Is there a correlation between high-needs babies and higher levels of intelligence? Well, isn’t that the question of the hour! There is a common perception amongst parents that high needs babies are more intelligent than typical children. Let’s dive into what it means to be a high needs baby and whether or not it is actually linked to high intelligence.
What is a high needs baby?
Parenting is hard as it is. It can get that much harder if you have a high needs baby. So what qualifies as a high needs baby? One of the easiest things to notice is certain behavioral tendencies. While there are many factors that contribute to an infant’s behavior, parents tend to attribute the term “high needs baby” to an infant who does not behave in a manner they believe the typical infant does.
So what are some common characteristics of a high needs baby?
- Need for excessive attenion
- Restlessness
- Constant crying
- Easy overstimulation by movement or noise
- Irregular sleep and/or feeding patterns
- Discomfort with swaddling
Another term often used for high needs babies is “high maintenance babies”. Generally, they tend to require a lot more effort from their parents and demand greater attention.
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Why are some babies labelled “high needs”?
Some infants are simply more sensitive to their environment. Everything around them tends to overstimulate them. That is often displayed by crying and discomfort. This is precisely parents tend to feel like their high needs babies require far more attention.
How can I handle a high needs baby?
One of the best advice for parents with high maintenance babies is to remain calm. Do not shy away from asking for help. It is easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted. Most of the time, you will find yourself with no time left to give yourself. But, you must not neglect yourself. Remember, a healthy you means a healthy baby.
Take time out to rest, shower, sleep, and be gentle with yourself. If you find yourself unable to keep an eye on your baby at all times, think about getting an Invidyo Baby Monitor. Invidyo will be your eyes and ears at all times. Plus, you can always use the two-way communication feature to talk to your baby and soothe them.
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Can I “fix” my high needs baby?
It is important to know that there is nothing wrong with your baby. A high needs baby is simply a sensitive baby. Generally, being responsive to your baby’s needs steers things in a more optimal direction. Let go of the expectations and standards set by your friends and family. Every baby is unique in its own way. Only you, the parent, know how to take care of your child in the best manner possible.
One solution that has worked substantially well for parents is baby-wearing. Saddling your child in a carrier while going about your daily activities gives you the time to focus on yourself and your duties all while comforting your infant and holding them close. Yay!
Does being a high needs baby translate into higher levels of intelligence?
Now for the question of the hour, while there is no direct relationship between higher levels of intelligence and high needs babies, there is an indirect one. High needs babies demand attention. They do not wait to be tended to. Parents can nurture this quality in their babies as they grow.
Understanding one’s needs and making sure they are met is an important life skill. In fact, many adults lack in that department almost entirely. This quality reflects in higher levels of intuitiveness and social skills. If honed, these can further translate into more creativity. Altogether, these qualities nurture a greater level of intelligence in understanding one’s environment and maneuvering life in general.
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So while there is no scientific evidence to prove that simply being a high needs baby means your baby will be smarter, you can very well nurture your child to acquire the right skills and apply them adequately which will ultimately lead to raised intelligence levels. You got this, parents.
At the end of the day, while high needs babies are definitely more difficult to handle, they are not impossible. You can use their quality of being extra sensitive to hone their life skills so they may blossom as they grow.
