Understanding Your Baby's Body Language: 12 Common Gestures Every Parent Should Know
- Aquanat
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
As a parent, it’s not always easy to understand what your baby is trying to tell you—especially when they cry. Grandparents, friends, and even strangers may offer countless interpretations: “He’s hungry,” “She’s tired,” “Time for a nappy change!”—but what if your baby is already communicating in their own unique way?
At Aquanat Baby Swim School, we believe that building a connection with your baby starts with understanding their non-verbal cues. From the moment they're born, babies communicate through movement, gestures, and body language.
12 common baby body language cues and how to respond to them with sensitivity and confidence:
1. Kicking Legs in the Air
What it means: Your baby is excited and happy—perhaps responding to you, water play, a favourite toy, or the smell of food.
What to do: Show your baby that you notice their movement. This will tell them that their communication attempt is successful. Encourage your baby's kick as it helps strengthen their leg muscles in preparation for crawling.
2. Turning Their Gaze Away from You
What it means: Your baby may be overstimulated or processing their environment. In some cases, they might need a break from interaction.
What to do: Give them space. Let them explore visually without interruption. They’ll turn back to you when they’re ready.
3. Arching Their Back
What it means: This can signal discomfort—such as gas, reflux, or a full tummy—or strong emotions like anger or fatigue.
What to do: Try gentle soothing: change the environment, pat or rub their back, or consult a doctor if the behaviour persists.
4. Lifting their head when laying on the back
What it means: Your baby wants to see more, or perhaps practicing preparation for sitting up.
What to do: Celebrate the moment. Support your baby’s sitting efforts and create a safe space with soft pillows around them.
5. Clenching Fists Tightly
What it means: Hunger is the most common reason, especially if accompanied by fussiness or crying.
What to do: Try feeding. This is a great moment to bond and respond to your baby’s signals with love and care.
6. Pulling Knees Toward the Belly
What it means: Digestive discomfort—gas, constipation, or general tummy trouble.
What to do: Try gentle burping, tummy massage, or adjusting your diet if breastfeeding. Talk to a paediatrician if the issue persists.
7. Holding Their Ears
What it means: They may be discovering their ears, indicate that they are tired or it could signal an ear infection or teething pain.
What to do: Observe. If it continues with signs of discomfort or fever, consult your doctor.
8. Rubbing Eyes
What it means: Classic sign of tiredness.
What to do: Time for cuddles, a lullaby, and sleep. If rubbing persists with crying, it might be an eye irritation—check with your paediatrician.
9. Banging Their Head
What it means: A common (and sometimes alarming) way babies self-soothe or release tension.
What to do: Ensure safety with soft surroundings, distract them with a calming activity, and seek medical advice if it becomes frequent or intense.
10. Jumping or Startling Suddenly
What it means: Your baby is startled—often during sleep. This reflex is normal in babies under six months.
What to do: Reduce sudden noises, use white noise or soft music to help create a calm sleep environment.
11. Fast Breathing and Excited Kicking
What it means: Your baby is thrilled—whether it’s seeing you, playing in water, or anticipating something fun.
What to do: Respond with animated expressions, play, and baby talk to share their joy and strengthen your bond.
12. Sucking Fingers or Hands
What it means: Possibly hunger—but also a soothing behaviour when they’re tired or self-comforting.
What to do: Check if it’s feeding time. If not, gently lull them with touch or a song to help them wind down.
Nurturing Connection Through Understanding
By learning your baby’s body language, you begin to foster a secure and loving relationship—both in and out of the water.
At Aquanat Swim School, we understand how vital it is to tune into your baby’s needs, especially when introducing them to aquatic experiences during baby and parents swimming classes.
Baby Swimming Lessons enhance bonding, awareness, and communication—and we’re here to support you every splash of the way.
Ready to deepen your connection with your baby through mindful movement in warm water? Explore our Baby Swimming Classes and experience the magic of Aquanat’s gentle, intuitive approach to early aquatic development.
