Episode 11 | Sleep Solutions: A Midwife’s Guide to Newborn Tired Signs
Podcast Episode 11: Sleep Solutions: A Midwife’s Guide to Newborn Tired Signs
Today, we’re going to discuss a topic that many new parents struggle with: understanding their baby’s tired signs and sleep cues.
As a new mum myself, I remember how challenging it was to decipher when my baby was tired and needed sleep. Like many parents, I often found myself trying to put my baby down for a nap, only to have her wake up shortly after, crying and restless.
It wasn’t until I attended a Sleep, Day Stay Program when my daughter was six weeks old that I learned about tired signs, also known as sleep cues. A maternal and child health nurse explained these signs to me, and it was like a light bulb moment. Suddenly, I understood why my baby would become grizzly at certain times—it was her way of telling me she was tired.
The nurse showed me how to look for tired signs and gently put my baby into her cot while she was still awake. To my surprise, within just five minutes, she fell asleep peacefully, without the usual crying and fussiness. It was a game-changer for us, and it marked the beginning of a much smoother sleep routine.
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This experience, among others, inspired me to become a midwife and maternal and child health nurse so that I could support other new parents in understanding and enjoying their babies.
Many parents don’t know the importance of recognising their baby’s tired signs and how crucial they are for establishing healthy sleep habits.
Common Tired Signs:
- Jerky movements
- Crying or grizzling
- Fist clenching
- Turning face away, appearing dazed or with cross eyes
- Yawning
- Coughing or hiccups
- Back arching
- Squirming or kicking aggressively
- Vomiting or posseting (small vomit)
- Redness around eyes or eyebrows
- Hands to mouth
- Pulling at ears
- Dark circles under eyes
- Facial grimacing, frowning, or looking concerned
- Clinginess
- Becoming quiet or not engaging in play
- Sucking fingers or thumb as a self-soothing mechanism
- Long blinking
When your baby is in your arms, it can be challenging to notice these tired signs. That’s why it’s helpful to give your baby some playtime on the floor during the day to observe their behaviour. Even something as simple as changing their nappy can provide an opportunity to spot tired signs.
In the first few weeks, babies often wake, feed, and then show tired signs within 1-1.5 hours, showing that they’re ready to go back to sleep. After this window of wakefulness, it’s essential to start looking for multiple tired signs before getting your baby ready for sleep.
What’s next when you notice some tired signs?
Once you’ve recognized your baby’s tired signs, make sure they’re fed, changed, and comfortable. Then, give them some quiet time, swaddle them if you usually do for sleep, and put them into their cot or bassinet on their back. A gentle pat or stroke can help soothe them, and then walk away and give them the opportunity to drift off to sleep. You may be surprised that they can often do this by themselves.
If you miss the early tired signs and your baby becomes overtired, it can be more challenging to help them settle down. In these cases, you might need to try different soothing methods, such as taking them for a walk in the pram or rocking them in your arms.
Ask for support
Remember, if you’re struggling with recognizing tired signs or establishing a sleep routine, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your maternal and child health nurse can provide support and recommend other more intensive sleep services if needed.
I hope you found this discussion on tired signs and sleep cues helpful. Join us next time as we explore more tips and insights for navigating parenthood.
Connect With Me:
Web: www.BelindaJoyce.com
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Download Belinda’s FREE Baby Bundle:
- Checklists for baby equipment, hospital bag, nappy bag, travel & childcare bag
- Newborn Sleep Flowchart-what to do next
- Baby Feed & Sleep Tracker
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