7 Explanations To Your Baby’s Body Language According To Experts
It can be difficult for new parents to determine whether their infant’s crying is caused by hunger or by the need to change their soiled diaper.
Fortunately, you can genuinely deduce your baby’s meaning from their body language. Even something as basic as an open fist can reveal a lot.
1. Arching back
Your kid may arch their back as a reaction to pain, and heartburn is most likely to blame if you notice this.
The infant may be full if they do so in the middle of a feeding, but if they do so in the middle of colic or a digestive disorder like GERD or acid reflux, it may also indicate that they are experiencing colic.
They may be fatigued, upset, or frustrated, which are additional frequent explanations. It is imperative that you speak with a pediatrician right away if they are constantly sobbing.
2. Constant kicking
Constant kicking might be a healthy sign, says Claire McCarthy, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School.
She probably wants to play if she appears joyful and cheerful, according to McCarthy.
But if the infant is fussy, it can be a sign that something is upsetting them. Do a quick check to determine what might be bothering her. It might be anything from gas to a dirty diaper to a tight car seat.
3. Head-banging
According to Catherine Nelson, M.D., a physician at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, babies find the regular back-and-forth motion calming.
If the infant persists in making the same move for an extended period of time, it can indicate something else. “You should bring it to your pediatrician’s notice at a checkup,” Dr. Brown advised. “If your kid bangs his head for extended periods of time instead of interacting with others or playing with his toys.”
By the time the infant is three years old, this practice should be broken.
4. Grabbing ears
It is not always a sign of ear infection when a newborn grabs their ears.
Many parents assume that, but frequently, your baby has only recently understood that she has ears, according to Dr. Nelson.
According to Dr. Brown, it also indicates that the infant is teething, particularly as the one-year molars start to erupt.
5. Clenched fist
If you ever notice your kid clenching his or her fists, you should take immediate action. This indicates that the infant is under severe stress from hunger.
According to S. Michelle Long, a qualified infant nurse in New York City, “I notice that babies tighten up all over when they are very hungry.”
6. Scrunched up knees
Intestinal issues including constipation, gas, or stomach discomfort are indicated if the baby scrunches up their knees.
According to Dr. Nelson, this position is typically a sign of stomach discomfort brought on by gas, a bowel movement, or constipation.
Help them slowly burp while giving them a gentle pat on the back to try to lessen their discomfort.
7. Arm jerks
This indicates that a loud noise, a bright light, or a quick movement startles the infant. Help them by turning down the noise or the light and wrapping them in a blanket before bed.
After they reached the age of three to four months, the arm jerks should stop.
Source: en.goodtimes.my