Behavioral signs of overstimulation in an infant include:

• A. Dilated pupils
• B. Reaching or grasping
• C. Yawning
• D. Hiccupping

Answer: (D)

Overstimulation shows up when a baby becomes overwhelmed by sensory input, triggering quiet, reflexive or autonomic cues as they try to cope. Hiccups are a common sign of this autonomic arousal, reflecting a diaphragmatic spasm that can happen when the infant is overstimulated. The other options don’t fit as neatly: dilated pupils aren’t a reliably observable sign in newborns and aren’t a standard cue of overstimulation; reaching or grasping is an intentional motor action that can occur in normal interactions and isn’t specifically tied to overstimulation; yawning is more commonly linked to fatigue or the need to sleep rather than being overwhelmed by stimuli. When hiccupping appears alongside fussiness or signs of overwhelm, ease the stimuli—quiet, dim the environment, and provide soothing containment or gentle rocking to help the infant reset.