Take cues from your baby

Most parents know it when their babies are trying to communicate with them. Even simple gestures and gurgles can be quite expressive and often the message is strong and clear.

Here are some situations where it may help to take cues from your children:

• Hunger: Most parents worry whether their babies are getting enough food. Every time the baby cries, they interpret it as hunger. If the baby refuses to eat, parents get worried, especially moms. However, when an otherwise healthy baby refuses food, it is an indication that the child is not hungry. It is important for parents to figure out the cause of the baby’s crying rather than jump to the conclusion that the baby is hungry.
  
  


• Shoes: Babies often react strongly to having shoes put on their feet. They may cry frantically until the shoes are taken off. This is because their feet, at this age, are often too delicate to tolerate shoes. Babies who have not yet begun to walk do not really need shoes. Restrictive shoe may even hamper the normal development of your child’s feet.
  
  


• Bodily movements: Inexperienced parents may often be too cautious about handling their children. Because of this, babies may be deprived from experiencing the full range of movements that their bodies are capable of performing. Growing babies are often restless and need to be encouraged to try out different movements and postures.