
How to read baby sign language
How to read baby sign language
From the moment they’re born, your baby has a lot to say. Whether they’re rubbing their eyes when they’re tired to reaching their arms up when they want a cuddle, they’ve got ways to tell you how they’re feeling. Here are some baby sign language cues to look out for.
- Ask yourself if baby’s tired. Look out for a slow build-up of grunt-like cries and rubbing eyes.
- Work out if they’re in pain. Often signaled with a sudden high-pitched shriek followed by a big breath and another shriek.
- Find out if it’s colic. Watch out for regular shrieking in the late afternoon or evening for up to a few hours. Their face may become flushed, scrunched up, and they may clench their fists, draw their knees up to their tummy, or arch their back.
- Could baby be angry? Look out for loud crying while going red in the face.
- Remember they might feel ignored. Yelling and shouting could be a hint.
- Watch out for signs of fear. Baby may freeze on the spot.
- Ask yourself if they’re hungry. They might be hunting for the breast or fidgeting and sucking fingers, your shoulders, or even your nose or chin! For more clues on whether your baby is hungry or full, check out the nine faces of feeding.
- Remember they’re learning to talk. Regular babbling means they probably just want a chin wag.
- See if they want something. Once they learn to point, they may get good at giving instructions.
- Find out if they just want a cuddle. Baby will soon start to raise her arms to let you know.
- See if they want to play. Hiding their face behind their hands could be a good time for peekaboo.
- Look out for signs your baby is content—an angelic little face smiling back at you!
SOURCES:
Related articles

Baby Teething Tips
Learn how to recognize teething signs, soothe pain, and prepare for teething with expert advice for parents.
5 mins to read

Understanding Pregnancy Pains and discomfort
Understand pregnancy pains, their causes, and warning signs. Learn what discomforts are normal and when to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
5 mins to read

Tips for potty training for toddlers
Find out when to start potty training, key tips for success, and signs your toddler is ready. Make this milestone a positive and stress-free experience.
5 mins to read

How to deal with colics in babies
Learning about colics in babies, how they happen and how to sooth your child might be beneficial to your daily life as a new parent.
5 mins to read

Your baby proofing action plan
Protect your baby with effective baby proofing strategies. Discover essential tips to make your home safer as your little one begins to explore and grow.
6 mins to read

How To Help Baby Sleep Better
Learn the importance of baby sleep for growth and development. Discover red flags in your baby's sleep patterns and ensure they get the rest they need.
5 mins to read

How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Discover how to emotionally prepare for parenthood, recognize red flags, and manage challenges to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood.
5 mins to read

How to handle toddler sleep problems
Learn how to address toddler sleep problems with expert tips, identify red flags, and promote healthy sleep habits for your little one's well-being.
5 mins to read

Understanding why babies cry
Explore helpful techniques to calm your crying baby, from addressing basic needs to create a peaceful environment, fostering comfort and connection.
5 mins to read

Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Your very first prenatal appointment is here—exciting! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.
2 mins to read

Getting baby’s nursery ready
Preparing the baby’s nursery is a fun job to do before your bundle of joy arrives. Here’s a baby nursery list to help get them settled in at home.
2 mins to read

What to consider when choosing a nursery
Wondering how to pick a nursery to look after your baby? We have put together a list of some things to consider when choosing a nursery, from childcare costs to location.
2 mins to read

Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums
Now they’re walking and talking, your toddler’s asserting their independence more and more every day, as well as developing a strong willpower!
2 mins to read

Six easy ways to deal with judging parents
Feel like you’re the victim of mom shaming or mom judging? It’s tough being a new mom, let alone if you feel like you’re under attack from parental criticism.
3 mins to read

Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression
Wondering how to know if I have postnatal depression? You’ve just birthed a human, your whole has been turned upside down, and you haven’t slept for what feels like an age.
5 mins to read

Your checklist of antenatal testing questions
Baby health checks start before they’re even born. Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about antenatal testing.
1 min to read

Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labor checklist
Learn to identify the first signs of labor and understand the stages of childbirth. Get practical recommendations for a smoother labor experience.
5 mins to read

C-section recovery: Things to think about
As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time and self-care. Here are some things to have in mind to help you heal, from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.
2 mins to read

Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers
Clingy Baby Syndrome, otherwise known as separation anxiety in toddlers, can be upsetting for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you both cope with separation anxiety.
1 min to read