A: Each baby is unique, so learning to read yours will largely be a matter of trial and error. Observe your baby carefully in different settings, at various times of the day, engaged in various activities. Do you notice any patterns of behavior? For example, is your baby comforted more by the sound of your voice or by rocking? Does she like lots of stimulation (talking, singing, or holding)? Does she turn her head or coo back at you when she's happy? Your baby's response is the language she uses to tell you what she needs.

Some family educators videotape parent-baby interactions to nail down the particular likes and dislikes of a baby. Then they watch the tape with the parents, noting the baby's responses. You can try this at home if you have a video camera. It's also a great way to keep a record of how your baby grows and changes over time. If you don't have access to video equipment, you can watch how your baby interacts with other people. Sometimes it's easier to observe when you're not the one interacting with her.

Being able to read your child's cues is important because it allows you to respond to her needs quickly and appropriately. Research on attachment theory tells us that sensitively responding to babies helps develop their sense of trust in the world, and strengthens the bond between parent and child. As your baby grows and changes, so will her signals. It's an ongoing learning process, but a wonderful one that teaches you all about your child as an individual. (Source: babycenter.com)