The secret language of babies

Sally Kiester, Edwin Kiester

Little Daniel is six weeks old and is now able to focus his eyes. Mom and Dad are delighted when he makes eye contact and seems to smile, but they're told, "Little Daniel is just passing gas." Authors Sally and Edwin Kiester have a different response: "Don't believe it. Your baby, like all babies, likes to look at faces--especially Mom's face." What that smile really means is, "Mom, I like looking at you!" Parents respond instinctively with smiles of their own and affectionate words or sounds. With passing weeks, babies continue to develop and demonstrate other, more advanced feelings and emotions, both through sounds and body language. Child-development experts call these expressions "proto-conversations." They are an important step toward actual speech, for the baby is learning that communication is a two-way process, as "speakers" take turns "speaking." Both expectant parents and parents of newborn infants will want to read this book as an introduction to understanding and bonding with their baby. It includes: 30 common self-expression signs every baby uses Approximately 70 color illustrations showing the nuances of each sign Recommended responses to each sign to build on a baby's communication skills Facts on child development, learning, and infant understanding