What is quiet alertness

This is a good time for gentle soothing such as bouncing, rocking, patting, shushing, walking, swaying—often in some combination. In this state, babies are at their most active. They can be easily become over-stimulated and move into fussiness. Noticing when your baby is moving into an active alert state or towards fussiness, is a perfect time for interventions that work toward slowing them down or moving them back to a quiet alert state. In this state, your baby will not be receptive to new information or sensations.

This is their direct way of asking you for help and you need to respond to them—picking them up, soothing them, changing their diaper, or just holding them. Crying is often a late sign that baby is hungry—a crying baby may not be able to eat immediately and may need to be soothed before being able to nurse or take a bottle. This video from WisdomWay shows the infant sleep states. This awareness will allow you to respond more confidently to their needs.

Ages and Stages. Healthy Living. Safety and Prevention. Family Life. Health Issues. Tips and Tools. Our Mission. Find a Pediatrician. Text Size. States of Consciousness in Newborns. Page Content. The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Follow Us. Their eyes will start to look around, and they will make small sounds. This state is sometimes a precursor to the newborn baby becoming fussy. While in the active alert state, your newborn baby will move their arms, legs, body, or face. These movements are not continuous, but they occur in a rhythm, with the movements occurring about once per minute or so. During this state, your baby will be less drawn to faces and more interested in objects; their natural curiosity may start to emerge.

If your newborn baby is hungry, uncomfortable, or lonely, they may enter a crying state. Crying is the only way that newborn babies have to communicate their needs to others. While in a crying state, your baby may move their arms and legs vigorously, and their face may become red and contorted.

Despite what well-meaning friends and relatives may say, it is not possible to "spoil" your newborn baby by responding to their every cry. On the contrary, soothing your baby when they cry makes them safe and secure, and teaches them that you are there to take care of them.

Sooner or later, your newborn baby will enter a drowsy state. As its name implies, newborn babies usually enter this state before they fall asleep. While in the drowsy state, your newborn baby may move a bit, smile, or frown. Their eyes may become dull, glazed, and unfocused.

Their eyelids will become droopy.