Follow these steps to use the tables below:

1. Observe your baby’s behavior and decide what color zone your baby is in right now (green is most relaxed and comfortable, yellow or red means they need something to be more comfortable).
2. In the left column, look for the behaviors you see your baby experiencing.
3. In the right column, read the tips to know what you can do to help your baby.
   • Being in the green zone means your baby is comfortable.
   • The yellow zone means your baby needs some help to be comfortable.
   • The red zone means your baby needs lots of help to be comfortable.
   • Your baby may be in between zones many times each day.
   • When you find something that helps your baby, make a note of it.
   • As you get used to understanding your baby’s needs, you will be able to help them stay calm and stay in the green zone more often.

Green Zone: Your baby is feeling comfortable

Yellow Zone: Your baby needs a little help to be more comfortable

If you see these yellow zone behaviors in your baby, try one thing at a time to help your baby.

Red Zone: Your baby needs help to be more comfortable

If you see these red zone behaviors in your baby, try one thing at a time to help your baby.

It’s important to feed your baby when they are hungry, and to stop feeding them when they show you they are done. Here are some ways you can tell when your baby is hungry:

• Your baby will move hands to their mouth, or suck on their fist or fingers.
• If your baby does those things first and then fusses or cries, they are really hungry and need to eat now!

Your baby will tell you when they need a break from eating, using these signs:

• Your baby will stop sucking or close their mouth.
• They may turn away from the breast or bottle.

As your baby grows, they will drink more milk in less time. Keep looking at the ways they are telling you when to start and when to stop feeding.

There are things you can do to make your home a calm, safe place for your baby. Think about how you can use these tips after you and baby are home together.
 

• Keep it quiet
  • Turn down the volume on the TV or radio.
  • Use a quiet voice when talking.
  • Keep your phone ringer on a low setting.
  • When you play music, play it softly.
• Limit lights and keep them low
  • Use natural sunlight when possible.
  • Avoid fluorescent lights.
  • Avoid toys that light up.
  • Your baby should not watch TV or screens.
• Sleep is healing
  • Your baby should sleep on their own in a quiet room. 
  • Do not wake your baby unless it is time to eat.
  • Don’t disturb your baby while they are sleeping.
  • Keep your baby sleeping on their back.
• Slow, steady moves
  • Use slow and gentle movements with your baby.
  • Try swaying or rocking side to side or up and down.
  • Only use a swing if your baby stays calm in it.
  • Swaddle your baby to help them stay calm.
• Stick to a routine
  • Your baby does best with regular times for naps and overnight sleeping. Keep them at home as much as possible.
• Limit visitors
  • Make sure there aren’t too many people around at first.
  • Remind visitors to stay calm and quiet.
  • Don’t pass your baby from person to person.

When you notice your baby is awake and calm, gently introduce them to a new activity. Try one new activity at a time. If an activity makes your baby upset, stop and do something that calms them. You can try the new activity again later.

Some good activities to try:

• Reading a book.
• Singing softly.
• Gently moving arms and legs.
• Putting them on their tummy to play.
• Playing a quiet game like pat-a-cake.

Add these activities slowly:

• Mobiles with music or lights.
• Toys with lights or sounds.
• Time with more than 1 or 2 other people at once.
• Trips away from the house.

Your baby may have symptoms of withdrawal for up to 6 months after birth. Call your baby’s doctor if these symptoms return or get worse:
 

• Muscles and movements:
  • Muscle tightness
  • Startles easily
  • Tremors/shaking or jerky muscles
  • Extra sucking
  • Lots of yawning
• Crying: Constant, high pitched cry
• Sleeping: Sleeping less than 2 hours at a time after eating
• Digestion/eating:
  • Loose or watery poop
  • Explosive diarrhea
  • Throwing up
  • Stops eating well for more than a few hours
• Respiratory:
  • Stuffy nose
  • Lots of sneezing
  • Fast breathing
• Other:
  • Sweating or fever
  • Skin breakdown or bad diaper rash

Here are some tips to help you take care of yourself:

• Remember that your presence and touch are healing for your baby.
• Make a list of friends and family that can give you positive support.
• Ask friends and family when you need help with your baby’s care.
• Know that it’s normal if you’re having a hard time.
  • If you get mad while your baby is crying, put the baby in their bed and take a break. Visit Period of Purple Crying for more information on crying.    
• Call your doctor if you are feeling sad or down.
• Notice what things are stressful and what things help you relax in a healthy way.
  • Practice deep breathing, visualization, or meditation to help manage stress.
  • Set a routine that works for you and your baby.

Your baby needs you to be healthy!

• Eat healthy foods and drink lots of water.
• Find some quiet time for yourself every day.
• Get good rest while your baby is sleeping.