How to Tell the Difference Between Your Baby's Sleep States
Being able to tell the difference between your baby's sleep activity states may make your new transition at home easier. If you know the difference between when your baby is drowsy or just in a quiet alert stage, you will react differently to her expressions. Your baby has six stages of sleep and wakefulness: deep sleep, light sleep, drowsy, quiet alert, active alert and crying. Each stage means a different thing. By being aware of these individual stages, you can better prepare and respond to your baby's needs. This article will help you to differentiate.
Instructions
The first stage is the deep sleep stage. During this time your baby's breathing is very rhythmic and relaxed. She may occasionally make a movement, but she is in a deep state of sleep. If you startle her, she may open her eyes briefly, but within seconds she'll be back asleep. This is the stage where you can lie your baby down if you're holding her and she probably won't wake up for long. The second stage is the light sleep stage. Many parents get frustrated with this stage, because although your baby may seem to be in a deep sleep, he isn't. The minute you go to lie him down, he startles and cries and wants to be picked back up. During this stage your baby may make movements, sucking noises or smile in his sleep. You may notice that his eyes are still moving beneath his eyelids and his breathing pattern is a bit irregular. It is best in this state not to startle or arouse your baby. The third stage is the drowsy stage. This is when many babies seem to get irritated very easily. Your baby is ready for sleep, but may try to fight it. If you make loud noises or stimulate her in any way, she may become more alert instead of going into light sleep. Her eyelids may seem very droopy and her breathing is irregular. The best thing to do in this situation, if you want your baby to settle into sleep, would be to either leave her alone or do a calming routine that she likes such as rocking, walking or singing. The fourth stage is the quiet alert stage. This is the best time for you to connect and interact with your baby. He is alert and ready for stimulation. He will probably lie or sit still and pay attention to things that you put in front of him. You can make eye contact with him and talk very softly. He will enjoy listening to and following your voice. His breathing will be very regular and he will be focused. As long as you continue to stimulate him with light activities, he will enjoy this stage. The fifth stage is the active alert stage. During this time your baby's needs will have to be met before she gets too upset. She may need to be fed, changed or just comforted. She is usually not very attentive, may be moving her head from side to side (as if she were restless), her breathing may seem very irregular and she may express disinterest in any type of stimulation. This is the stage in which most parents realize their baby is about to enter the fussy period. The sixth and most unpleasant stage of activity is crying. It is best to try and meet all of your baby's needs when he is in the active alert stage, otherwise he enters the crying stage. Even if you have met his needs, he may still cry. Crying is the only mechanism that he has available to let you know something is bothering him. He may still be hungry, have a belly ache, feel cold or wet or just need to be comforted. As frustrating as crying is, understand that it will end and do your best to stay calm. If you get stressed, the energy will change and your baby will make note of it. Remember that sometimes babies will cry just as an emotional release.
