In the first two months of infancy, how do babies typically express discomfort?

In the early stages of infancy, particularly within the first two months, babies typically express discomfort through crying and fussing. This form of communication is innate and serves as their primary means to signal needs or distress to caregivers. The sound of crying alerts adults to the infant's discomfort, whether it is due to hunger, tiredness, or discomfort from the environment.

While cooing sounds can emerge as infants begin to explore their vocal capabilities around two months, these sounds are more associated with pleasure and engagement rather than discomfort. Smiling and laughing usually develop later as infants become more social and comfortable in their environment, indicating positive emotions rather than distress. Reaching for objects is a developmental milestone that typically occurs as babies grow older and begin to interact more actively with their surroundings, rather than a method of expressing discomfort. Thus, crying and fussing are the most direct and recognized forms of communication for newborns experiencing discomfort.