What is My Baby Telling Me? Understanding Common Baby Cues in the NICU

A lot goes into having a new baby and it takes time to learn what they’re trying to tell you. Each baby is different. Learning your preemies’ cues is a great way to start bonding with them in the NICU and will prepare you for when you bring them home. Here are some common states of newborn alertness, signs of hunger, and cues to help you understand baby better. Throughout the day, newborn babies move through various states of waking and alertness. Understanding the signs when baby is in each state is helpful in determining when to play or begin Massage 30, 10, 5. 1. The Drowsy State – this occurs when baby is waking up from sleep. You can tell baby is in this state if it looks like they could go back to sleep. 2. Quiet Alert – baby is quiet and calm, with eyes wide open. They’re ready to play in this state, but there is little to no facial movement or activity. 3. Active Alert – baby’s eyes are open and they’re moving around a lot. They may get fussy, which could mean they’re tired or hun