Many parents think that crying is the only way babies communicate, but you’ll learn a lot by watching your newborn’s body language. You’ll be amazed by the repertoire of gestures or cues the newest member of your family has to help you understand her needs. For example:

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

This could be early hunger.

Is she rubbing her eyes or staring out with glassy eyes?

This usually means fatigue.

Does he hiccup or look away from you when your face is close to his?

This could be a sign that he feels a bit overstimulated.

Is she grimacing, grunting and bearing down a lot?

Could be she needs to poop or feels the food making its way through her intestines.

Fortunately, even a baby’s most terrible shrieks are usually more a sign of spirited impatience and a “short fuse,” rather than true pain. (Is anyone in the close family very spirited and impatient?)

If the yelps persist even after you give a feeding, change the diaper and give a cuddle, your doctor may start to wonder if your baby has colic…but maybe she only needs the 5 S’s!

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Did you know? Happiest Baby built upon the 5 S's concept to create SNOO Smart Sleeper. It calms crying, boosts sleep…and helps parents better understand their babies’ cues. Learn more.

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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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.