Obviously our babies aren’t able to verbally communicate with us, but they certainly have their ways of trying to get their points across. We all know that crying is bad, but there are so many subtle signals that your baby is trying to send you. These signals are even more important for preemies, because they are still so sensitive. They should have had a few more weeks tucked safely away within the warm boundaries of the womb, and instead they were thrust into a stressful hospital room, filled with all kinds of bright lights, loud noises, and rough textures and handling. As your little one continues to grow and develop in the outside world, and they get used to their new environment, their stop and go signals may even change! Take a look at what your baby may be trying to tell you, based on their gestational age.
23 to 25 Weeks Gestation At this early stage, minimal stimulation is the best thing for your baby. They are not ready for social contact, and need a lot of time to rest, recover, and continue growing.
Stop Signs:
Changes in breathing pattern, or periods where they stop breathing (apnea)
Heart rate change
Change in color – turning grey, blue, pale, or mottled (spots of color)
26 to 27 Weeks Gestation These are very similar to the stages for 23 to 25 weeks, however, as your baby continues to grow, so does their ability to express themselves.
Stop Signs:
Frowning or grimacing
Flailing arms or legs, or spreading fingers wide
Hiccupping
Yawning
Frantic, uncontrolled movements
28 to 30 Weeks Gestation At this point, your baby is stable enough that they are able to communicate some GO signs or Green Lights, though they still have many stressors that need to be considered when communicating with your baby.
Go Signs (Green Light! Yay!)
Relaxed arms, legs, and facial expressions
Sucking on fingers and hands
Awake and quiet (even if for a short period of time)
Focused gaze (even if attention is brief)
Regular respiratory rate
Regular heart rate
Stop Signs:
Same as gestational ages above
Limp posture
Looking away from you
Tremors or startles
Arching back and neck
Crying
Falling asleep and unable to wake up
31 to 33 Weeks Gestation Babies born at this age are capable of brief periods of interaction with you, but it is important to be aware of potential overstimulation.
Go Signs
Same as listed above
Fingers curled
Turning toward sound
Stop Signs:
Same as listed above
Spitting or spitting up
34 to 36 Weeks Gestation By this time, your baby is much more ready to interact with you, but still be cautious of potential overstimulation. Overstimulation can be avoided by making sure that any additional stimuli is at a minimum – loud noises, bright lights, lots of visitors, etc.
Go Signs (Green Light! Yay!)
Same as listed above
Quiet, awake, and alert
Bright, open eyes (even for a short time)
Can be consoled easily
Rhythmic sucking on pacifier or hands
Rooting or sticking out their tongue
Stop Signs:
Same as listed above
The Stop and Go signs listed above are a guideline to help you communicate with your baby a little better. If you have any questions about any of your baby’s specific behavior or body language, always talk with your NICU care team or your pediatrician, once you go home. You can also learn more about your preemie’s special language by visiting Peekaboo ICU. And keep in mind, the more time you spend with your little one, the more you will learn about their individual personality, and their own likes and dislikes, and there is never a substitute for mom’s love or intuition.
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