Pediatricians Share 9 Baby Life Hacks That All Parents Can Be Grateful For

There may be ways to know if your baby is hungry before it starts crying, such as when it nuzzles up to things and puts its hands in its mouth. And another pediatrician explains how to help babies eat new foods with less fuss using just one hack.

Being a parent can be difficult, especially if it’s your first time. So here at Bright Side, we have created a list of all the best hacks for the everyday situations parents face.

1. How to understand your baby’s cries

Apparently there can be up to 6 types of cries, each with its own meaning.

• The “neh” cry means “I’m hungry.”
• The “owh” cry means “I’m sleepy.”
• The “heh” cry means “I’m uncomfortable.”
• The “eairh” (eh-urr) cry means “I have gas.”
• The “eh” cry means “I need to burp.”

2. How to help your baby sleep safely

Put your baby to sleep on its back and make sure the crib is clutter-free with no heavy blankets or toys they could get caught up in. This also means that falling asleep in a chair or on the sofa with your baby can be dangerous.

3. How to tell if your baby is hungry

Babies may be telling you that they’re hungry before they start crying for food. They can show you this by nuzzling and moving their chin as if they’re looking for a bottle while putting their hand in their mouth, smacking their lips, or sticking out their tongue.

4. How to speed up bedtime

Dr. Erin Leichman’s tip is to create a bedtime “book bin” or shelf with your young child ahead of bedtime. The child will then choose which of the books to read instead of picking from all the options. This should speed up the bedtime routine, hopefully with fewer tears involved.

5. How to help babies eat new foods

It can take children and babies up to 12 times to accept new foods. It’s advised not to reward children with food because they may start seeing treats as good and vegetables as bad.

6. How to stop babies from crying

Dr. Robert Hamilton says that there are 4 crucial steps: the baby’s arms should be placed across its chest and gently secured, and you should support the baby from its diaper area before rocking it at a 45-degree angle.

7. How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

If you’re breastfeeding, you can understand if your baby is drinking enough milk if its cheeks are rounded, not hollowed, during feeding. It’s also important that it’s attached properly with their chin touching your breast and their lower lip rolled down.

8. How to communicate with your baby

Sign language can be useful for communicating with your baby before they learn to talk. Some essential signs include:

• “Drink” — thumb to mouth
• “Where?” — palms up
• “Afraid” — patting chest repeatedly
• “Gentle” — patting the back of the hand

9. How to find the correct car seat for your baby

For very young babies, rear-facing car seats are advised to reduce the effects of a crash, depending on the child’s size and age. Rear-facing car seats have a harness and are designed to cradle the baby and rock with the movement of the car.

Are you a parent who has any parenting hacks to share with other parents? We’d love to hear the tips you’ve discovered as a parent!