By watching your baby’s behavior in the NICU, you can learn a lot about their likes and dislikes. Every premature baby is different. Your baby may tire quickly, and be bothered by light, sound or touch. They may not be able to respond to you for several days.

By learning about your baby’s behaviours and personality, you will begin to understand what they need and when they are relaxed, or when they are stressed.

When watching your baby, you can divide their behavior into stable cues and stress cues. Your baby may not use all of the cues listed below, and they may use different ones that aren’t listed. Watch your baby and you will soon learn their language and what they are trying to say.  

Ready or Stable Cues

• Ready or Stable cues may mean:
  • They are content
  • They like things the way they are
• Some ready or stables cues may include:
  • Their breathing is easy and steady
  • Their heart rate is stable
  • Their colour is pink
  • Their body is relaxed
  • They are looking at you

Time Out or Stress Cues

• Time out or stress cues may mean:
  • They are tired
  • They need a break
  • They need quiet time to rest and recover
• Some time out or stress cues may include:
  • They spread their fingers and toes
  • They breath fast and hard or pause between breaths
  • Their heart beats fast or slow         
  • The oxygen level in their blood may drop
  • They become pale, red, or blotchy
  • They stiffen and raise their arm to say stop
  • They look worried, frown, or grimace
  • They yawn, sneeze, hiccup, or spit up
  • They squirm, arch their back and neck, push away, and cry
  • Their body may go limp
  • They may close their eyes or look away

Reference:

B.C. Children's Hospital. (1998). Baby Talk: Supporting My Development.