As a parent, one of the best tools you have for helping your baby sleep well is learning to recognise their tired signs. Babies communicate their need for rest through subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) cues, and catching these signs early can make the difference between a smooth bedtime and an overtired meltdown.
In this blog, we’ll explore common tired signs, how they vary by age, and why timing is everything when it comes to getting your little one to sleep.
What Are Tired Signs?
Tired signs are your baby’s way of telling you they’re ready for sleep. These signs occur because their body is releasing sleep hormones like melatonin, making them naturally drowsy. Missing these cues can lead to overtiredness, which often results in fussiness, difficulty settling, and shorter naps.
Common Tired Signs by Age
Newborns (0-3 months)
Newborns have short wake windows (30–90 minutes), so their tired signs may appear quickly. Look for:
Yawning
Rubbing their eyes or face
Pulling at ears
Redness around the eyes or brows
Jerky arm and leg movements
Infants (3-12 months)
As your baby grows, their wake windows extend, but tired signs remain important. At this stage, you might notice:
Decreased interest in play or people
Glazed-over eyes or staring into space
Fussiness or whining
Clinginess
Slower movements
Toddlers (12 months and up)
Toddlers often show tired signs through behavioural changes. Watch for:
Increased irritability or tantrums
Seeking comfort or snuggling
Clumsiness or lack of coordination
Zoning out or disengaging from activities
Why Recognizing Tired Signs Matters
Putting your baby to bed at the right time—when they’re tired but not overtired—is crucial for healthy sleep. When overtired, your baby’s body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. Recognising tired signs helps you act before this happens, ensuring smoother bedtimes and more restorative sleep.
How to Respond to Tired Signs
Know Your Baby’s Awake Window: Understanding your baby’s age-appropriate wake times helps you anticipate when tired signs will appear.
Start the Wind-Down Process: Once you spot a tired sign, transition to a calming pre-sleep routine, such as dimming lights, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.
Always use Tired Signs in Conjunction with Awake Windows: Tired signs and awake windows must go hand in hand and this is because sometimes your little one may not show tired signs. Using awake windows are super beneficial to guide you if tired signs are not clear.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure the room is dark, quiet, and comfortable, with safe sleep practices in place.
Trust Yourself
Every baby is unique, and their tired signs may differ. Trust your instincts and observe your little one’s patterns to find what works best.
Need Extra Support?
If you’re struggling to identify tired signs or manage your baby’s sleep schedule, you’re not alone. As a sleep consultant, I can provide personalised guidance to help you understand your baby’s cues and create a routine that works for your family.
Catching tired signs is a game-changer in supporting your baby’s sleep. With practice and patience, you’ll soon become an expert in recognising when your little one needs rest, paving the way for better sleep and happier days!
If you’d like to take some of the guesswork out of naps, feeds and their timings, my 33 page Feed and Sleep Routines will GUIDE you with all the age appropriate routines from 3 weeks old until 4 years old where there is no nap!
What’s included:
Age appropriate Awake Times
Feed, Play, Sleep explained
Nap transitions
Number of expected naps
Overnight expectations
Bonus notes on each routine to help you along the way
Everything you need to know about your little one's current routine is only a click away!
Nicole Jayawickreme
Certified Baby Sleep Consultant and Registered Nurse (Neonatal Intensive Care)
I’m a certified sleep specialist, neonatal intensive care nurse, wife and a mother of 3 beautiful little children. I know first hand how important sleep is and I am here to help you and your family with my sleep programs so that you all can thrive.
I will guide and empower determined parents like you, to get the sleep you desperately need so that you have the energy to be the best parent that you can be!
Are you ready to have a happy,
well-rested sleeper?
If you’re exhausted and uncertain of where to begin, know that I’ve been there too.
Let me show you how to navigate sleep with ease for a happier, well-rested family!
Fill out my Contact Form and I’ll be in touch
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