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Education, support and advocacy for birth and wellness choices across Hawai'i

What is baby trying to tell me?

Recognizing a baby's signs and cues can be confusing, especially if a care giver is sleep deprived!

The following videos of real babies can help us start to recognize 6 universal signs of baby activity and sleep so that we can start learn to anticipate a baby's needs and decode the 'Secrets of Baby Behavior'

Awake States, Hunger Cues and Crying:

1. Quite Awake:

I'm taking it all in

2. Active Awake:

I love you but this takes a lot of work (moving towards Crying)

It takes a lot of energy for a baby to engage and take in all the new sensory information. Recognizing when a baby starts to disengage will help a caretaker transition a baby into a gentle restful sleep.

Recognizing Hunger Signs

I'm hungry!

Older baby: I'm hungry!

I'm not hungry, I need something else.

All about Crying

There is too much happening right now! (Overstimulation)

Calming a crying baby

3 States of Sleep:

A baby's sleep cycle is 30 minutes long. This means that around this time, a sleeping baby will start to show signs of waking up or light sleep in the video below. If they experience gentle rhythmic soothing and no stimulation, they can go back to sleep.

An adult has a 90 minutes sleep cycle, so shifts are essential! If both parents are not getting at least two full cycles of uninterrupted sleep in a night, things can start to feel very daunting!

4. Drowsy:

I'm tired and I am over stimulated.

5. Light Sleep:

I'm dreaming

6. Deep Sleep:

You can lay me down now! (This state usually takes about 10minutes after they fall asleep)

Education, Support, and Advocacy for Birth and Wellness Choices Across Hawai'i

aloha@pacificbirthcollective.org

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Pacific Birth Collective does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any services, opinions, care providers or other information that may be contained on or available through this web site. Pacific Birth Collective is not responsible nor liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that obtain through this website.
Updated 9-1-22

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