Infant Sleepy Cues

When the baby arrives, EVERYTHING is new! We are learning so many things and so are they. It is hard to know what day it is, let alone how to help them sleep well. I remember crying when we got discharged with our first, I just wanted to stay with the sweet nurses forever! Anyone else feel that way? I was missing my bed and home but I also liked knowing the nurses were there to help me! It all just felt so new and hard…

I want to help families feel prepared for this new stage. Here, I will share a few tips about infant sleep cues and how to start to lay a foundation from the   beginning. Learning their sleepy cues can be incredibly helpful. You will be able to tell when they are “communicating” with you that they are tired. Yes, they start communicating with you in ways other than using words. We just have to learn to pay attention ;) 

So how do you know when an infant is tired? This may seem obvious but it  really is not. Sometimes the cues are subtle. I always say, I would rather you put a baby down a little tired, then overtired. Overtired babies don’t sleep well. Overtired babies tend to cry more. A rested baby is a happy baby! Also, if we miss their cues, we may then miss a nap, then we could have an overtired baby, and you know what that means? Fussy and hard! So watching for these cues can really help avoid that overtired cycle. 

It is helpful to note that most newborns are awake for about an hour max    before they will need a nap. This does include a feed time. I find it to be    helpful to look at the clock and also the baby when we are learning their cues. Typically around 45 mins to an hour, a baby will be ready for sleep time. For example, if the baby just ate for 30 minutes, they will most likely be awake another 15-30 minutes and then go down for a nap. 

Sleep cues can be subtle so that is why looking at the clock can also help. Here are some subtle signs to look for. Red eyebrows. I know, this one seems so silly, but it really is true! Babies’ eye brows can get red when tired. Here is another one. If your infant stares off into space or you go to put baby in front of your face and they turn away, this is another early sign. They are saying, “mama, I am tired’. Watch for their body language and those red brows for early signs! When you see these early signs, know it is time to wind down. Maybe give them another 5 or 10 mins and then off to rest/nap. 

There are other tired signs a baby will show you and these signs mean the baby is ready for a nap! Remember, we don’t want to put down an overtired baby. An overtired baby does not sleep as well. If an infant rubs their eyes, starts to get fussy, yawns, grabs ear or their hair— it is go time! Time to get the baby ready for a nap. I like to change their diaper, wrap in a swaddle or sleep sack, turn on white noise, and lay down for nap (on their back!). 

Watching and learning your baby’s sleep cues is important. Give yourself time and have the clock help you. Watch the baby around that 45 minute mark   after being awake and pay attention to their cues. This will help big time for your sleep journey and setting everyone up for success!