Development

Where Babies Learn About Feelings

An at-a-glance guide to what your baby learns from your feelings

By Parenting
 
See Also
Our report on infant intelligence reveals your tot already may be one smart cookie. (And why you should let him play with tupperware.) - Parenting.com
From you, of course! When your baby's between 8 and 10 months, she'll start looking to you for clues on how to act, especially in uncertain situations. Babies focus on your eyes and mouth as they learn to communicate "built-in feelings," according to Paul Holinger, M.D., author of What Babies Say Before They Can Talk. So while you can pick up the signals your child gives via her facial expressions, she's learning from you as well.

Here's an at-a-glance guide to what your baby learns from some of your feelings:

Face of Enjoyment
You might say: "Yay! You ate all your veggies."
Your baby may: Look at you, smile back.
She's probably feeling: "I'm really enjoying everyone's happiness."

Face of Distress
You might say: "Mommy has a cold today."
Your baby may: Arch her eyebrows as her lower lip quivers and she starts crying.
She's probably feeling: "I'm upset by what Mommy is doing."

Face of Surprise
You might say: "Daddy's home early!"
Your baby may: Blink and widen her eyes, and open her mouth in an "O."
She's probably feeling: "I'm very excited to see what will happen next."

Face of Fear
You might say: "Don't touch that -- it's hot!"
Your baby may: Open her eyes wide, turn pale, and begin trembling.
She's probably feeling: "I'm very upset!"

PRINT

Comments

No comments yet. Log in or register below to be the first.
Quick Poll

Which is the most offbeat celeb baby name:

Apple
Ryder
Shiloh
Kal-el
Other (tell us in the comments!)


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

4 Games That Might Make Your Baby Smarter

These simple, classic baby activities may help your child's math skills, and they're fun too!

promotion
 
Style

The Ultimate Fashion Guide

Pretty Easter dresses, kids' fashion classics, heirloom baby jewelry and get-glam looks for moms

Blog: Project Pregnancy

Jennifer Johnson: "'This one tastes like Sprite and this one like orange soda.' That's what the nurse told me before I made my choice on what flavored drink I'd rather down for my gestational diabetes test... Or the test which will tell me if I'm to give up yummy sweets among other things for the remainder of my pregnancy." Updated frequently!

Blog: The Parenting Post

Erin Zammett Ruddy: "Am I a hypochondriac? I guess so. I never used to be but I believe that having cancer gives you a free pass at it for the rest of your life." Updated daily!

30 Brand-New Birthday Cakes

ALL NEW! Super cute and easy birthday cakes you can make from store-bought cake, frosting and candy
Health

19 Famous People with ADHD

Justin Timberlake, Will Smith and 17 other celebs with ADD or ADHD