Published : 2023-07-13

Tired babies: how to react well?

- Categories : Baby Sleep

IN THIS ARTICLE :

Recognizing the Signs Baby Is Tired
What to Do When Your Baby Is Tired?
Why Babies Get Tired More Often in Winter

Sleep is absolutely essential for little ones.

To show they’re ready to rest, babies rub their eyes, yawn, or cry. That’s a clear sign—it’s time for bed!

Learning to quickly recognize the signs baby is tired can help you prevent sleep debt.

If your baby doesn’t fall asleep at the right time, they’ll have to wait for the next “sleep window”—which usually comes around 90 minutes later!

Is your baby showing signs of being tired? Here’s everything you need to know to help them recharge and feel their best.

Recognizing the Signs Baby Is Tired

Thankfully, babies give us clues when they need a good night’s sleep. These signs are easy to spot—here’s a non-exhaustive list of these little “sleep signals”:

Rubs their eyes
Rubs their ears
Has dark circles under the eyes
Seems cranky or irritable
Stares off blankly, with a distant look
Yawns frequently
Loses interest in their surroundings
Becomes very quiet and stops making any sounds
Lets their head droop from side to side

Of course, every baby is different.

One isolated sign might not always mean your baby is tired. But if you notice several of these “signs baby is tired,” it's definitely time to put them down for sleep!

What to Do When Your Baby Is Tired

Here’s what to do when you notice the signs baby is tired:

🛌 Put your baby to bed without delay Your child needs enough sleep to feel rested. Otherwise, they may wake up overtired the next morning. That’s why it’s so important to get your baby to bed early enough in the evening—ideally around 8:00 to 8:30 PM.

Is your little one yawning, rubbing their eyes, or getting fussy before that time? If so, don’t hesitate to put them to bed earlier than usual. This will help them recharge properly and fall asleep more easily.

🗓️ Stick to a consistent schedule Does your child stay up late? Be careful—keeping them awake longer doesn’t mean they’ll fall asleep more easily.

In fact, it’s the opposite! When babies are overtired, they often struggle to fall asleep, and their night can become restless. That’s why it’s important to establish a calming bedtime routine from an early age.

🗓️ Keep an eye on nutrition “Let food be thy medicine,” as Hippocrates once said.

Make sure your child’s meals are always well-balanced. To give their body a natural boost, try offering a fresh-squeezed orange juice at breakfast—it's a real burst of energy!

👉 In the evening, opt for a light dinner to avoid disrupting their sleep. By choosing the right foods and sticking to a healthy sleep schedule, you can help reduce your baby’s fatigue and better respond to the signs baby is tired.

😪 Don’t forget naps Your baby may be tiny, but they already have their own personality—and their own unique sleep profile! Some are natural sleepers, while others lean more toward the restless side.

Try to respect their individual rhythm. If you notice they’re tired, it’s straight to bed. And just as important—don’t wake them up, even if you think it’s time for a bottle!

Why Babies Get Tired More Often in Winter

Cold winter weather can really take a toll on children’s energy levels. Between the chilly air, bad weather, and lack of sunlight, their little bodies face a real challenge!

Winter is also peak season for sore throats, colds, and ear infections. All of this means that babies tend to get tired more easily during the colder months. But don’t worry—you can take steps to turn things around.

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Its mission? Helping families sleep better — from birth up to age 10.

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I bought REMI for my 4-year-old son who didn’t want to sleep alone anymore after his little sister was born. Thanks to the remote wake-up system and bedtime stories I can play from a distance, the issue is completely resolved! I 100% recommend this purchase!