The Science: Two Skills to Help New Parents

1. Read your baby’s ZONES.

Newborns’ stages of wakefulness and sleepiness (their states or “Zones”) are still developing, which can be confusing to parents. Learning to read what "Zone" your baby is in will help you know when to feed your baby, when to play with your baby, and when to help him sleep. There are three “Zones”: the “Resting Zone” (sleep zones), the “Ready Zone” (alert and ready to eat or play), and the “Rebooting Zone” (fussing or crying zone.) Learn more about these Zones.

2. See when your baby sends out an SOS (Sign of Over-Stimulation).

All babies are at times over-stimulated by sensations inside of their body or by sounds, sights, and temperature changes outside of their body. There are two kinds of SOSs: body SOS (changes in color, movement, or breathing) and behavioral changes (“Spacing Out”, “Switching Off”, or “Shutting Down.”) WATCH these clips to see the SOSs in action.