How to Interpret a Newborn's Expressions

For months you've been paying attention to her kicks and turns in utero. Now she's out and about, and you can see her little face. But what do those expressions mean?

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Blankets
• Baby Mobiles
• Baby Monitors
• Baby Rattles

1. Know that a newborn has two principal means of communicating: smiling and crying. She'll cry when she's in pain or discomfort and learn to smile when she is comfortable.
2. Notice that her first smiles will probably come fleetingly as she sleeps, in her first week of life.
3. Watch her smile change: In her second week she'll probably smile with her eyes open, usually after feeding. She may have a glassy, faraway look.
4. See her develop: In the third or fourth week, she'll probably have mastered a social smile, responding to your voice and making eye contact.
5. Observe when your baby is alert and calm. She'll look around, listen to sounds, and appear wide-eyed and aware, with her energies focused on taking in information.
6. Know that some babies will become quiet and alert after feeding; others will be attentive when they first wake up.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that children develop at different paces and often unevenly, with spurts and plateaus.
• Consult with your pediatrician if you have any worries about your child's behavior or development.