Babies use sounds and visual cues to express their basic needs. These sounds are not random. They are caused by their bodies responding to a physical need. If these needs aren’t met or are misread, the cries get louder and babies become upset.

These reflex sounds are the basis of what we call Dunstan Baby Language.  

Not at all. It’s just like learning a foreign language. Once you really start listening and become familiar with the sounds your baby makes, you’ll begin to understand them. Dunstan Baby Language helps you know what to listen for in your baby’s sounds and what to look for in your baby’s visual cues, so you know what your baby needs and how best to respond.

When your little one is happy and content, you'll find that they sleep better too. It's much easier to help a tired baby fall asleep than a child who isn't ready to sleep yet or is overtired. Once you recognize the “tired” sound and respond to it, you'll find it easier to help your baby fall asleep. This also makes it easier to establish a sleep-wake rhythm that suits your baby's needs.

Your baby makes these sounds because a particular need triggers a specific reflex. So you’ll only hear sounds that correspond to what your baby needs at that moment but isn’t getting yet. For example, if your baby is having a lot of trouble burping, you’ll hear that sound often. 

Research has shown that the Baby Language method is very effective with young babies. This is because the method is based on reflexes that are all present during the first few months of a baby’s life. After that, some of the reflexes gradually fade away. The sucking reflex does so at around three to four months, while we don’t know exactly when the other reflexes fade. Adults also have the yawning reflex, so it can still be heard into adulthood. It’s helpful to learn to recognise the sounds when babies are young, as they don’t yet make other intentional sounds and you’ll hear the reflex sounds often. A trained ear can also pick out the Baby Language sounds in older babies. And some babies will continue using the sounds to communicate intentionally once they discover, for example, that they’re fed when they say “Neh”.

The techniques shown in the online course for soothing your baby are some of the most popular. They are included in the online learning environment to give you some ideas about what you can do now that you know what your baby needs. Always do what you feel is best for your baby. If you need more help, please contact a professional.

Dunstan Baby Language is a universal explanation of babies' reflex sounds. These sounds are innate rather than learned. So, just as a laugh, a sneeze or a hiccup is a sound made by people all over the world, the reflex sounds your baby makes are universal too. They are not dependent on culture, language or background. 

Absolutely—dads and other co-parents can learn Dunstan Baby Language too. In fact, the Baby Language method gives them valuable knowledge that helps them feel more confident caring for their newborn. Parents who learn Dunstan Baby Language together say it helps them appreciate each other’s contributions more and reduces stress at home. Grandparents, siblings and other caregivers can of course learn Dunstan Baby Language too. 

Our research has not yet produced official data on the effects of premature birth on recognising Baby Language sounds. However, we regularly hear positive feedback from parents of premature babies who say they recognise the sounds their baby makes and can therefore respond appropriately to their little one’s needs.