A–Z Glossary

Infant cues

Infant cues are a baby's behaviors and physical signals that show engagement, fatigue, stress, or a need for a pause.

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Ignoring baby cues in schedule

Ignoring baby cues in schedule

What baby cues communicate Infants communicate primarily through behavior, movement, facial expression, vocalization, and changes in physiological state. A cue is not a diagnosis; it is an observable signal that requires interpretation. Early hunger cues may include stirring, increased alertness, rooting, hand-to-mouth movements, lip smacking, or turning toward a breast or bottle. Crying can occur […]

Signs baby is frustrated

Signs baby is frustrated

What frustration means in infancy Infant frustration is usually a communication signal, not misbehavior. A baby may become frustrated when a need is unmet, when a desired action is physically difficult, when stimulation is too intense, or when a caregiver’s response does not match what the baby is trying to communicate. Because the infant nervous […]

Building connection during care

Building connection during care

Connection begins with presence A baby experiences care through the caregiver’s whole pattern of behavior: voice, facial expression, touch, pace, and responsiveness. Before beginning a task, a caregiver can pause briefly, orient toward the baby, and offer a calm greeting. Saying the baby’s name and describing what is about to happen, such as “I am […]