Not only through crying, babies are also able to communicate through facial expressions, you know. Therefore, parents need to pay attention and be able to recognize the meaning of the baby's facial expressions, because each expression has a different meaning.
Before being able to say their first words, babies have the ability to express wants or needs in their own way.
Expressions shown by babies are not always in the form of crying, but also facial and body movements, for example by raising their eyebrows, frowning, or moving their hands and feet.
Benefits of Understanding Baby Facial Expressions
Understanding baby's expressions is a two-way learning process that is beneficial for both parents and their children. In this learning process, babies will also understand the reactions given by their parents. In addition, it can also strengthen the bond between parents and babies.
Frequent interaction and communication with the baby can provide several benefits, such as helping the baby feel calmer, as well as building baby's trust and getting the baby to know the people around him better.
Guide to Reading Baby Expressions
Mothers can read the mood of the Little One through the following expressions:
1. Happy
When happy, the baby will smile widely until the cheeks appear raised, with the corners of the eyes puckered. In addition, the baby may wave or clap while babbling.
Enjoy moments like this with your little one, yes, Bun. This method can foster the joy of the Little One and build his confidence when he grows up, because this expression gets a positive reaction from his parents. So that your little one feels entertained and smiles often, you can also invite him to play 'Ci Luk Ba'.
2. Interested
Babies will open their eyelids bigger and lower or raise their eyebrows when they feel attracted to something. Maybe his mouth will open with a screech and move towards the thing he likes.
When the baby begins to be interested in an object, he will try to get more information about the object. This is of course done in a unique way and baby language. Mothers can help your little one by showing the object while explaining it to him through simple words and movements.
3. Uncomfortable
A crying baby accompanied by a growling sound can indicate that he is feeling uncomfortable. Sometimes, babies also frown and lift their feet to their chests when they are restless.
When your little one is feeling uncomfortable and fussy, you can give him a gentle massage on his stomach, legs, and back. If your little one seems fussy and in pain, for example, because his stomach is bloated or has stomach pain, don't hesitate to immediately take him to the pediatrician.
4. Difficulty
Signs that babies show when they are having a hard time are the corners of the lips will be lowered down and the eyebrows will be arched in the middle. If he didn't cry, his chin would probably shake.
These expressions can indicate that your little one is getting too much stimulation. Mothers can calm the little one by taking him to a quiet place and letting him rest for a while or play alone.
5. Bored
Babies who look bored will seek attention by screaming, crying, or throwing toys. When you give a reaction, your little one may smile or even laugh.
During the first 12 weeks of life, babies can spend hours looking at their mother's face. However, later on the baby will start looking for many other things that interest him.
Mothers can invite your little one to explore with the objects around him or take him for a walk to overcome boredom.
6. Angry
The feeling of anger will be expressed by the baby through crying and a red face with narrowed eyes. However, this expression sometimes also indicates that the baby is in pain, hungry, or sleepy.
When your little one shows these expressions, try to give them what they need, for example by creating a comfortable atmosphere for resting, feeding them, and playing music or singing lullabies.
7. Fear
Babies can be scared too. Usually, this feeling is indicated by eyes wide open, face and hands shaking, or even by crying.
Even though it is difficult to calm your little one who is feeling scared because they don't know what things are scaring him, you can hug him while talking softly to calm him down. Your little one doesn't understand your mother's words yet, but he can understand the loving tone of voice.
In addition to paying attention to your little one's expression, you also need to show an expression to him. Babies learn to imitate and understand emotions by watching the expressions of the people around them, especially their parents.
When your little one shows negative expressions, such as anger, fear, and discomfort, which won't go away even though the cause has been resolved, or if he looks fussy with the appearance of several symptoms, such as fever, difficulty defecating, diarrhea, constant restlessness, looks weak , or does not want to breastfeed, immediately take him to the doctor.
Reading and understanding baby expressions has many benefits, right, bud? So, start paying closer attention to the adorable little one's facial expressions and try to understand what he wants to convey to Mother.
