Newborns have reflexive behaviours that create a universal language. We are going to take a whistle stop tour of some of the main Baby Cues below.
Engagement Cues
The first Cue we are looking at is the Engagement Cues. These show when baby is ready to play and interact.
Your little one will appear to be in a Quiet Alert State:
Indicators are:
- Relaxed Body
- Bright Wide Open Eyes
What should you do when you see these engagement Cues?
Talk to and play with your baby. This is optimal time for playing. It is a great idea to get some Tummy Time done when your little one is in this state. They are more likely to be receptive to it.
As your little one becomes more active you will need to start watching out for cues about what they need.
Understanding hunger, wind, tired cues and even poop cues can really help minimize getting to the full blown crying stage of ‘needs’.
There are a number of Hunger Cues
Full Cues
Indicators are:
Windy Cues
Indicators are:
Do – burp the baby over your shoulder & pat its back, or sitting on your knee and patting its back, or do the yoga roll of the knees gently up to the tummy & hold for a second or two and relax them back, and repeat as long as baby needs it or as baby will allow.
Poop Cues
Indicators are:
When you see these cues – hold your baby in the poop position – hold them in front of you, support their thighs. Its easier to poop sitting than lying down.
Tired Cues
Indicators are:
Do – soothe them to sleep – swaddle baby or snuggle it up tight, pick a repetitive motion and or white noise.
Do not continue to stimulate a tired baby, an overstimulated baby will cry,,,,and cry,,,,and cry. Its their only way to release it.
Disengagement Cues
Indicators are:
Overstimulation Cues (these can happen if you ignore the disengagement cues and keep stimulating baby)
Indicators are:
Instead of adding more stimulation, try rocking, swaddling, white noise
Chose a calming technique that is repetitive and predictable and stick with if for at least 5 mins.
As baby settles down try quiet repetitive motion to sooth baby to sleep.
The first 10 – 15mins of sleep is REM. It’s a light sleep.
Light sleep signs are; twitching, fluttering eyelids, sucking.
Continue your soothing technique in this stage of sleep, and try not to disturb the baby.
They will settle in to deep sleep after 10 -20mins.
Deep Sleep – relaxed body and face and quiet rhythmic breathing, very little moving.
As soon as you get to know your baby you’ll get to know their own unique cues.