What is my baby
Understanding Sleep
Place your baby to sleep on a firm surface, free of any objects, and on their back. Newborns enter light sleep first, then enter deep sleep in about 20 minutes.
Light Sleep
- Wakes up easily
- Moves around and makes noises
- Has a lot of eye movement
- Dreams
- Brain grows and develops!
Deep Sleep
- Doesn’t wake up easily
- Has relaxed and floppy arms and legs
- Doesn’t move very much
- Brain rests!
- Wait for signs of deep sleep before laying your newborn down. Remember, it takes newborns about 20 minutes to fall into deep sleep.
Understanding Cues
Your baby is able to tell you what they need without words by using their body cues. Responding to their cues can help your baby be calm and happy.
- “I Am Hungry” Cues
- Keeps hands near mouth
- Bends arms and legs
- Makes sucking noises
- Puckers lips
- Searches for the nipple (roots)
Now is the time to feed, before they get too hungry.
Notice the difference between “I am hungry” cues and “I need something changed” cues!
- “I Need Something Changed” Cues
- Looks or turns away or arches back
- Frowns or has a glazed look in eyes
- Stiffens hands, arms, or legs
- Yawns or falls asleep
This means they are uncomfortable or bothered by something. Let them turn away or rest. Noise, lights, or too many people can be tiring for babies.
- “I Am Full” Cues
- Sucks slower or stops sucking
- Relaxes hands and arms
- Turns away from the nipple
- Pushes away
- Falls asleep
These cues mean they are ready to stop eating.
- “I Want To Be Near You” Cues
- Has a relaxed face and body
- Follows your voice and face
- Reaches toward you
- Stares at your face
- Raises head
This means they are ready to interact, learn, or play with you!
Understanding Crying
It can be very upsetting for parents when their baby cries. All babies cry sometimes. Babies cry for many reasons, not just because they are hungry or need a diaper change. There are things you can do to help your baby feel better.
- Stay calm and be patient.
- Use your baby’s cues to try to find out what your baby is telling you.
- Hold your baby close and try:
- Skin-to-skin.
- Speaking softly or singing over and over.
- Rocking or swaying your baby gently over and over.
- Massaging their back, arms, and legs gently.
- If you start to feel angry or overwhelmed, put your baby down in a safe place and take a break.
- Contact your health care provider if you think your baby is crying too much.
To learn more about crying, go to www.purplecrying.com.
Quick Tips for Parents
- Feed your baby when they let you know they are hungry, not by watching the clock.
- Turn off lights and TV where your baby sleeps.
- Rest while your baby sleeps (even sitting quietly can help you feel more rested).
- If you start to feel angry or overwhelmed, put the baby down in a safe place and take a break.
- Ask friends and family for help with household chores.
To find a WIC clinic near you call 800-522-0874 or visit our website wic.in.gov. Learn more about safe sleep for babies.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
