Name that Cue - Understanding What Your Newborn is “Saying”

If you wonder ‘why is my baby crying?’ or ‘how will I know what my baby needs?’, it may help you to know about newborn cues - the universal language of babies. Newborn infants display instinctive behaviors that help to communicate whether they are ready to play (engagement cues), ready to eat (hunger cues), or they're full, gassy, working on a bowel movement (poop cues), sleepy (tired cues), overstimulated (disengagement cues), in light or in deep sleep. Learning about cues, and responding to them promptly can help to reduce infant crying and help you feel like a more confident parent.
For lots more information on caring for a newborn baby, listen to my 20 minute podcast episode on the Transition To Parenthood podcast, or read the transcript at www.transitiontoparenthood.com.

[@inge1993]

This video, might be simple in design, yet it was the most memorable source of info I came across before having my baby. It helped me a lot as it's highly accurate. I still giggle when my baby has the 'mysteries of the universe' face

[@jimsteinway695]

I agree. My kids just had their first baby and they’re overwhelmed, stuff like this really helps

[@niharikasingh7681]

I think it was full of efforts

[@umkulsumhussain]

Àà

[@reginamaina4784]

​@@jimsteinway695😊

[@Steve-ir4jg]

1q87.

[@binabina4445]

Interesting that all the overstimulation examples had the TV on

[@topkek7675]

you're right, good observation

[@sugmanots]

I'm suprised how straightforward these all are! Babies are surprisingly easy to understand.

[@cobblecattt]

This video should be mandatory for every parent with a newborn! So good, thank you

[@lindapate-lk5bo]

You 😊

[@inutumakena9824]

Very helpful, thank you

[@joshuaj.aguero2225]

My little dude is just hungry and gassy, hungry and gassy all day and then sleeps like a rock a night (knock on wood), although he wakes up pretty early. We’re figerin’ it out tho, day by day, nap by nap. He’s growin like mad too, way ahead of the doctors’ schedule. They say we’re doing everything all right but it’s damn hard keeping up with him. I don’t understand how everyone does it. But I’m told it only gets easier, than goodness. 😅

[@catholicfemininity2126]

Eep, after learning about where 'knock on wood' comes from, I'm creeped out.

[@fayscreations]

@@catholicfemininity2126where does it come from?

[@willd.4808]

Not a parent but infant development is sooo fascinating to me, babies are just little humans figuring out the world...I love that

[@connorjohn5013]

For me it’s the overall similarities of behaviour for basicly all kinds of babies all over the world! Amazing.

[@GizelleSchaffnerr]

Im a first time mom and I have a 2 month baby. I learned all these cues in these past 2 months by myself. I think I saw this video a little late, but is nice for reassurance.

[@AlejoEremita]

My baby is now 4 months old but I remember finding this video when she was born and I can't even begin to explain how useful and comforting it was, not only confirmed things I suspected from my interactions with my baby as well as teaching new stuff

[@ashleyi.3768]

Same!!

[@francescacolella4789]

Thank you for mentioning the option to hold baby bare bottomed over a toilet or sink. We do elimination communication so he poops either in his little potty or over the sink. I find it so counterintuitive to know your baby is about to poop or pee and just sit there and let them mess their diaper. Why not just put them over a potty to let them do it like that and save a diaper, reduce diaper rash, and save time? It’s so much more hygienic

[@lindarichardson1106]

😆 lol

[@francescacolella4789]

@@lindarichardson1106 What's funny?🤔

[@KlaudiaAF]

I’m the sink? That’s gross 🤢

[@francescacolella4789]

@@KlaudiaAF Not really... I clean my bathroom sink regularly. We spit into it and wash our dirty hands in it. Nothing wrong with holding an infant over the sink and rinse it down, especially if you've ever seen an infant's poop.

[@marial2382]

@@francescacolella4789 to eliminate all those things you said I use reusable diapers that I wash in a washing mashine. No rash, no trash :)

[@SpaceMango]

My daughter was born 8 weeks early and has finally been better at telling us what she wants. I’m proud that i already knew the hunger cues even as a first time mom. We are still practicing breastfeeding every day and she is getting so good at it. After almost 6 weeks at the hospital we can soon go home :) can’t wait!

[@FJ-rh6io]

omg it's so sweet how you talk about her. all the best to you and your family mama

[@lisemartino1995]

As a doula (and mother), I can that this is SO on point! Thank you for this video, there are so many “bad” ones out there! Your baby is learning to poo, they’re not necessarily constipated! Mammas out there, second babies are there to make you question what you know - they are uniquely different, but you can work this one out too! Learning wind is particularly hard for breastfed babies, because it’s far less of an issue - but it’s still a possible issue! Overstimulation is the most distressing cry from your baby, but the hardest to spot as a new parent.

[@llz1379]

Very useful with real examples. Now three months into parenthood, I wish I had seen this video earlier.

[@cynthiajuarez2609]

Same

[@thackerybinx2637]

At 10 minutes. Perfect example of babies don’t want to soil themselves if they don’t have to. They give you these cues so that you know the same for them to go so that you can take their diaper off and let them go and not have it get all over them. Just like any other animal they don’t want to soil themselves. It’s only when they get older and you’ve trained them to go in their diaper that they don’t hesitate.

[@lllllllll1150]

I am not a parent, but I remember vividly seeing my nephew growing up and I am so glad that I was part of that journey. We shared such a strong bond and One thing I remembered so well that, his sleeping schedule was a bit off, but whenever I held him, he slept right on my arms. not only him, but mostly when I hold any baby, they sleep right on my arm. I wish I knew what makes them do that so. Also very informative video, hopefully one day I will need it for my own baby 😅

[@mdshariquemobinansar]

Just 22 days old, and I started to learn my baby girl's cue. Thanks for making this much informative video. I can now communicate with her even better. 🙏

[@FirstnameLastname-qc3xx]

This is by the far the hardest week I’ve had so far. The almost no sleep is driving me insane. I’m one and done absolutely.

[@justdoinmything]

Hey brother and or sister, my wife and I are also going to the same thing it's so rough but I know that we can make it and I'll make it I just wanted to encourage you. I know it's hard and trust me our baby is currently non-stop screaming if he's not being fed we have to call the pediatrician about it today but the little guy is breaking her heart because of it and we have enough sleep I just I feel your pain but I hope this makes you feel a little better knowing you're not alone

[@bl4cklife173]

Same 🤣 my baby is 6 weeks but just came home last week. I was not prepared to lose so much sleep 🥺 stay strong!

[@FirstnameLastname-qc3xx]

@@justdoinmything thank you! Same to you. It’s crazy how people who have kids never really emphasized how much of a stresser all this is. Next time I hear someone say it’s the best thing blah blah I’m going to freak out lol. I know in the long run it’s worth it but man I feel like no one gives advice or preparation for this lol.

[@justdoinmything]

@@FirstnameLastname-qc3xx you have to figure out what works for you for sure right now we've been taking car rides at bedtime and that helps a lot but I don't know it'll work for you.

[@umiluv]

I thought I had a colicky baby but it turned out that I wasn’t pumping the hind milk only fore milk. His poop was green colored instead of yellow. He wasn’t getting enough nutrition and he was super gassy. Once I fixed the fat content in the milk, then he settled down and stopped crying. It really depends on what works for each family but this helped the most for us.

[@empain_]

My baby is 2 weeks old today and I’m still trying to figure out what she wants. This has been helpful! I think I don’t wait long enough before putting her in the bassinet, she wakes up almost every time! Will soothe her for longer before putting her in (unless it’s night time and she’s swaddled then she falls asleep quickly)

[@umiluv]

Wish I had this video with my first baby! This video has been so helpful with our second. He’s a much happier baby because we can read his cues better. We’re also happier because we can understand what he needs.

[@nikks34]

Thank you its been 15 years since my 1st child and pregnancy and my newborn is 1 week and 2 days old and im relearning things and getting confirmation on what i thought I forgot

[@vegasmiri1810]

I'm in the same boat as you. Mine isn't due for a few more months but everything is so different then 15 years ago!

[@saphire9823]

Me too!

[@suew4609]

I was in your position a couple of times. 5 years between 2 of mine, the 7 years between my last 2. I was 43 for the last and it was much more tiring than when I had the first of my 6 babies at age 21.

[@chelseasmith8644]

For the past few days. I have been worried that my baby hasn't been getting enough to eat. This video helped me confirm that I am doing fine because after she eats. She does get milk drunk and happy. Thank you!

[@marbell7081]

Omg this dude is freaking clueless about baby's head- I am glad she pointed it out.

[@kylen6430]

I too have a thoughtful expression when I poo

[@DrArchanaTurimella]

Iam a mother of 20 days old baby...this video is Gold.. thank you so much!

[@priyankap5098]

Guess I already became an expert in handling the baby. I was able to guess most of them just right. I am a new mom with 6 weeks old baby. I came across all these cues before finding out this video. We just have to observe our baby to learn about them while they learn about us. 😊

[@donnatiberi112]

Had to learn this in the nursing school pediatric semester. We didn't have a lot of cell phone clips either.

[@ccjcjididudu4960]

Just by looking at their faces I already know exactly funniest one it's so cute the pooping face all the little one have the exact same face so fun you adorable

[@BitchBasss]

Poop faces are so my favorite expression of all!

[@petrausie7917]

Omg the accuracy! I have a 1 month old and these are so familiar 🥲🥲 I’m still trying to effectively burp my gassy baby!

[@suew4609]

You can lay them over your arm like a football for a few minutes and then upright and patting them firmly, but not hard on the back. Some people tap them way to soft. My husband used to pat them low and gradually move up their backs. Try sitting up holding their head up, like in the video. Even massaging their back or tummy laying across your lap, then upright and patting again. As they grow it gets easier and soon they won’t need you to help them! You wrote this 2 mos ago, so I hope you are doing much better. Enjoy your baby, as they’re only babies for a short time😊

[@agnesfabok1682]

This is the most useful video of all in this topic. I loved it. And it's not just useful, but funny too. Thank you!

[@meredithmarcil8127]

I am an aspiring doula, beginning on my journey. As someone coming into this profession with no prior experience (i almost feel like a new parent lol) this video provides excellent information and explanations. Thank you so much!

[@tarrynthedoula]

Best wishes on your Doula Journey, Meredith!

[@solmanJapan]

Honestly the best video I've ever seen on reading my baby's cues. Everything I've seen over the last week lines up with what's in the video. Thank you so much!

[@t.r.s.5129]

Some of them I got right and that was so comforting as a new mom of a four week old. Some I didn't get right, but I learned so much.

[@jamiajoyjohnson4818]

Got all the cues right, except the "overstimulated." I said the music was too loud, or he was irritated, lol! I'm not a parent, but I used to work with young children and babies 🥰🥰🥰🥰 I miss it, so I really enjoy baby videos - plus, I'm hoping to get married and have kids of my own one day, but that's all in God's hands 😊

[@rostyawanaldy2402]

thank you for the video, as a new parent whom still trying to figure out what my baby wants, this helps me and my wife getting through so many things at once

[@fluffy00123x]

I think I've talked and played and engaged with mine too much he is such a chatter box now 😂❤❤❤❤

[@Tholius]

Thank you for posting this. Excellent resource.

[@2024prakash]

Must watch video for any new parent. The beauty of simplicity and clarity ❤ As mentioned in the last part, my 2 week old son gives mixed signals most times! Good luck to me 😢

[@connietalbot8758]

I love your cues..maybe it would be good to teach in health class at school to teenager baby sitters..so they understand the baby cues..❤❤

[@acedee765]

My babe is now 3 mos old. I learned some of these by observing my baby and some by searching google. I'd say they're accurate and I wish I saw this vid earlier. Really helpful.

[@Tahar89]

Isn't it fascinating that 80% of those little bundles of joy are cradled in the arms of their doting fathers?

[@loodasanjarka09]

Awesome and VERY helpful! Thank you ❤️

[@anitaa.6074]

This is such an excellent resource. Thank you so much for posting!

[@landokool3889]

Glad you mixed it with both parents....thank you

[@maxkcng860729]

great video! thanks for the tips!

[@Thunderbussie123]

Haha I love the “what not to do” one 😆 😂

[@redshirts6393]

Thank you for this video!

[@cheyenne1524]

My baby acts like she is always hungry when she just ate a lot

[@cleansetsandbaguettes5236]

super helpful, thank you for making this video

[@MitsAdventures]

Very nice and informative thank you very much!!! I learned a lot 🥰

[@eberechukwuukachukwu7411]

Thanks for this video Very educative.

[@sarahcarey4319]

As a new parent this video is such an awesome resource! Thank your so much!

[@Honestlylovely]

Awww I love newborn babies especially when they spit up

[@bananasmatter1321]

I have a one month old and I'm pretty happy that I was able to name all the cues :D

[@kaitdid1992]

this video is extremely well made. Super easy to understand and includes so much helpful information. Thank you! I feel more confident that I will learn my babies cues.

[@petrab8373]

Very helpful video, thank you 😊

[@cocoa-cola]

Thank you for this educational video! I am not a new mom but still have a lot to learn 😊❤

[@susannebukatz4457]

Thank you making this very informative and entertaining video! Can‘t wait to meet my baby girl so I can try to find the right cues.

[@user-ru8xq7tq9o]

Thank you very much ♡ God bless you!

[@mimi_j]

16:54 lol so cute 🥰 couldn’t make their mind up on how to feel

[@marysifling279]

DON’T let the baby’s head roll back and forth Hold it

[@salometlakula]

This helped a lot, thank you

[@happywithdrawal]

this is such a useful video! i am no where near pregnant or even having a baby but this is such valuable information to use for later! thank you very much!

[@cakeules]

Thanks for this video! I've been wondering what my baby wants me to do and just cycling between a few things to see what works the past few days 😅

[@marqueldeaneee]

So glad I came across this ! My sons due in October and this is much needed info !

[@shelleylindquist9452]

lol just don't hold a pooping baby over a sink? Ewww lol

[@ginnettelai5622]

Mine too is due in October 😍💖

[@FlorMary95]

Mine too is due in October 😍😍

[@suelamb5287]

This is wonderful!

[@priyachandnani4090]

Thank you for making this video ❤

[@eileenchang2096]

The babies are so cute!

[@BeatzByMK]

I intuitively knew the cues ✨ I’m in my first trimester and I’m just gathering all the info I can ❤ I want to be the best mama possible, we tried for so long and I want to be as prepared as I can be

[@peggyh3788]

Best wishes in every aspect ❤❤

[@maryamalmutawaa6764]

Great source. Thanks for sharing! It’s really helpful esp. the part where baby is disengaged

[@errinbald4168]

Love this. So helpful. Thank you!

[@victoriarose1010]

Thank you SO much!

[@tanswithkare9973]

This helped me with my crying newborn. Thank you so so much

[@Ethnoviolence]

Very informative thank you!

[@princesspaulabelle]

Thank you so much very helpful with telling my babies cues

[@demitriwelling1348]

Excellent video thanks.

[@imzan3650]

Simply the best.

[@Rukz_Pathan]

Thank a ton for this video 😊 One of the best videos to help new mums understand their baby cues 💕

[@jacktrevis5400]

very helpful.... God bless you

[@milesmachon5606]

The actual video examples are fantastic, thank you!

[@Daaab89]

Best "why my baby is crying" video on You Tube.

[@santarajbishwakarma3303]

thank you so much for this important video.

[@ajayviswanath2419]

One of the best videos to help new Parents...thank you

[@WVgirl1959]

That first picture, with the little babies fist up? That one says, I love you. 😊

[@Butyourhonor666]

Thank you from a FTM!

[@redroselace9545]

The most useful simple video and entertaining! So many videos over complicate with music and random baby google images.

[@hayaattube4110]

Thank you for this great and informative video! ❤👍

[@vhaas4171]

Thank you for the very informative video

[@peggyh3788]

Thank you!!

[@Moshito_m]

Really enjoyed the guess the cue video. I actually guessed most of them right but so that’s good. I’m so happy for the clarity and also the info I had no clue about

[@KH-uk2no]

This is so informative, while still being easy to follow. Very well done

[@josettebootsman9231]

This is so helpful! Thanks

[@adelva5750]

Thank you for this comprehensive video!🙏 learned some more again

[@SafsheraTV]

I'm so glad I came across this video. Very very useful

[@martiedebeer1419]

Thank you very much. Very informative for a first parent.

[@clarelonghurst1711]

This is so helpful, thank you!

[@divyatitaniya7993]

Thanks for this video! It is very much helpful.

[@scarletxoxo6757]

Best baby education video, mucho gracias

[@evaniathompson3342]

Thank you!!!

[@itstheundisputedsagboo]

Thank you so much, I truly enjoyed this video ❤

[@papaya8634]

Thank you, very interesting! Would love to learn even more about that