What is the Newborn Behavioural Observation (NBO)? 

The NBO is a relationship building tool for infants and parents. 

It is designed to help parents tune into their baby’s behaviours, cues and communication. 

The Newborn Behavioural Observation (NBO) system is a relationship-based, family-centered tool designed to foster early connections between parents and their newborns. Developed by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton and colleagues at the Brazelton Institute, the NBO is grounded in developmental science and emphasizes the capacity of even very young infants to engage, communicate, and participate in relationships. 

The NBO is not a diagnostic tool but rather a supportive, interactive session typically delivered by a trained practitioner, often in the first weeks of life. Its primary aim is to help parents observe, interpret, and respond to their baby’s unique behavioural cues and capacities. This personalized approach enhances parental confidence and sensitivity, laying the foundation for secure attachment and healthy development. 

During this 1-on-1 session, you will be guided in observing and understanding how your newborn: 

• Responds to sights, sounds and touch 

• Shows their needs through body language and behaviour 

• Regulates their own state (sleeping, crying, feeding, settling) 

• Connects and communicates with you 

Who is the NBO for? 

• Parents of newborns aged birth to 3 months. 

• Families seeking support with feeding, settling, bonding, or early communication. 

• Those wanting to nurture a secure and responsive relationship from the start 

Research-Based Outcomes of the NBO 

A growing body of research supports the effectiveness of the NBO in promoting positive outcomes for both infants and parents. Key findings include: 

• Enhanced Parental Sensitivity: Studies show that parents who participate in the NBO demonstrate improved ability to read and respond to their baby’s cues, leading to more responsive caregiving (Nugent et al., 2007; Kim & Mahoney, 2005). 

• Increased Parental Confidence: The NBO helps reduce anxiety in new parents and increases their confidence in caring for their baby, particularly among first-time or vulnerable parents (Nugent et al., 2015). 

• Improved Parent-Infant Bonding: By facilitating early understanding of infant behaviour, the NBO fosters stronger emotional connections, contributing to secure attachment (Ohgi et al., 2004). 

• Support for At-Risk Populations: Research suggests that the NBO may be especially beneficial for families facing perinatal mental health challenges, premature birth, or social disadvantage (Sanders & Hall, 2018; Weatherston & Tableman, 2015). 

What’s included? 

• 30-60 min private session in your home or in the clinic. 

• Gentle guided observations of your baby’s cues and rhythms 

• Parent’s discussion and reflections. 

• Follow-up resource form with observations made; helpful tips and documentation of your baby’s unique strengths. 

Please Note : At Southside Physiotherapy, Lauren is currently the only trained practitioner providing the Newborn Behavioural Observation (NBO) Service. 

If you would like to refer a client or make a booking, please click here to fill out the referral form.  

For home visits and mobile appointments or general enquiries:

Call at 02 5116 6615 or email at mobile@sspg.com.au 

For in- clinic appointments or general enquiries:

Call at 02 6293 1955 or email at tug@sspg.com.au