How to Recognize Your Baby’s Signs of Tiredness

How to Recognize Your Baby’s Signs of Tiredness

Fed, clean, burped, and still not sleeping? What could your little one need? Recognizing your baby’s signs of tiredness is crucial for ensuring they go down at the right time of day. Missing these signs can lead to your baby becoming overtired, while putting them down too early can result in them being under tired. It might seem like a balancing act, but there is a happy medium, and I’m here to help you find it! Let’s begin by identifying the signs of an overtired baby.

Overtired

When your baby doesn’t get the recommended amount of quality sleep for their age over an extended period, they become overtired. Staying up longer than they can handle causes a stress response, increasing adrenaline and cortisol, making it harder for them to wind down. This results in a challenging bedtime for you!

Signs of an Overtired Baby:

– Excessive crying
– Temper tantrums
– Very fussy or cranky
– Early morning wakeups
– Resisting settling
– Falling asleep at random times throughout the day
– Easily frustrated

Under tired:

An under tired baby hasn’t had enough wake time between naps and therefore hasn’t built up enough “sleep debt” to settle easily. Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep a baby needs and the amount they actually get. Under tired babies can often be mistaken for overtired ones, leading parents to put them down too early, which doesn’t help.

Signs of an Under tired Baby:

– Resisting settling and battling bedtime
– Extended wakeful periods at night
– Playing happily in the crib during nap times
– Short naps with frequent awakenings
– Wakefulness during the wind-down routine

Now That You Know the Signs, What’s Next?

To prevent your baby from being overtired or under tired, you need to ensure they get the right amount of sleep for their age. Optimizing your child’s sleep schedule will make settling down easier and avoid the overtired/under tired dilemma.

Wake Windows Are Key to Success:

Wake windows are the periods from when your baby wakes up to when they fall asleep again (note: they need to be asleep for the wake window to end, not just resting). Your baby’s body clock is sensitive, so following a consistent routine within these wake windows is essential. Remember, the age sleep guide is just that: a guide. Each baby is unique and may not fit perfectly into the recommended schedule. If you’re struggling with your baby’s sleep, observe them during the first 15-20 minutes before their wake time ends. This window holds the clues. If your baby shows signs of tiredness outside their designated sleep period, put them to bed immediately to avoid overtiredness. Conversely, if they consistently show signs of being under tired, extend their wake time by 10 minutes for three days until you find the right balance.

If you’re still uncertain and need further support, I invite you to explore the packages I offer. Additionally, I provide comprehensive sleep guides that you can explore here. These guides cover everything from newborns to toddlers, ensuring you have the resources you need for a good night’s sleep.

Should you have any doubts about which package to choose, I’m available for a free call that you can schedule here. Together, we can determine the best support for your child’s sleep needs and ensure a perfect fit for your family.

Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!