The universal language of babies (0-3 mo)

I am having problems imbeding the video, here is the link
http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/entertainment/watch/v910865YY3TMwrp


Between 0-3 months, infants make what Priscilla Dunstan calls sound reflexes. According to Dunstan, we all have reflexes, like sneezes, hiccups, and burps, that all have a recognizable pattern when sound is added to the reflex. There are other reflexes that all babies experience, and when sound is added to these, a distinct, preemptive “cry” will occur before the infant breaks into what Dunstan calls the hysterical cry. Dunstan claims that these preemptive cries can indicate what the infant requires (e.g., food, comfort, sleep, etc.), and they escalate to the hysterical cry if they are not answered. As the infant matures past 3 months in vocalization, the sound reflexes become replaced with more elaborate babbling.

Neh: I’m hungry - An infant uses the sound reflex “Neh” to communicate its hunger. The sound is produced when the sucking reflex is triggered, and the tongue is pushed up on the roof of the mouth.

Owh: I’m sleepy - An infant uses the sound reflex “Owh” to communicate that they are tired. The sound is produced much like an audible yawn.

Heh: I’m experiencing discomfort - An infant uses the sound reflex “Heh” to communicate stress, discomfort, or perhaps that it needs a fresh diaper. The sound is produced by a response to a skin reflex, such as feeling sweat or itchiness in the bum.

Eairh: I have lower gas - An infant uses the sound reflex “Eairh” to communicate they have flatulence or an upset stomach. The sound is produced when trapped air from a belch that is unable to release and travels to the stomach where the muscles of the intestine tighten to force the air bubble out. Often, this sound will indicate that a bowel movement is in progress, and the infant will bend its knees, bringing the legs toward the torso. This leg movement assists in the ongoing process.

Eh: I have gas - An infant uses the sound reflex “Eh” to communicate that it needs to be burped. The sound is produced when a large bubble of trapped air is caught in the chest, and the reflex is trying to release this out of the mouth.


I had some success listening for these sounds with my daughter, but my son would immediately break into the hysterical cry so I couldn’t hear these sound reflexes with him. Dunstan also sells a DVD for $40. From what I have read in reviews all of the good parts can be seen on the Oprah segment, so it is probably not a good investment. It is, however, worth watching the Oprah segment which I linked above.

i watched the segment on oprah while pregnant, but i didn’t buy the DVD cos I just figured by instinct and after spending time with her, you would know what’s wrong with your baby.and my LO is pretty much like yours, breaks into hysterical cry and you really cn’t pick outthe sounds. But some people wil highly recommend it though, so I guess it’s a matter of personl choice.