Baby Cues 101: What Does Baby Want?

Are you left a little stumped on what your baby needs? Do you struggle to know what a certain cry means and what a look is really trying to tell you? While we wish it was as simple as your little one simply telling you what’s wrong, all babies give cues to how they are feeling, and common signals can be a good starting point to solving these daily mysteries. 

As a new mom, picking up on your baby’s cues may be difficult to start, but with time and practice, it is a rewarding skill that helps you bond with your baby and saves your sanity in the process. 

Below is a quick rundown of a few of the most common baby cues so you know what to look for and what your baby needs next. 

Back to Bed: Tired Signals 

A sleepy baby may exhibit a mix of the following. If your baby is crying or fussing, they may already be overtired and it’s time to put them down.

• Rubbing eyes

• Rubbing ears

• Arching back

• Staring into the distance

• Jerking movement of arms or legs

• Yawning

• Losing interest in toys

Time to Eat: Hungry Signals

Catching early feeding cues is important to ensuring efficient feeding, a full belly and a happy baby. 

• Trying to suck on fists

• Rooting

• Sucking noises

• Working up to a cry

Let’s Hang: Playtime Signals

When your infant is able to interact with the world around them they are continuing to advance their development. If you see one of these cues, it’s time to play, explore and discover with baby! 

• Grasp your finger

• Babbling sounds

• Eye contact

While a new baby may be nonverbal, they are telling you a lot if you listen and watch closely.