The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 12 states:
“Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously”
Babies are highly capable communicators and have a voice that must be listened to. This voice is heard and seen in the noises and movements they make, their response to the environment and in their interactions with the people who are with them.
Babies have unique nonverbal ways of expressing themselves, this can be through sounds, but also physicality: body language such as reaching or nodding, or facial expressions like smiling.
Babies can express views about when they are hungry, tired, content or afraid, therefore, they have the right to express their views, feelings and thoughts on things that matter to them and for these to be considered and weighed by their adult caretakers and other stakeholders in decisions that affect their lives. We have a responsibility to find creative ways to facilitate this.
To find out more about how we can listen to babies go to - Children in Wales | Early Years Resources