Northside Hospital - Special Beginnings

BABY’S SIGNS Your baby’s cues or signs can tell you how much socialization they can handle at this very young age. Please use quiet voices around your baby. A stressed infant takes longer to grow and get well. Your baby needs your loving attention just as much as your baby needs food, warmth and oxygen. When you see these signs you know your baby is comfortable and enjoying the sensory input they are receiving.

Signs that your baby is happy and ready to interact: • Eyes are open and alert • Able to focus on your face or an object • Breathing pattern is regular

• Face, arms and legs are relaxed • Able to gaze at your face for awhile

Signs your baby is self-soothing: • Clasping their hands • Grasping your finger • Sucking on hands or fingers

• Tucking their arms and legs in close to their body

SIGNS OF STRESS As parents of a baby in the SCN, it is important for you to understand the signs or cues indicating your baby may be stressed. Some common signs your baby is stressed: • Changes in breathing patterns or increases in your baby’s oxygen needs • Changes in your baby’s vital signs, such as, an increase or decrease in heart rate, oxygen

saturation or blood pressure • Your baby looks exhausted • Hiccups • Yawns

• Frowns or grimaces • Avoids looking at you • Outstretches arms and fingers as if to say “enough” or “stop” • Legs stretched as if sitting on air • Hand extends outward and upward, similar to “saluting” • Crying and fussy • Arches back and neck

When you observe one of these signs it indicates your baby needs some kind of change or rest. Try limiting the stimulation your baby is receiving and try some comfort measures. Remember your baby can be very sensitive and can only handle one kind of stimulation at a time. They can be talked to or held. Too much socialization at one time, such as rocking and talking, may be very stressful for your premature baby. As your baby grows, so will their socialization skills. Let them guide you with their cues.

12 Special Beginnings in the Special Care Nurseries