"I don't know what my baby is trying to tell me!"

Becky, a frustrated mother of a one week old, goes on to explain.

"Theo seems so tiny. I can’t tell what will happen next!” she says. "Are you awake or asleep?" "Is it time to eat or time for a nap?" she wonders. “I was really ready to be a mom, but I worry I won’t do the right thing for my baby.”

Though friends and family will help, your greatest teacher will be your very own baby. Learn to read her body language, and you'll soon be the expert on your baby!

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.

"Ah-Ha" Moment: How The HUG's information helps this mother

Becky was surprised to see how quickly she came to identify what “Zone” her baby was in and to notice her baby’s SOSs. Her baby seems to cry less when Becky responds to an SOSs early on. If Theo has an SOS during feeding, comforting him quietly for a moment makes breastfeeding go better. And Theo’s dad loves to spot an SOS if “play time” gets a little too rambunctious. With keen insight about their baby, this new mom and dad now feel like real pros.

HUG Your Baby Mission and Vision

HUG Your Baby (HYB) believes that knowledgeable, caring, and confident parents raise capable and happy children. Based on child development and medical literature, HYB helps parents prevent and solve problems around eating, sleeping, crying, and parent-child interaction. Training is provided via online courses, educational DVDs, educational website and blog, public presentations, on-site seminars, and private consultations.