What are five states of arousal in infants?

There isn't a universally accepted set of "five states of arousal" for infants, but a common and widely used framework is the Five States of Arousal model developed by Peter Wolff. Here are the five states:

1. Deep Sleep: The infant is still, with regular breathing and no eye movements.

2. Light Sleep: The infant is still, but their breathing is less regular, and their eyes may move under the eyelids. They might make occasional soft sounds.

3. Drowsiness: The infant is relaxed, with slower movements and a glazed look. They may drift in and out of sleep.

4. Quiet Alertness: The infant is awake and attentive, with a bright gaze and minimal body movement. This is a good time for interaction.

5. Active Alertness: The infant is awake and alert, with a lot of movement and vocalizations. They may be fussy or showing signs of distress.

It's important to note that this is just a framework, and individual infants may vary in their behavior and how they transition between these states.

Other frameworks may include additional states, such as:

* Crying: The infant is experiencing distress and expressing it through vocalizations.

* Consolability: This state describes the infant's response to attempts to soothe them.

Observing an infant's state of arousal can help parents and caregivers understand their needs and provide appropriate care and stimulation.

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