Interacting with your baby: states of arousal

Babies have a range of arousal states, both in sleep and when awake. For premature babies, their 'states of arousal' will vary depending on their gestational age and the stage of development. Knowing more about your baby's arousal state will help you to support their development and understand how best to interact with them.

This information is part of a suite on early infant development developed by the Royal Women's Hospital. It is intended for parents and carers of premature babies, though much of the information is also relevant to newborn babies.