Communicating with your baby (0-2 months)

How babies communicate

Babies learn how to communicate from day one by using facial expressions, body movements and sounds such as crying to let you know what they need.

You and your baby will learn how to communicate and understand each other through practice.

• Pay attention to how your baby is responding to the different experiences and activities you do with them.
• Think about what might be happening to or around your baby at any given time. This will make it easier for you to know what your baby needs.

Parenting is a process of learning for everyone.

Baby cues that say ‘I'm hungry

Video by Raising Children Network: Baby cues & baby body language: a guide | Raising Children Network

An example of how to communicate with your baby

Your baby may be showing sudden movements, arching their back, frowning and crying. Remembering they had a feed and a nappy change not long ago, you decide the cues are really telling you your baby is tired and needs a sleep. Just as you realise this, you might say, “Oh baby, what a big yawn, I think you are getting tired, so it’s time for a sleep.” You then start preparing them for sleep.

Talking to your baby in your language and explaining what you notice will help your baby learn language, trust and confidence.

Having a quiet time after a feed and responding when your baby tries to talk to you is another lovely way to build your baby’s communication skills. As you look and notice what your baby is doing, you can copy their expressions – if it is a soft smile, respond with a soft smile, and say something like, “You are smiling – are you happy to see me?” The more you notice and try to understand each other, the better you and your baby will be at communicating.

Baby cues that say ‘I want to play’

Video by Raising Children Network: Baby cues & baby body language: a guide | Raising Children Network

More information

Here are some useful videos and fact sheets to help you feel more confident in reading your baby’s cues. https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/connecting-communicating