Why is my baby fussing?

Written by Laura Liebig, Founder of Baby Parent Steps

September, 25th 2026 – fussing baby, mirror neurons, walking

Babies feel all the feelings before parents even notice their own. How is this possible?

The best short explanation for how babies feel all the feelings and start fussing before parents even realize what’s happening inside them is mirror neurons communicating between the baby and the parent or a caring person.

These tiny specialized nerve cells, known as neurons, act as a biological bridge between a parent’s emotional state and their baby’s emotional experience, creating a non-verbal connection.

Because babies are highly sensitive to their mothers’ or caregivers’ subtle cues, their mirror neurons function like “emotional sponges,” registering a mother’s or father’s stress, often before they even become aware of it.

As a parent’s nervous system transmits these signals through actions – for example, when picking up their baby quickly, sometimes roughly, without meaning to do so – or through their facial expressions, body tension, or tone of voice, the baby’s mirror neurons mimic a similar internal state.

As a result, the baby may become fussy or burst into tears before the parent is aware of their own emotions.

The baby’s behavior reflects the parent’s hidden internal state, such as irritation, overwhelm, anxiety, or, more generally, stress, which parents can learn to recognize in themselves to manage the baby’s fussiness better.                                                                      

For a scientific explanation of how mirror neurons work, check out this informative article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3510904/.

The baby’s reciprocal response shows that the child isn’t just observing but literally mirroring the parent’s emotional state.

Noticing your own feelings can help you pause, rethink, and take steps to create a calmer environment for your baby.

A calming presence can soothe a baby’s brain and foster co-regulation, helping parents feel confident in their ability to support their child’s emotional well-being.

Another effective way to calm a fussing baby is to pick them up and go for a walk. Standing up and swaying can make a big difference, giving parents a simple, hopeful strategy to soothe their child and improve everyone’s mood.

Moving your body with your baby against your chest can relax you both, strengthen your connection, and support your baby’s balance and overall sensory-motor development.   

Repetitive, positive, loving interactions form the foundation of a strong emotional bond, and daily routines like walking with your baby close to your heart can become special rituals your baby thrives on.

Responding consistently, lovingly, and attuned to your baby, especially when your child needs it most, is the best way to support them in those tough moments.

Check out other baby-approved soothing techniques for crying babies in the article “What Are the Best Ways to Soothe My Crying Baby?”