Understanding Sleepy Cues 😴

Your baby or toddler is more likely to drift off to sleep for nap or bedtime when they hit that perfect level of tiredness. It's about finding that delicate balance right in the middle.

Each baby displays their sleep signals differently. Some may exhibit numerous cues, while others may hardly show any, or they might be fleeting!

Certain babies might start displaying sleepy signs well in advance, giving you ample time to ease them into sleep before they become cranky. On the other hand, some may suddenly transition from active to tired within seconds! Depending on your baby's temperament, you can adjust your pre-sleep routines to suit their needs.

There's a variety of sleep cues to look out for. Aim to begin your baby’s nap or bedtime routine at the first hint of sleepy cues shown in the visual on the left-hand side below. If you notice the cues on the right-hand side, you might have missed the optimal window — resulting in your baby struggling to fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

Sleepy cues are a crucial aspect of the sleep puzzle and are worth observing as they aid in settling our babies. It's also important to monitor the time your baby spends awake between sleep periods, as overtired children find it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. But don't worry if you miss the signs in your little one occasionally. Extended wake times (unintentionally!) and short naps are all part of the learning process.