Baby Behavior

Babies tell us what they want and need through sound and movement. Learn what to look for to become a more confident parent and caregiver in the information and links below. Three short videos can also be found in the Quick Links section for more tips and suggestions for new parents.

What is Baby Behavior?

Babies communicate to their world by the different ways they behave. Baby behavior includes the noises and movements babies make. For example crying, smiling or sucking on their hand. Since newborns and older babies cannot speak right away - it is important to understand what your baby is trying to tell you through their behavior.

Babies are born with different ways of talking to the world around them, without using any words.
Baby behavior is how babies communicate before they can speak.
When babies cry, they often just need a change of scenery, want to be closer to you, or need a diaper change.
Babies sleep more than adults but wake up frequently to be fed or when they need help to be safe and comfortable. This is normal and healthy.
Babies go through periods of light sleep and deep sleep. Wait for signs of deep sleep, like this baby is showing, before laying your baby down to prevent them from waking-up right away.
This baby is showing signs she is hungry by mouthing her hands.
Be patient getting to know your baby's cues, crying and sleep patterns. You and your baby will create your own special relationship in no time!

Baby Behavior Campaign

Dr. Jane Heinig and colleagues at the University of California Davis studied baby behavior to help parents understand their babies. This information is part of a campaign that has resulted in:

An increase in exclusively breastfed babies
A decrease in babies being formula fed
Less overfeeding of babies

The Baby Behavior Campaign includes three main sections which includes Baby Cues, Baby Crying and Baby Sleep. All of this information can help caregivers respond appropriately to their baby's needs and feel more confident as a new parent.

Baby Cues

Babies are born with the ability to communicate through noises and movements.
Recognizing baby cues can help parents find out what their baby is trying to tell them, and respond more quickly. For example a newborn following your voice and face is ready to interact, learn and play.
Babies show you many different hunger cues such as sucking on their hands and wrist or moving their mouth or tongue. This is the perfect time to feed your baby.
Learn more about cues and how to respond to them from the Baby Cues (PDF) pamphlet (español) (PDF).

Baby Crying

Babies cry to communicate with the people around them.
Crying doesn't always mean a baby is hungry.
Crying often means a baby just needs a change in scenery, wants to be close to you, or needs a diaper changed.
Read more from the What to Know About Crying (PDF) pamphlet (español) (PDF).
You're not alone, find more at the Fussy Baby Network Colorado.

Adequate Sleep

Babies sleeping patterns are different than adult sleeping patterns since they may only sleep a few hours at a time.
Even though newborns wake often they can sleep a total of 14 to 16 hours within a 24 hour day.
Your baby's sleep can be unpredictable the first 6 weeks of life.
Discover more from the Healthy Sleep for Baby (PDF) pamphlet (español) (PDF).

Tips for Parents with Newborn Babies

Sleep when your baby sleeps.
90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep can help you feel more rested.
Babies will cry less as they get older.
Noises and people can make your baby tired.
Calm a fussy baby by using the same repetitive motions like rocking or changing the environment, such as moving to a quieter or darker room.
Learn more about signs of hunger and fullness (PDF) | (español) (PDF).
Learn how to bottle feed your infant using the paced bottle feeding method.

Baby Behavior

What is Baby Behavior?

Babies are born with different ways of talking to the world around them, without using any words.

Baby behavior is how babies communicate before they can speak.

When babies cry, they often just need a change of scenery, want to be closer to you, or need a diaper change.

Babies sleep more than adults but wake up frequently to be fed or when they need help to be safe and comfortable. This is normal and healthy.

Babies go through periods of light sleep and deep sleep. Wait for signs of deep sleep, like this baby is showing, before laying your baby down to prevent them from waking-up right away.

This baby is showing signs she is hungry by mouthing her hands.

Be patient getting to know your baby's cues, crying and sleep patterns. You and your baby will create your own special relationship in no time!

Baby Behavior Campaign

Tips for Parents with Newborn Babies

FAQs

Quick Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Links