How to Communicate with Your Baby
One of the most common concerns new mothers experience is wondering how best to communicate with their babies. Having a tiny creature so utterly dependent on you for everything can be a daunting experience, and some women worry about how they’ll interpret all of their child’s needs and communicate with them without the benefit of being able to sit them down and have a conversation! Firstly, if you’re worrying about this, don’t. So much of the communication that happens between a mother and child is instinctual, and over time you’ll learn which cries mean your baby is hungry, sleepy, wet or just looking for some extra cuddles. In turn, your baby will read all it needs to know in the tone of your voice, your touch, and the way you look at each other. These non-verbal methods can be just as effective as a conversation between the two of you, so we’ve got a few tips that can help you strengthen the channels of communication even further. Through baby massage, patient and consistent structure to your day and even baby signing, you can enhance your wonderful and communicative relationship with your baby.
Baby Sign Language
More and more early childhood centres around Australia are discovering the benefits of baby signing by introducing it into their programs for 0-3 year-olds. Baby sign language classes work with songs, rhymes and fun ways to learn the signs for different things, so that in time, your baby will be able to communicate exactly what he or she needs or wants even before beginning to speak. Not only do baby sign language classes build on this excellent communication method, they promote connections between mothers and have been shown to improve developmental speed and the ability to comprehend traditional language structure. There are DVDs and instructional websites you can turn to if you think it’s something you’d like to do with your baby, and the best part about it is that learning something with your child is one of the best bonding activities there is.
Patient Structure
While a lot of mothers worry about what their baby is trying to communicate to them, it is also important to think about how you communicate with your baby. Babies learn through structure and routine, and in regards to sleeping in particular, it is important that you communicate the right message, which is that Mum and Dad determine bedtime, and not the other way around. Whichever sleep-training method you subscribe to, the key is consistency, and to remember that every baby is different. Just because your girlfriend’s child was sleeping through at 2 weeks does not mean you’re doing anything wrong or are failing because your baby isn’t!! Try to remain patient and keep the structure going–sooner or later, it will start to work.
Baby Massage
One of the primary ways we communicate with babies, especially in those first few months, is through touch. The reassuring smell and touch of their mother is the ultimate comfort to a baby when little else makes sense, which is why infant massage is such a great tool. Using a safe baby massage oil, start by gently working your hands down your baby’s legs including their feet and toes. Rub their belly in a circular motion and stroke down their back to promote good circulation and flexibility. Baby massage is beneficial for so many reasons, and in terms of showing love through touch, you can’t go past it.