Cracking the Baby Face Code

December 28, 2022 Infant

Wide eyes, scrunched noses, bouts of babbling… what does it all mean? How your baby is feeling is written all over their chubby little face. They may not be able to say the words yet, but you can crack the code to your baby’s feelings by using all of those funny facial expressions as clues.

“I’m interested”

  • If you see this…
  • Wide eyes
  • Raised eyebrows
  • Slightly opened mouth
  • Pointing or moving towards something close
  • Do this!
  • Encourage their interest by letting them safely explore. Allow your baby to touch and play with an object they seem interested in — just remember, they’ll likely want to “taste” it too!
  • Help your baby expand their interests and learn new words by explaining the objects they explore. “This is a hat; it’s soft and warm.”

“I’m overwhelmed”

  • If you see this…
  • Frowning
  • Scowling
  • Near tears
  • Do this!
  • Avoid a full-blown meltdown by taking your baby away from the current situation; move to a quieter area with them to help them calm down.
  • Sometimes too much attention from too many people can simply be too much for a baby to handle.
  • Give them some space; let them sit in their car seat or swing by themselves for a while.

“I’m mad”

  • If you see this…
  • Red face
  • Eyes squinted shut
  • Pushing away
  • Crying
  • Do this!
  • Make sure your baby is not sick, too hot, in pain, or in need of a clean diaper.
  • Use simple, soothing responses like shushing or repeated phrases like, “now, now, it’s okay, it’s okay” to help calm them down.

“I’m scared”

  • If you see this…
  • Eyes wide open
  • Trembling face and hands
  • Little body movement
  • Crying out
  • Do this!
  • Pick up and hold your baby while you calmly explain what’s happening — even though they may not understand what it means, they’ll feel safe just by listening to your calming voice.

“I’m gassy”

  • If you see this…
  • Intense crying with grunting sounds (“urrrr”)
  • Scrunched face
  • Squirming or bringing legs up to chest
  • Do this!
  • Softly massage your baby’s tummy or gently move their legs in a bicycle motion to help them release uncomfortable gas.
  • If your baby’s discomfort doesn’t seem to get any better after 30 minutes, call their doctor.

“I’m having fun!”

  • If you see this…
  • A big smile
  • Lifted cheeks and wrinkles at the corners of eyes
  • Waving or clapping
  • High-pitched babbling
  • Do this!
  • Join in on the fun! Your baby wants you to be happy too — seeing you having fun with them will boost their cheerfulness and build their self-confidence.
  • Talk with your baby about the fun you’re having. “Do we like to dance? Dancing is fun, isn’t it!”

It’s no secret, your baby is watching your faces too! Babies learn by watching the world around them. They may not be able to say what they’re thinking , but they’re learning so much every moment they spend with you. When your baby sees you happy or sad; excited or scared, they learn what all of these feelings look like. Your baby will learn how to express their feelings by watching how you express yours — remember, a face is worth a thousand words!

Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position