Unlike adults, infants have not yet learnt the art of speech so they will express themselves through facial expressions, body language and crying. It is therefore mandatory for a parent(s) to try and understand what their baby is trying to say.
Here are some of the signs and what they could mean
Arching Back
When your baby arches their back might be a reaction to pain or heartburn. But when they do this while feeding it means that they are full and no longer want to eat. It might also mean that the child is suffering from indigestion or has acid reflux. Older toddlers arching their back can mean they are frustrated, angry or tired.
Head-banging
According to experts, babies find the rhythmic back and forth motion soothing and may strangely bang their heads to relax. Up to 20 percent of babies and toddlers bang their head on purpose, although boys are three times more likely to do it than girls. Sometimes they bang their heads to vent out their emotions as they have not yet learned how to speak. Some of these cheeky ones do it for attention. However, if the banging is not playful and the kid does not what to play with toys or other kids see a paediatrician.
Grabbing ears.
When babies grab their ears it doesn’t mean they have any ear infection or anything related to it, it’s just that they may have discovered this part of their body and they are excited about it or they are teething. Other times they do it to signal tiredness while in other cases it may be a sign of wax accumulation or worse still, an infection.
Scrunched -up knees.
Some development experts say this position is usually a sign of abdominal discomfort, either from having gas, passing a bowel movement or constipating. When this happens try to help the baby ease the pain by slowly and gently patting their back.
Arm jerks.
Most of the time, babies jerk their arms to signal discomfort or if they are distracted by some loud noise, bright light or a sudden movement in the room. Try and avoid any activity or movement which might distract the baby especially when they are sleeping or taking a nap.
Each baby is different and grows at their own pace. It would be worthwhile to visit your doctor if your baby is not making the below movements by three months.
- opening and closing his or her hands
- grasping or holding objects in the hands
- supporting his or her own head
- lifting the head and chest when lying on his or her stomach