Your Baby Week 15
Can you believe you brought your little one home 15 weeks ago? By now, you have plenty of experience with diaper changes, baths and feedings. In fact, you may even be able to associate the different sounds your infant makes with exactly what he or she is asking for.
Your baby’s cries decoded
One hypothesis about infantile speech patterns was developed by former mezzo-soprano singer Priscilla Dunstan. Dunstan Baby Language claims that there are 5 sounds used by all infants regardless of culture or linguistic group. These 5 distinct sounds, or sound reflexes, carry distinct meanings and are used by infants to communicate during the first few months of life.
Dunstan’s hypothesis asserts that these sound reflexes can indicate what the child needs, and if these needs are not met, the sounds will then escalate into a hysterical cry.
According to Dunstan the five universal sound reflexes are...
NEH – I’m Hungry.
OWH – I’m Sleepy.
HEH – I’m experiencing discomfort.
EAIRH – I have lower gas. (I have an upset stomach)
EH – I need to burp.
Have you heard your baby make any of these noises?
Will too much attention “spoil” my baby?
You may have been wondering if attending to your baby’s every little cry will “spoil” him. There is a simple answer to this question ... NO!
Young infants need all the attention that you can give them. Infants cry to communicate needs and by responding to their cries you are strengthening your bond and building trust. In fact, infants without an attentive caregiver experience stress and will cry more often, louder and longer. Children feel secure because their needs are consistently met early in life. These children feel less anxious and safe to explore their environment as they grow.
When your infant is 6-8 months old, he’ll begin to notice the connection between his actions and your response. When this begins to happen, it’s okay for you to start setting some limits. But for now, don’t worry about spoiling him or paying too much attention to him, it’s impossible!
