One of the most important things your baby is learning right now is how to "regulate" himself. This means that he is learning to handle all of the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings he may experience during the course of the day. You can help your baby learn to self-regulate by recognizing signs that she is becoming overwhelmed. Watch for the following signs that your baby may be having trouble handling all of the busy sights, sounds, and feelings in her world: red skin; faster breathing or heart rate; sneezing or hiccupping or coughing; moving arms and legs in a "jerky" way; looking away from you when you try to get her attention; frowning or fussing or crying; "shutting down"; or sleeping. If you notice these signs, try to decrease the amount of stimulation your baby is experiencing at that moment.
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011