By Dawn Oliver, Certified Postpartum Doula & Pediatric Sleep Consultant

Your baby may not come with a manual, but they do come with cues. From fluttering eyelids to clenched fists, your baby is constantly communicating with you — and learning how to recognize those signals can transform your parenting journey from overwhelmed to empowered.

Whether you’re navigating feeding, sleep, or fussiness, learning your baby’s cues is one of the most powerful tools you can have during the newborn phase.

🍼 Hunger Cues: More Than Just Crying

Many parents associate hunger with crying — but crying is actually a late sign.

Here are earlier signals to watch for:

Rooting (turning head toward your chest or bottle) Sucking on hands or fingers Lip smacking or making sucking noises Fidgeting or restlessness while waking

Responding early to hunger cues helps feedings go more smoothly — and reduces stress for both of you.

😴 Tired Cues: Catching the Sleep Window

Overtired babies have a harder time falling (and staying) asleep. These are early tired cues to watch for:

Staring off or glazed eyes Fussing or rubbing eyes Slower movements Yawning Turning face away from stimulation

Once your baby starts to show these signs, it’s a great time to begin a wind-down routine.

🌪️ Overstimulation Cues: When It’s All Too Much

Babies can get overwhelmed by lights, sounds, new faces, or even just too much eye contact. Signs of overstimulation include:

Arching back or turning away Squirming or flailing Red or blotchy face Intense crying Looking “wired” or overly alert

In these moments, your baby may need a break from interaction. Dimming the lights, holding them close, or swaddling can help reset their nervous system.

💞 Why Responding to Cues Matters

When you respond to your baby’s cues consistently, you’re building trust and strengthening your connection. You’re teaching them, “You are seen. You are safe. Your needs matter.” And over time, that leads to more peaceful feedings, easier naps, and more confidence in yourself.

🌙 Need Help Learning Your Baby’s Rhythm?

If reading your baby’s cues still feels confusing, you’re not alone. As a certified postpartum doula and sleep consultant, I help families decode their baby’s behavior and build daily rhythms that work for everyone.

Let’s create a calm, responsive plan — one that honors your baby’s cues and your needs.

💤 CompassionateCareDoula.com | @compassionatecaredoula