Infant States

Sometimes I’m confused by my baby’s behavior. I don’t know when I should breastfeed or when I should let him sleep. What can I look for to know what’s best?

Babies cycle through six states of consciousness. You can learn how to respond to your baby in each state and discover when the best time to breastfeed is. 

1. Deep Sleep: Your baby needs periods of deep sleep, as this enables his brain to rest and grow. This is not a good time to breastfeed your baby, and he will have difficulty waking from this state. Baby is:

      • Motionless
      • Breathing rhythmically 
      • Able to startle but doesn’t wake
      • Not responding easily

2. Active Sleep: This is also an important time for your baby’s brain development. He is more likely to wake from this state and sometimes shows early hunger cues, signaling that it’s time to breastfeed soon. If your baby isn’t transitioning out of this state on his own, and it’s time to breastfeed, wake him up to nurse. Baby is:

      • Appearing to be dreaming
      • Fluttering his eyelids
      • Having changes in his breathing pattern
      • Making small sucking movements
      • Moving around a little

3. Drowsy: This is an important transition state. Your baby is either getting ready to move into a sleepy state or is just coming out of one, but is not fully alert. Some babies need a minute to fully awaken, while others are ready to breastfeed. Baby is:

      • Moving around more
      • Breathing irregularly 
      • Opening and closing his eyes
      • Looking a little “glazed over” and taking time to react to stimulation
      • Easily startled

4. Quiet Alert: This is a great time for your baby to learn. He is awake and interested in what is going on around him. This is the ideal time to breastfeed, talk to, and play with your baby. Baby is:

      • Looking at you with wide-open eyes
      • Breathing regularly
      • Very responsive
      • Easily tired out after being in this state for a bit

5. Irritable: Your baby has now moved to a more active part of the alert state. This is also important, as his brain is learning that his movements result in a response. However, he is getting a bit worked up and may need something different soon. Breastfeed now if he is hungry. Baby is:

      • Moving his arms and legs purposefully
      • Getting overstimulated and may begin to fuss
      • Chewing on his hands
      • Stretching out his arms and hands
      • Kicking his legs
      • Cooing and making other noises
      • Shifting his eyes back and forth

6. Crying: Your baby is showing signs of distress and is telling you that something needs to change. There are many reasons why babies cry. He will likely need to be calmed down before you try to breastfeed. Baby is:

      • Moving in a more chaotic way
      • Flailing his arms and legs
      • Getting stressed, and his heart rate and breathing rate increase
      • Having color changes in his skin
      • Tightening his muscles
      • Responding slowly to you

Tips to Calm Your Crying Baby:

      • Place him skin-to-skin with you
      • Talk softly 
      • Hold his hands against his chest
      • Sway gently
      • Dim the lights and decrease noise in the room

When your baby is calm, try latching again. 

For more information on normal infant sleep patterns, click here.

By recognizing these infant states, you’ll feel more confident in knowing when it’s time to feed, play, or soothe your baby. Remember that every baby is unique, and you will become more aware of what your baby is trying to communicate, making motherhood and breastfeeding a little easier every day. For more information on your baby’s development, click here.

Hunger Cues .jpg

SOURCE:

USDA WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum 

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