How to Communicate with your Newborn Baby?

Communication begins at the first cry

The baby starts communicating with you the moment she is born. Communication need not be explicit in the form of words. The baby’s first cry is the very first time she communicates with the world around her.

From crying, cooing, movements and even eye contact, she is expressing her need to communicate. Even though it appears to be a foreign language first, you gradually pick it up and learn how to respond.

Crying – Different types

Crying is the very first form of communication by babies. It may be an empty stomach, need for sleep, wet bottom or any other need. And soon you can differentiate between the types of cries of your little one. Sometimes, the baby may show some sort of fussiness every day even if you have tried everything. Over-stimulation can be a reason. Don’t worry, that is short-lived, (by the time she turns 3-4 months, you will find that she is no longer colicky)  crying is the most effective way for the baby to communicate uneasiness. Rocking, slight movements, singing etc can be comfortable for her.

Please Note: Whenever in doubt, talk with your paediatrician. (For eg: Long cries with decreased activity.)

Also Read: Why your newborn baby is crying?

How to communicate with a newborn

Your voice soothes the baby. Lullabies provide a certain warmth and babies associate your voice with food and comfort. During the first 2 months, the baby may respond to your voice with a smile. Hold the baby in your arms and talk in a soothing tone and even if the baby cannot understand the meaning, it will be comforting for her. So, whenever you get a chance talk t her, sing to her, smile at her and hold her in your arms.

• Talk with baby. When you change the diaper, tell her that. “ I am going to change your diaper now. Shall we?
• Sing lullabies. Babies are blessed with a natural rhythmic sense.
• Read books. You don’t have to force it if the baby is not ready.
• Listen to your baby’s response. Her coo, babble and respond to that as in a regular conversation.
• Name the objects around you and describe what you are doing.
• When it is time for feeding, use a special word, and use another word when it is time for a bath or changing diapers. Soon the baby starts to link these words with these activities.
• The high-pitched ‘parentese’ voice is effective.
• Use lots of gestures and facial expressions.

Why should you communicate with your baby?

Communicating with your baby helps with brain development. Since babies copy us, it will improve their language skills and vocabulary. ‘Baby talk’ is important too. It is found that babies respond better to baby talk. The more words they hear, the better.

The importance of communication

You may not believe it, but the truth is that babies understand what you are talking about, the love, the emotions in your words. Listen to them, give them a lot of your time. When you talk, make sure that your voice is packed with love, joy, and care. While feeding, dressing, carrying, or bathing your baby you can sing to them, and they quickly catch those pleasant vibes and the baby may respond with a smile or a coo. Add a lot of tender kisses, light hugs so that your baby finds his/her safe and comfort zone in you, the sense of touch is quite important.

Babies learn by watching people around them which in simple words means that you are their first teacher. You can help them in developing their reading, writing, or interpersonal skills by just talking about anything you like. Not necessary that the talks are of the same sort, you can add some grown-up speech or conversations with your little one.

Rhyming songs will excite them and they may react with smiles or gurgles. And to those you should respond with affection so that they get enough encouragement.

To sum up, just treat them as individuals. They seek your attention in every response, act or sound. Respect and recognize your child’s feelings.

Growing up

You may get her first smile around the first month. At about 3-4 months the baby uses her voice to make simple sounds. By 7-9 months, they may start imitating the words/sounds.  Just like each parent you are waiting for your baby,s next act of communication. Smiles, coos, indistinct sounds everything is a reason for joy. Around her first birthday, the most awaited moment happens, her first two words-mama and papa. And as most of the parents remember, that happens in quite unexpected moments, and the atmosphere switches to a celebration mood in a few seconds.

Please note that babies develop at different rates and there is nothing wrong with that. If you are worried, please talk with your child’s paediatrician.

Let your baby hear different sounds -tick-tick of a clock, chirping of birds, musical notes, the sound of rain.

During the first year, a baby usually responds to “don’t do that”, their name, to simple requests like  ”come here” (they are learning, so let’s say ”please come here”). Many words get added to their vocabulary, and they use them to express their thoughts and feelings with others. Some kids are late bloomers, but if you seriously feel that your kid’s development is delayed, there is nothing wrong with talking with your paediatrician or other professionals.

You may be having a tough time during these early years, busy with your baby, and have no time for yourself. Remember, you are rewarded highly quite often by simple things, a smile from your baby or a soft touch on your cheek, and many more. Enjoy each moment with them, because that is your privilege and no one else gets it. Do find time for yourself, though.

 And I can’t keep my pen down without saying that ” You are more patient now.”

Your baby has taught you that, and they won’t stop teaching.