Understanding Your Babies’ Behaviour in the First Year

In the first year of life, babies develop very quickly. During this time, they begin to communicate, build strong attachments with their caregivers, and explore the world around them. Every baby develops at their own pace, and it is normal for babies to show changes in behaviour when they are feeling stressed, unwell, overwhelmed, or experiencing changes in their environment.

These behaviours do not necessarily mean something is wrong. Instead, they can be signals that a baby may need extra comfort, reassurance, and support from the adults around them.

The following information is adapted from resources provided by the Government of Western Australia – Department of Communities.

1. Emotional and Stress Responses

• Increased tension, irritability or reactivity

• Difficulty relaxing or calming down

• Easily startled by sounds or sudden movements

• Sleep disturbances

• Changes in appetite or eating patterns

2. Loss of Previously Acquired Skills

• Loss of eating skills

• Loss of acquired motor skills (e.g. coordination or movement abilities)

• Loss of previously acquired language skills

• Arching back or inability to be soothed

• Behaviours that are very different from the child’s usual behaviour (e.g. sudden aggression)

3. Avoidance and Sensory Sensitivity

• Avoidance of eye contact

• Avoiding touching new surfaces (e.g. grass, sand, or different textures)

• Avoiding certain environments or activities

• Strong reactions to trauma-related reminders such as sights, sounds, smells, textures or tastes

4. Fight, Flight or Freeze Responses

• Fight response (aggression or anger)

• Flight response (running away or avoiding situations)

• Freeze response (becoming very still or shutting down)

• Uncharacteristic, inconsolable or rageful crying

• Increased fussiness, separation fears or clinginess

5. Withdrawal or Reduced Engagement

• Withdrawal or lack of usual responsiveness

• Appearing “shut down” or emotionally numb

• Limp posture or low energy

• Lack of interest in play or interactions

6. Attachment and Relationship Changes

• Unusually high anxiety when separated from primary caregivers

• Heightened or indiscriminate attachment behaviour (overly friendly with strangers)

• Reduced ability to feel or express emotions

• “Frozen watchfulness” (appearing constantly alert or vigilant)

7. Physical Indicators

• Unexplained injuries or discomfort

• Genital pain

• Signs of inflammation, bruising or bleeding

• Diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection

What Parents or carers are encouraged to maintain stable relationships, keep consistent routines, provide a sense of safety and reduce stressful environments.

1.      Seek, accept and increase support for themselves, to manage their own shock and emotional responses

2.      Seek information and advice about the child’s developmental progress

3.      Maintain the child’s routines around holding, sleeping and eating

4.      Seek support (from partner, kin, child health nurse) to understand and respond to infant’s cues

5.      Avoid unnecessary separations from important caregivers

6.      Maintain calm atmosphere in child’s presence. Provide additional soothing activities

7.      Avoid exposing child to reminders of trauma

8.      Expect child’s temporary regression and clinginess – don’t panic

9.      Tolerate clinginess and dependence

10. Take time out to recharge

3 x Seek, 2 x Maintain, 2 x Avoid, 1 x Tolerate, 1 x Expect, 1 x Recharge