Making sense of cry babies

BABIES' actions speak louder than words - and now parents can crack the code.

One of the biggest mysteries of parenthood, what is going on in your bub's little head, has been unlocked by a new resource.

Crying, cooing, sucking, staring into the distance or avoiding eye contact? The Raising Children Network website video series uses real-life examples to interpret their behaviour.

Executive director Dr Julie Green said parents of newborns struggled most with understanding when babies were tired, hungry, uncomfortable or restless. "Long before they can talk, babies use cues to let parents know what they need," she said.

"These cues help parents understand how to get to know their baby and how to respond. All babies are different so it takes practice to work out what babies need. It's a very steep learning curve, especially with the firstborn."

The Baby Cues videos were developed with The Royal Children's Hospital and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. New mum Anica Dimovski, 28, initially found it hard to tell whether daughter Lily, nine months, was hungry or needed sleep. "I know a lot of it in theory, but when it comes to your own child, and everything is so new, it can be tricky to interpret what's going on," she said.

"You get better with time at reading your child's cues, once you establish a relationship with them. "Even now and then, you do have to make a bit of an educated guess." The website has also launched a Home Safety Interactive guide, designed to promote child safety.

HOW TO READ YOUR BABY

Newborns to three months

I'M TIRED: Staring into the distance, jerky movements, arching back
I'M HUNGRY: Fussing, screaming, sucking noises, opening mouth and turning head to breast

Four months or older

I NEED A BREAK: Looking away or squirming
I'M TIRED: Sucking on fingers, fussing or whining, clenched fists, losing interest in people and toys
I WANT TO PLAY: Eyes wide and bright, studying your face, making eye contact, smiling, babbling and cooing

Yahoo Lifestyle