When Your Baby Has Had Enough Play

In utero, everything was quiet, fluid, gentle. Your baby glided through a watery world of muted sounds and faint colors. By contrast, life outside the womb can be pretty jarring with its bright lights, whirring fans, and barking dogs.

When you're socializing with your baby, be sensitive to any signs that she's had enough interaction: Too much stimulation can overload a baby's neural circuits, leaving her crying or unsettled. It's essentially your baby's way of saying, "I've had all I can take right now."

Here are some signs that playtime is over and she needs a break:
• Closing eyes
• Turning away
• Tensing up, arching her back
• Avoiding your gaze
• Irritability