States of Consciousness
Getting to know an infant through their different states of consciousness, allows us to have a better understanding of their behaviors, their strengths and their vulnerabilities. This will help guide parents and caregivers on how they might approach their baby, whether he/she is in alert and active state or when they need quiet and calm moments.
6 States of Consciousness:
| Deep sleep | Lies quietly without moving |
| Light sleep | Moves while sleeping; startles to noise |
| Drowsy |
Eyes start to close or eyes starting to open; may doze off to sleep or may be awakening from sleep |
| Quiet alert |
Eyes opened wide, face is bright, body is quiet |
| Active alert |
Face and body move actively |
| Crying |
Cries, the body movement is very disorganized |
Source:
- Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, American Academy of Pediatrics
- States of Consciousness in Newborns, Healthchildren.org
- Touchpoints: Birth to Three, T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.