How to know when your child needs to sleep
“Sleepy cues” are how your baby communicates with you that they are tired and want to go to sleep. Paying attention to early sleepy cues can make a huge difference in a successful nap! As a child sleep consultant, this is often an area that I work with parents on the most. I often say that the equation of sleep is catching early stage sleepy cues + paying attention to the timing of sleep = sleep success.
Remember that newborn sleep is disorganised and short naps are to be expected when your baby is this age.
These are some typical sleepy cues that your child may use to signal that they are tired and ready for a nap or bedtime. Remember that you are the expert in your baby and not all babies will exhibit the same cues.
Early stage sleepy cues. This is when your baby is telling you, “I’d like to go to sleep now”:
They will start zoning out or staring into space.
Their eyebrows or the skin around their eyes will start turning pink.
They will start pulling at or swiping at their ears.
They will be less interested in their toys.
Toddlers and preschoolers might become a bit more interested in cuddles.
Later stage sleepy cues, when your child is trying to say “Get me to bed quick, I’m exhausted”:
Your little one will start rubbing their eyes
You might see some really big yawns.
They will become quite fussy for apparently no reason (Hint: The reason is they are tired!)
Overtired, your baby would say “I’m going to need a lot of soothing before I can go to sleep!”
Seemingly uncontrollable crying.
Babies will often arch their back or stiffen their entire body.
Toddlers and preschoolers will often be found to magnify their personality by being extra silly, clumsy, or throwing big tantrums - really acting out those big feelings!
As a child sleep consultant, I often get asked how to calm an overtired child. I recommend to take them to a quiet, calm space to help them unwind. Lots of cuddles, reading books together and singing songs are great ways to help soothe an upset baby or toddler.
Ready to Get Better Sleep?
Choose your preferred child sleep consultancy package to help your family to Get Better Sleep.
A one hour consultation call to help advise you on any sleep issues that you might be facing. Suitable for any children from Newborn stage up.