in a friendly manner and he will begin to get used to it. Eventually he will accept them, but always in his own time.

Gesture language changes from newborn to newborn. For this reason, learning to understand your child takes time, patience and dedication.

Being able to answer his requests correctly will strengthen the affection and bond that exists between you. The key is to observe carefully and arm yourself with patience, in order to decipher your little one’s sign language.

Teach your child sign language

We must always respect the rhythms of the newborn and make sure that he has fun. The ideal time to start is when the little one begins to show interest in communication. You will notice that he will be more sociable, will start muttering words and making sounds to attract attention.

When you say a word, you also make a gesture or indicate what you are naming. Always use the same gesture, repeat it several times and emphasize the keyword. So when you do that movement, the child clearly sees and hears the connection between the two.

After a few days or weeks, the little one is likely to start using the same gesture. Turn the learning process into a fun time. If the baby is having fun, it is easier for him to learn.

Some signs you can use

Many specialists recommend certain groups of signs. The Sign with your baby program is based on the US sign language. Instead, the Baby Signs program (“Signs for Newborns”) uses a set of simple signs designed specifically for newborns.

These systems all work, just as a system you invented can work. Any gesture that clearly recalls the meaning of the word you say will be fine. Below, you will find some examples:

• “Food” : put your fingertips over your lips.
• “It’s finished” : raise your hands to the sides, palms facing up.
• “Fear” : pat yourself with the palm of your hand on the chest.
• “Hot” : reach out your arm as if to grab something and then quickly withdraw it.
• “Where is it?” : raise your shoulders with your palms facing up.
• “Rabbit” : wrinkle your nose and show two fingers.
• “Automobile” : Pretend you are turning an imaginary steering wheel.
• “Book” : join your hands and open them, turning the palms upwards.