Infant communication and behaviour
The term “infant cues” refers to the array of behaviours infants use to communicate. An understanding of these cues helps us to determine (for example) when the infant is ready for interaction, tired, hungry, agitated or overwhelmed. Most parents intuitively respond to these cues and therefore meet the needs of their infant. This is important in developing the infant’s trust and attachment.
The baby’s task in the first few months is to learn to regulate body systems and arousal with the help of parents.
The Raising Children’s Network (Australia) have developed series of videos and handouts to help parents to read, understanding and be responsive to their babies cues.
Some common “approach” cues (Baby is ready to engage / participate) include:
- Still body
- Invested visual focus
- Stable autonomic signs (respiratory rate, heart rate etc)
Some possible “avoidance” cues (baby is overwhelmed or stressed) include
- Looking away or avoiding your eyes
- Glassy eyed look
- Extended postures such as arm “saluting” or arching backwards
- Lots of autonomic signs together in response to something unpleasant (such as hiccupping, sweating, looking a little pale or blotchy, and/or breathing faster)
- Going to sleep
Key Point
- The intuitive process of reading infant cues can be affected by (for example) stress and depression.
- Parents may become more aware of cues through some discrete education. “Noticing aloud” or “wondering” are examples of how to do this within your sessions while respecting the ability of the parent to problem solve and respond to their infant.
For example:
To baby: “Oh you’re shutting your eyes with all my noisy toys. Are they too noisy for you?” or
To parent: “Oh look, he’s shutting his eyes with all my noisy toys. I wonder why he is doing that?”
