Infant states

Day after day your baby will cycle through five states of alertness. Knowing which state your baby is in will help you decide how to respond and interact with them. (1)

Identifiable physical characteristics of behaviour displayed by an infant. For example, physical signs your baby is uncomfortable, sleepy, or alert.

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Quiet Sleep

When your baby is in quiet sleep they are very relaxed. You may notice that their breathing is regular and they may let out a few cute sighs. Your baby might startle every now and then, but they will settle back to sleep.

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Active Sleep

When your baby is in active sleep you may notice their legs, arms and face making quick jerky movements. You may notice quick breathing and facial expressions. This is called active sleep and is when your baby is dreaming.

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Drowsy

When your baby is drowsy you may notice their eyes starting to close, their arms and legs relaxed and they may become upset easily. This is a good time to let your baby sleep, ask your nurse about safely sleeping together in skin-to-skin contact while in hospital.

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Quiet Alert

When your baby is in the quiet alert state you may notice they are bright, eyes wide, and focused. Their body is calm and still, breathing is regular. This is a good time to play and interact with your baby. Remember to watch how they respond to you, adjust activity based on your baby's cues.

How your baby communicates with you using facial expressions, body movements, or physiologic changes.

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Active Alert

When you baby is in the active alert state, you will notice they are not as focused and a bit more active. Your baby's body movements may be erratic and unpredictable. You may notice your baby responding negatively to stimulation in the environment. Try calming your baby by placing them in skin-to-skin contact, turning the lights down, and using quiet voices.

 
 
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Don’t forget

Learning more about your baby’s states can help you recognize when they want to play and interact, or when they are ready for a nap. This can help you know exactly what they need and when!

Now that you understand the different states and common cues your baby may show, let’s learn about how to recognize pain specifically.

 
 
 
 

+ References

  1. NCAST Programs, & University of Washington. (2008). Keys to caregiving: Study guide. Seattle, WA: NCAST Publications, University of Washington