Sensory Overload in Babies: Signs, Symptoms & How to Help

When babies are first born their central nervous system is still developing and too much stimulation in their environment can lead to sensory overload. It is a good idea to be aware of the signs of sensory overload so you can remove your child from a stimulating environment if necessary.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for facial expressions, body movements and unusual noises to see if he shows signs of having sensory overload. Your baby makes signals to tell you how he is feeling.

• 2

  Look for signs of sensory overload when the baby acts fussy and irritable, cries, tenses up and arches his body, intentionally ignores a toy, ignores favorite songs, is difficult to calm or comfort, withdrasw from any interaction, sleeps more than usual and possibly doesn't make eye contact with you.

• 3

  Stop the activity you are doing and give your baby time to recover, if you see symptoms of sensory overload. These can occur at any time.

• 4

  Calm your baby if necessary. Use firm pressure on the skin, infant massage techniques, rocking, rhythmic motion, swaddling in a blanket and soft melodic lullabies. You can also offer a pacifier.

• 5

  Provide a routine for your baby. This allows your baby's body to expect what is coming next. For example, bedtime routine includes nursing, having a bath, reading a story and then going to bed.