Researchers Decode the 5 Most Common ‘Words’ Newborn Babies Say

An Australian decodes the main "words" that almost all babies say. (Jonathan Borba/Unsplash)

Almost all newborn babies across the world speak the same language because of natural vocal reflexes during the first three months, according to a parenting expert who has broken down five universal sounds representing the most common needs of babies.

By understanding the subtle “pre-cry” sounds, caregivers can prevent the ensuing wailing siren from following, says Australian opera singer and inventor of the Dunstan method, which teaches parents the language of babies, Priscilla Dunstan.

Dustan is a parenting book author who teaches parents how to respond to their baby’s needs more quickly and effectively.

Research has found that the biggest obstacle in understanding what infants are trying to convey through their cry is that it does not contain any verbal information, and it sounds irregular compared to adults.

“Developing an infant cry classification system can be addressed as a helpful solution towards early diagnosis of the psychological and physical condition of an infant, which leads to better childcare,” the authors wrote (pdf).

Dustan said her method has also been shown to reduce stress among first-time mothers with 0-2 month-old babies in a study published in the Health Sciences Journal (pdf).

The 5 Basic Sounds

According to Dunstan, her skills as a vocalist, her ear for music, and eight years of research on babies enabled her to identify five sounds that most babies make just before crying.

Listening out for and learning these ‘words’ can help parents and caretakers figure out their baby’s needs before crying escalates:

1. Neh—“I’m hungry”
2. Owh—“I’m sleepy”
3. Heh—Discomfort
4. Eair—Gassy or need to poop
5. Eh—“Burp me”

“Crying is the way babies communicate. The trick is to minimise crying by responding quickly to their needs. That’s what stops a cry from turning into a scream,” Dunstan said.

These work best before the baby begins learning how to make new sounds after three months when they begin to try to form more advanced sounds.

Less crying means better feeding, better development outcomes, faster bonding and more sleep for mothers, fathers, and babies. (Felipe Salgado/Unsplash)

She also recommends looking at your baby’s movements. These include:

1. Head rotations may mean that your baby is about to fall asleep if she is not crying. If she is crying while moving her head from side to side, she is likely to be uncomfortable or in pain.
2. Clenching fists are usually mistaken for pain or anger, but it actually may mean that your baby is irritable as a result of hunger, otherwise known as hangry.
3. Jerking arms may mean that your baby is startled or scared.
4. Back arching may mean she is in pain or uncomfortable due to being over-fed, bloated, or colicky.
5. Lifting legs means your baby is either happy or wants to pass gas!

While it may not work for every caregiver, any little bit of understanding helps when trying to soothe a crying newborn baby.

By being extra present and attentive when observing their sounds and movements, you may discover you can respond to your baby’s needs faster, giving you more confidence as a caregiver.

“Consistency is the key. Inconsistency is confusing for your baby, and it will equate to a harder struggle as you try together with your baby to settle on a comfortable routine that works for both of you,” Dunstan recommends.

“Always do what you feel is best for your baby. If you are having difficulties or need more help, please consult a professional.”