How to Interpret a Newborn's Expressions

Your newborn baby makes faces and moves his arms in jerking motions, but behavioral scientists debate whether your infant is trying to convey emotions or simply testing his muscles. Researchers also debate infant sight abilities, but the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute claims babies can see more than a foot away by the second month and have focused sight by 8 months. They also recognize colors by 2 or 3 months, according to the Institute. This means your baby may be reacting to you, your expressions and things he sees, not simply amusing himself by making random faces and gesturing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make a list of the facial expressions and body movements you notice when your child appears comfortable, relaxed or happy. Take note of the actions that occurred before the pleasant expressions and movements, and test your theory by doing those things and reporting your infant's reaction. If the two match, you've made a correct interpretation. Seeing parents typically earns a smile from your newborn, for instance.

    • 2

      List the movements and facial expressions you notice when your newborn cries, looks tense or makes faces that give the appearance of pain or discomfort. Avoid movements or actions that create the negative expressions, and watch your new baby to see if this stops the distressed looks. Tired newborns, for example, rub their eyes, indicating that it's time for a nap or bed. Other important facial expressions to add to this list include the times your newborn blinks, turns away or covers his eyes when exposed to bright light. Also note the expressions of pain or surprise when hearing loud or unexpected noises. Your newborn may also wince when smelling spicy or sour odors, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    • 3

      Compare and contrast the information from both lists to create a master list of expressions and interpretations for your child. Your newborn, for example, may look happy when you massage his hands, but also look for other actions on your lists that cause your baby to be calm, such as seeing a favorite person or hearing a rattle.

    • 4

      Ask family members and your newborn's caregivers to make notes of your baby's expressions and movements, time of day and the circumstances when the actions happen. Some newborn expressions happen only at certain times during the day. An infant, for example, may frown and throw his arms forward when hungry.

    • 5

      Compare your master list with the information collected about baby by family members and caregivers and highlight matching interpretations.

    • 6

      Observe your newborn using your list and the notes from others. Modify your lists of expressions when you notice your baby repeating facial reactions and body movement in response to your actions or the actions of others.

    • 7

      Discuss baby's expressions as a family using the master list as a starting point. Include all members of the family in the discussion. Even older children in the family may have valuable insight into your newborn's expressions at different times and conditions as they interact with their sibling.

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