Learn to be a Baby Whisperer

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

Quiet Awake

I'm taking it all in

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. 

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Recognizing Hunger Signs

Hungry

I am hungry!

Older Baby Hungry

I am hungry!

Not Hungry

I am not hungry, I need something else

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All About Crying

Overstimulation

There is too much happening right now!

Calming a Crying Baby

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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!

Drowsy

I'm tired and I am over stimulated.

Light Sleep

I am dreaming

Deep Sleep

This state usually takes about 10 minutes after they fall asleep

You can lay me down now.