Babies in the quiet alert state generally show little body movement, but their eyes are wide open. Their breathing is steady and regular. They are highly responsive and want to learn, play, and interact. However, staying alert is tiring for very young babies, so they can only maintain this quiet alert state for a few minutes at a time. As they get older, they can maintain alertness for longer stretches.
Click Play to watch a video of a baby in the quiet alert state.
Quiet alert babies are happy and content. Their movements are relaxed and smooth and they will try to maintain eye contact. Parents find this state restful, but maintaining a quiet alert state is hard work for babies, and they can surprise their parents by getting tired or irritable after playing.