Your baby’s cues.
Babies have amazing ways of communicating with you, even when they can't talk yet
Babies communicate using body language, known as cues. These cues can tell us many things, like when they are happy, hungry, uncomfortable, tired, or in pain.
Learning to understand your baby’s cues can help you respond to your baby’s needs! (1,2)
The more time you spend with your baby, the better you will become at knowing their cues. Watch how they react to their surroundings. Watch your baby and see how they respond to new faces or sounds around them.
Learning common cues
Recognizing how your baby is feeling is an important part of comforting them. Common cues are:
Here are a few things to look for to help you know how your baby is feeling:
Your baby is likely comfortable if...
- Arms and legs are relaxed in a tucked up position
- Forehead is smooth
- Facial expression is soft and relaxed
- Breathing is regular
- Eyes are closed or alert and focused
- Skin colour is mostly pink
- Baby is sleeping soundly or looking around or at you
Your baby is handling activity and interaction well. During this time your baby will be bright and “sparkly” – their eyes will be open and focused on you! There are BIG brain connections are happening here and this is the best time to talk, sing or read to your baby.
Your baby might be uncomfortable if...
- Arms and legs stiff or stretched out
- Fingers and toes are spread
- Frowning or scowling
- Breathing is increased or fast
- Eyes might be wide or glassy
- Skin colour might be pale, flushed, or blotchy (mix of pink and white colour)
- Your baby is turning away from you or whatever is stimulating him or her
Your baby may need a break or your help to stay calm.
Your baby might be stressed if...
- Arms and legs are stiff or flailing
- Movements are jerky
- Facial expression is a grimace, or a cry
- Breathing may be fast or slow or may look difficult
- Skin colour may be pale or blotchy/mottled (patchy, pink and white colour)
- Baby may be upset and crying, appear exhausted, or “shut down”
- Baby may be arching their back
Your baby may cry to communicate they are hungy, have a wet diaper, or that they are feeling tired. The volume and sound depending on what they are trying to tell you. If your baby is experiencing pain, their cry may be unusually high-pitched, tense, sharp, loud, and may come in short bursts. (1,2)
Your baby needs your comfort and support. More information on recognizing pain below.
Other common cues
- Hunger cues, like smacking lips or sucking on fingers
- Sleep cues, like yawning, fussing, or looking away
Your baby may need to feed or your help to create a soothing sleep environment.
Recognizing Pain
Researchers have studied the ways that babies show they are stressed or feeling pain. They found that facial expressions will also help you know if your baby is in pain or discomfort.
Recognize pain and discomfort by these four expressions:
1. Eye squeeze
Eyes tightly closed.
2. Brow bulge
Furrowed, wrinkly, or bulging eye brow.
3. Wide open mouth
Lips may be tight. Mouth may be stretch wide and square shaped. Tongue may be cupped in shape.
4. Nasolabial furrow
A deep crease or fold in the skin that goes from your baby's nose down to the corners of the mouth.
References
Perry, M., Tan, Z., Chen, J., Weidig, T., Xu, W., & Cong, X. S. (2018). Neonatal pain: Perceptions and current practice. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, 30(4), 549–561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnc.2018.07.013
Relland, L. M., Gehred, A., & Maitre, N. L. (2019). Behavioral and physiological signs for pain assessment in preterm and term neonates during a nociception-specific response: A systematic review. Pediatric Neurology, 90, 13–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2018.10.001