Below are questions we frequently receive. If you still have a question after reviewing the FAQs, please email info@talkingtears.com.

Do babies really use language?
Babies use sound and gestures to communicate basic needs. These sounds are not random. They are produced by their body in response to a physical reflex. If these needs are not met or are ignored, cries may become louder and babies become more upset. These sounds - or baby 'words' - form the basis of what we have called the Dunstan Baby Language.

Is the Dunstan Baby Language difficult to learn?
Not at all, this is not like trying to learn a foreign language. Once you tune your ear and are familiar with the sounds your baby makes, you will begin to understand your infant's cries. The Dunstan Baby Language is simply about knowing what to listen for within your baby's sounds and cries. Doing so helps you determine what they need so that you are able to respond appropriately.

Will this System help my baby sleep better?
When your infant is happy and content, you will find they sleep better. Settling a tired baby is much easier than a baby who is wide awake or one that has become overly tired. By understanding the sounds and acting when your baby is 'saying' the tired word, you will be able to settle them faster and establish a routine more easily. Also, if you are able to meet one of the other four needs, your baby may be ready to sleep instead of crying for your help.

Will my baby doesn't make all the sounds everyday?
Remember that your baby is expressing its needs through sound, so you will only hear those 'words' of the needs that are to be met. You will therefore find that the 'words' that indicate what your baby requires will be the ones that occur more frequently, i.e. if sleeping is an issue then the sleep word will occur more often. Also, if you are diligent in relieving upper wind (by burping) on command, your baby will not have as much lower gas – so s/he will say that word less frequently.

Does the Dunstan Baby Language work for babies older than 3 months?
Research has shown that the Dunstan System is most successful for babies between birth and three months. This is because the System is based on reflexes, and these reflexes 'switch off' at around this stage. Some babies however, will continue to say some of the 'words' past three months of age.

Are the settling techniques shown the ones I should use?
The settling techniques on the DVDs are some of the more popular ones used. They are included to give you some idea of what to do once you have recognized your baby's need. Always do what you feel is best for your baby. If you are having difficulties or need more help with settling techniques please consult your Dunstan Baby Educator.

English is not my primary language; will Dunstan Baby Language work for my baby?
Dunstan Baby Language is a universal system of communication that is based on reflexes. It is innate rather than learned. So in the same way a laugh, sneeze or hiccup is a sound shared by us all, the sounds your baby makes are also universal and not dependent upon a specific culture, accent or race. As such, it has none of the problems typically associated with learning an adult language.

Can fathers learn it too?
Yes, fathers can learn Dunstan Baby Language! In fact the System equips them with powerful knowledge to have greater paternal involvement with their newborn. Couples that have learned the System together report a greater sense of esteem in caring for their baby and reduced stress in the family home. Dunstan Baby Language can also be learned by grandparents, siblings, and caregivers.

Can the System help families dealing with Post Partum Depression?                     Yes. Mothers who have experienced PPD know that an inconsolable baby is one of the most miserable experiences one could have while depressed. The System is a must for families who are struggling with PPD because both mother and baby need the relief.

Can it help with Shaken Baby Syndrome?                                                         Yes! Some parents are so stressed and fragile, that the sound of a crying baby can push them beyond the brink of a reasonable reaction. When parents are frustrated and don't know how to sooth a crying baby, the result could be tragic. Dunstan Baby Language offers tools to understand a baby before the stressful crying stage and techniques to calm the baby. In addition, by working with a DBL Educator, parents will have the support of a professional who can guide them through the process.

Does the System work with premature babies?
Our research to date has not included preterm babies; however, we continually receive feedback from mothers of preterm infants reporting the Dunstan Baby Language DVD to be an enormous benefit with their child.

What is the process after ordering and how long will my delivery take?
After placing your order, an email confirmation will be sent to your nominated email address. Your order will then be processed and shipped within 24 hours of payment authentication (excluding weekends and nationally holidays). A second email will notify you when the order has been shipped. If you don't receive these emails please check your spam filters before contacting us. Orders can be shipped as a gift, including gift wrap, for an additional fee.  USA Orders will be delivered within the timeframe you select during the ordering process.

How can I find out if my order has been processed and shipped?
First, please check your spam or junk email folders for our confirmation email. If you do not have it, contact us at sales@talkingtears.com. Include your full name, billing/shipping address and phone number and the name and address we are shipping to if different from your billing address.