What characterizes the active alert state in newborns according to Brazelton?

The active alert state in newborns, as described by Brazelton, is characterized by mild agitation combined with mild vocalizations. In this state, infants exhibit increased awareness of their environment and are more responsive than in calmer states. They may show subtle movements, such as finger and toe wriggling, and they often make soft noises or cooing sounds as they engage with their surroundings. This state represents a prime opportunity for interaction and responsiveness from caregivers, as infants in the active alert state are alert but not overstimulated.

The condition of calm and still behavior signifies a state of quiet alertness, where the newborn is awake but more subdued and less interactive. Excessive crying would indicate a high-stress response or discomfort rather than an alert state. Intermittent sleep reflects periods of resting and would not be classified as an active engagement state. Therefore, the defining characteristics of the active alert state align with the option that describes mild agitation and vocalizations, reflecting a newborn's active engagement with the environment.