Baby sleep cues are the initial signs babies give when they’re ready to rest. These cues often manifest as changes in behaviour, signalling it’s time to reduce stimulation and prepare for sleep.Here’s a quick guide to sleep cues based on age:
0-3 months
Babies aged 0-3 months will typically show the following sleep cues: Pulling at ears, Frowning or looking worried, Yawning, Staring into space, or exhibiting jerky movements.
4-6 months
Babies aged 4-6 months will typically show the following sleep cues: Grizzling or crying, Rubbing eyes, Frowning or looking worried, Fussiness, or Jerky movements
7-12 months
Babies aged 7-12 months will typically show the following sleep cues: Boredom, Staring into space, Fussiness, and Grizzling or crying.
1-2 years
Toddlers aged 1-2 years will typically show the following sleep cues: Rubbing eyes, Grizzling or crying, Boredom, and increased fussiness.
Tips for Responding to Sleep Cues
Recognizing your baby's tired signs is only the first step—it’s equally important to respond appropriately. Promptly addressing these sleep cues can make a significant difference in helping your baby transition smoothly into sleep.
Without timely intervention, mild tiredness can quickly escalate into overtiredness, making it harder for your baby to settle. Here are some effective strategies to help respond to your baby's needs:
1. Establish a Serene Atmosphere
Bring your baby to a quiet, dimly lit room. This calming environment signals to your little one that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
2. Minimise Distractions
Turn off screens and set aside any distracting toys or books. Reducing sensory input helps your baby transition more easily into a restful state.
3. Engage in Gentle Comforting
Speak softly to your baby, offering reassurance as you gently rock or feed them if needed. These nurturing actions help instill a sense of security, making it easier for them to relax.
4. Allow arms-free swaddling
During the third trimester, a baby’s most frequent movements are hands to face, hands to eyes, and hands to head. These sensorimotor behaviours induce a calming and soothing sensation in babies, helping them to self-soothe and sleep through as they grow.
To foster your newborn's self-soothing abilities, encourage hand-to-face and hand-to-mouth movements while swaddling. The FX (Fetal Flex) Swaddle helps achieve this by facilitating the baby's natural self-soothing behaviours while still calming their startle reflex and providing a sense of safety and security.
By implementing these strategies, you can create an inviting sleep environment that supports your baby's natural sleep cues and fosters a more peaceful bedtime routine.
