Responsive Parenting: Understanding Your Baby’s Cues (and Your Own!)

This blog post was written by the Infant Insights team of baby experts. The team consists of an OT, SLP/CLC, and sleep consultants excited to help you understand your baby and enjoy this stage!

Responsive parenting is a common topic in the baby and parenting space, and research shows it’s a powerful approach that all parents should be informed about.

As a parent, one of the most valuable skills you can develop is recognizing and responding to your baby’s cues. Babies communicate constantly, both verbally and non-verbally, long before they say their first words. By paying attention to their cues and signals, you can meet their needs quickly and nurture a strong bond from birth and beyond.

It’s important to understand that responsive parenting isn’t just about meeting your baby’s needs, it’s also about being in tune with your own needs as a parent.

Let’s dive into the key aspects of responsive parenting, starting with understanding your baby’s cues.

Learning Your Baby’s Cues

Every baby is different, and learning your baby’s cues takes time. As you get to know them after birth, you’ll start to recognize their unique ways of communicating.

Your baby expresses different needs throughout the day, and we can break these down into four main categories: Sleep Cues, Feeding Cues, Eating Cues, and Communication Cues.

Sleep Cues

Babies give clear signals when they’re tired, though these may vary slightly from one baby to another. Recognizing sleep cues early can help prevent over-tiredness and support better sleep habits from infancy.

Some common sleepy cues include:

• Rubbing eyes – A classic sign that your baby is getting sleepy.
• Yawning – The first yawn is your cue to start winding down.
• Fussiness – If your baby suddenly seems irritable for no clear reason, especially after being awake for a while, they may be tired.
• Restlessness – Wiggling and seeming unsettled could indicate your baby needs sleep.
• Red eyes – This, especially combined with other cues, may mean it’s time for a nap.
• Self-soothing – Using hands, a pacifier, or rubbing clothing can indicate readiness for sleep, especially after feeding and awake time.

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Feeding Cues

Feeding is a basic need, and from birth, babies signal when they’re hungry. Hunger cues often start subtly and grow more intense if left unaddressed. Recognizing early cues helps you meet your baby’s needs before they become too upset.

Some hunger cues include:

• Rooting – Turning their head and opening their mouth, signally hunger. If your baby starts rooting on your arm or near a breast, this is a strong hunger cue.
• Smacking lips and bringing fists to mouth – These hunger cues are especially true for the newborn stage
• Closed grasp – A tight fist can signal hunger, whereas an open hand with a relaxed posture often indicates contentment post-feeding.
• Fussiness – If your baby becomes fussy, especially right after waking from a nap, they may be hungry. Prioritizing full feedings helps reduce constant hunger cues and supports a structured EAT / AWAKE / ASLEEP routine for better sleep habits.

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Eating Cues

Once solids are introduced, babies use cues to communicate how they feel about eating and whether they want more or less food.

Signs your baby is enjoying mealtime:

• Open mouth – A baby eager for food will lean in and accept food easily.
• Excited body posture – Kicking legs, waving arms, and showing enthusiasm indicate interest in food.
• Eye contact – Babies may lock eyes with you as a sign of connection and engagement.
• Leaning in – Moving toward the spoon or food shows excitement and willingness to eat.

Signs your baby is finished or uninterested:

• Closed mouth – A baby who refuses to open their mouth is likely done.
• Turning away – This indicates disinterest.
• Becoming upset – If your baby gets fussy or upset, they may not be interested at that time. Try again later and watch for readiness cues.

To gain access to expert insight in starting solids from an SLP & OT - join Bloom by Infant Insights!

Communication Cues

Even before they can speak, babies express themselves in ways that tell us how they’re feeling. In fact, research suggests that 55% of communication is non-verbal, meaning babies are constantly communicating in ways beyond words.

Common communication cues include:

• Eye contact – Looking into your eyes signals engagement and connection.
• Excited body movements – Kicking, waving arms, and bouncing show joy and eagerness.
• Smiling – A clear sign of happiness and comfort.
• Excited vocalizations – Squeals, coos, and happy babbling show excitement and a desire to interact.

Recognizing and responding to these cues helps strengthen the bond with your baby and brings confidence to your parenting. 

To understand how to support your baby's communication skills in the baby stage & beyond, join Bloom by Infant Insights.

Meeting Your Own Needs as a Parent

Responsive parenting isn’t just about meeting your baby’s needs—it’s about recognizing and responding to your own needs, too. Parenting is a 24/7 job, and ignoring your own cues can lead to burnout and stress.

Your Cues Matter

• Tense body posture – Feeling physically stiff, or having a tight jaw or shoulders, can be a sign of stress. Try stretching or doing a few yoga poses to release tension.
• Difficulty focusing – Struggling to concentrate or feeling overwhelmed is a sign you need a break. Step outside for fresh air or take a shower to reset.
• Lethargy or exhaustion – Constant fatigue may mean you need more rest, hydration, or balanced nutrition.
• Irritability – If small things are triggering frustration, it might be time to step away for a moment of self-care.

Responding to Your Own Cues Makes You a Better Parent

• Take breaks – Even short pauses to breathe or stretch can make a difference. Exercising can also be therapeutic! Considering starting your FREE 7-Day trial with the Moves App here.
• Prioritize rest – Nap when your baby naps if possible, or ask for help to get uninterrupted sleep. Establish your own nighttime routine to support better rest.
• Nourish yourself – Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated help maintain your energy. Moving your body also plays a key role in overall well-being. 
• Seek support – Parenting isn’t meant to be done alone. Reach out to a partner, friend, or family member when you need help. Professional support, such as from a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or counselor, can also be beneficial.

Being a responsive parent isn’t about perfection... it’s about paying attention. The more you tune in to your baby’s cues, the more confident you’ll feel in meeting their needs. But don’t forget to extend that same care to yourself. A well-supported, well-rested parent is better able to respond with patience, love, and understanding, not just to their baby, but to everyone around them.

So, as you watch your baby’s subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signals, take a moment to check in with yourself, too. You both deserve that care. You are doing amazing. 💗