Crying is the primary means of communication for infants, but it can be challenging for new parents to understand what their baby needs. That’s where the Dunstan Baby Language comes in, developed by Australian mom Priscilla Dunstan, who identified five universal sounds that babies make to communicate their needs. In this article, we will explore these sounds and how to recognize them, along with why it’s important not to let your baby cry for too long.
- “Neh”: Hunger
The “neh” sound is the most well-known sound of the Dunstan Baby Language. It’s the sound that babies make when they are hungry and ready to feed. You’ll recognize the sound as a short, sharp, and repetitive “neh” sound. If your baby is making this sound, it’s time to feed them.
- “Owh”: Sleepy
The “owh” sound is a tired cry, which means that your baby is ready for a nap or for bedtime. The sound is deeper and more prolonged than the “neh” sound, and it often sounds like a yawn. If your baby is making this sound, it’s time to soothe them to sleep.
- “Heh”: Discomfort
The “heh” sound is a cry of discomfort, which can indicate that your baby is experiencing something uncomfortable or painful. This cry sounds like a “heh” or “neh” with a strained, guttural sound. It can be a sign that your baby has gas, needs to burp, or is uncomfortable in their clothing. Check your baby’s diaper or adjust their clothing if they are making this sound.
- “Eh”: Burp
The “eh” sound is a signal that your baby needs to burp. This cry sounds like a burp or hiccup and is typically short and rhythmic. If your baby is making this sound, try to burp them gently to relieve their discomfort.
- “Eairh”: Gas
The “eairh” sound is a cry that indicates your baby has gas or needs to pass gas. This cry sounds like a soft, low-pitched grunt and can be accompanied by squirming or fussiness. If your baby is making this sound, try to help them release gas by gently rubbing their tummy or using a warm compress.
- “Eh-eh”: Attention
The “eh-eh” sound is a cry that babies make when they need attention or are bored. This sound is a repeated, sing-song “eh-eh” and is often accompanied by eye contact or reaching out for you. If your baby is making this sound, try to engage them in a soothing activity, such as singing or playing.
It’s important to note that the Dunstan Baby Language should be used as a tool in conjunction with other methods of communication with your baby. Also, it’s crucial not to let your baby cry for too long, as excessive crying can have long-term negative effects on their development and behavior. If you respond to your baby’s cries promptly and appropriately, they will learn to trust and rely on you, making parenting a much smoother journey.
In conclusion, the Dunstan Baby Language is a useful tool for new parents to understand and respond to their baby’s needs. By learning to recognize the specific sounds their baby makes, parents can respond quickly and effectively, which can help prevent excessive crying and fussiness. Remember to always respond to your baby’s cries promptly and appropriately, and never let them cry for too long.
