Understanding Baby Body Language

Many parents think that crying is the only way babies communicate, but you will learn a lot by watching your newborn’s body language. You will be amazed by the repertoire of gestures or cues the newest member of your family has to help you understand their needs. Here is your guide to understanding your little one's body language.

Baby Body Language Guide

Is your baby opening their mouth or putting their hand up to their lips?

Translation: This could be early hunger.

Is Baby rubbing their eyes or staring out with glassy eyes?

Translation: This usually means fatigue.

Does your little one hiccup or look away from you when your face is close to theirs?

Translation: This could be a sign that Baby feels a bit overstimulated.

Is Baby grimacing, grunting and bearing down a lot?

Translation: Could be that your baby needs to poop or feels the food making its way through their intestines.

For more on how to interpret your little one's behaviour, check out:

• How to Decipher Different Types of Baby Cries
• Signs Your Baby Is Hungry
• How Your Baby Tells You They are Tired

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.