The first thing babies do when in need of something is crying. They also smile when they are pleased or happy. Babies like holding tight unto their mothers’ body. Grown up babies will do other things besides touching your hair. They’ll play with your shoes, pull off your socks, pull at your eyeglasses, etc. They are just trying to get to know you. By the time your baby is nine months your baby will point at things he/she wants you to buy for them. It could be a toy, his/her favorite cereal, the TV, etc. All these gestures communicate something the baby cannot articulate yet. By the time your child is a toddler he/she might do more things to try to communicate. Toddlers are usually more affectionate. They’ll come and hug you or seat on your lap for you to show them some affection. They’ll start running if they something that scares them off.  You can teach your baby to communicate when he is sick before he/she learns how to talk. Just teach your baby to show a sign when hurt. For instance, if your baby has a fever he can place his hand on his forehead or if his ear hurts he can point at it and show the sign for hurt. Just be creative and help your child be a great communicator even before he/she is able to articulate words.