Reading Your Baby’s Sleepy Cues
As a new parent, it can feel overwhelming to meet your baby’s every need—especially when they can’t tell you what they need with words. But the good news? Your baby is communicating with you, just in their own way. One of the most important things you can learn early on is how to recognize when they’re getting tired. Understanding their sleepy cues can make a big difference in how smoothly naps and bedtime go.
WHAT ARE SLEEPY CUES?
Sleepy cues are subtle signs your baby gives when they’re starting to get tired. The key is learning to spot these early, before your baby reaches the point of overtiredness. When babies become overtired, they release stress hormones that make it harder for them to fall (and stay) asleep.
Here’s what to look for:
EARLY SIGNS OF TIREDNESS
These are the cues that say, “I’m starting to get sleepy.” This is the ideal window to begin your nap routine.
Staring off into space
Looking away from you
Glassy or unfocused eyes
Flushed or red eyebrows
Curled fists or clenched hands
Tugging at ears or scratching head/ears
“READY FOR NAP” SIGNS
If you’re seeing these, it’s time to move quickly toward sleep!
Fussing or whining
Yawning
Rubbing eyes or face
OVERTIRED SIGNS (TRY TO AVOID THIS STAGE)
Once your baby is overtired, calming them down can become much harder. They may:
Cry frantically or seem inconsolable
Have a stiff, rigid body
Arch their back or push away
Resist being held or comforted
WHY TIMING MATTERS
Catching your baby’s early sleepy cues allows you to start a calming pre-nap routine before they get too tired. This might look like dimming the lights, swaddling, rocking gently, or playing soft white noise—whatever signals “sleep” for your little one. When babies are put down while drowsy but not distressed, they are much more likely to fall asleep peacefully.
TRUST THE PROCESS
Reading your baby takes time. It’s okay if you don’t catch every cue right away. You’re learning each other—and every day is progress.
The more you pay attention to your baby’s patterns, the more confident you’ll feel in meeting their needs (and the smoother naps will be!).
For more tips, explore our other blogs or follow us on Instagram at @choosejoynursing.
