How to Interpret Infant Movements
An infant can be quite a mystery to her new parent. She moves her arms and legs in jerky motions, puts everything in her mouth and cries quickly for no obvious reason. These infant movements are actually instinctual reflexes or she is using them to learn about her surroundings and let you know her needs. By carefully observing your infant you will be able to detect what each movement means.
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Instructions
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Determine whether your infant is purposefully moving or is just displaying reflexes. Newborns are capable of very few controlled movements. The rooting and sucking reflex, occurring soon after birth to help babies feed, causes an infant to turn her head when something brushes against her face. She will try to suck when anything touches her lips. Other reflexes include the startle, the Palmar grasp and the walking reflexes.
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Watch your infant as she begins to explore her world. During her first year, your infant will learn about her environment and gain new skills through movement. She will kick her legs and wave her arms. Your infant will begin to bring her hands to her mouth. Later she will bring toys to her mouth because infants learn through their senses, with the sense of taste being one of the foremost ways they learn.
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Learn your infant's signs and cues. Your infant makes small movement signaling her needs. When she wants to play she may look at your face, reach for you and have smooth arm and leg movements. When your infant is sleepy she may turn her face away from you, arch her back, pull away and squirm or kick. Your infant may be hungry when she brings her hands to her mouth or makes sucking motions with her lips.
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Tips & Warnings
Each infant is unique. Spend time with your baby to discover her cues and signals.
References
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