It was a few years ago on Oprah when I first came across the Dunstan Baby Language. Its a system for understanding what your baby is trying to express when crying: hunger, sleepiness, discomfort…
This language can be taught to us parents using the Dunstan Baby Language DVD set. I’ve read dozens of good reviews. If it helps alleviate any communicative frustration my baby might encounter, then its worth the $32.00. I’m going to get it.
(POST SCRIPT/August 2010): This method isn’t for everybody. While both my husband and I were each able to understand the different cries and their meanings in the context of the DVD, in real life there were varying results. For me, these lessons were heaven-sent. I was able to recognize my son’s language right from the start, thanks to Priscilla Dunstan. My husband had a much harder time with it and relied on my translation. So its not wacky. It is a truly valuable tool; but we all hear sounds in different ways, so don’t feel down if it doesn’t work for you.
Online gift registries have certainly made many lives easier. The only problem I’ve found with registries in general is a lack of freedom in choosing gifts (both to give and receive). Perhaps you would like a better selection than Babies R Us alone has to offer.
Here is a good solution: MyRegistry.com can combine any number of online shops for you to choose from. Besides increasing the variety of gifts, it can help you to address an equally vast variety of sensibilities and budgets. For the person who believes in giving only the most practical of gifts, they can choose a breast pump from Amazon.com. For someone who wants to give something more fun and frivolous, there is a designer dress from a hip Scandinavian boutique. All of this combined onto one concise registry is the answer to a prayer, gift givers and receivers rejoice!
