Signs of tiredness

One of the great mysteries for new parents is when to put baby to bed. And the signals baby gives out can only lead to further confusion - one minute they're content and the very next they are grizzly and can't be jollied into a better mood. Is this the moment to move them to bed? In truth, it's probably already too late to settle them without tears as they are over-tired and will struggle to relax into sleep.

Next time, when you know your baby is due for a sleep, look for the following signs of tiredness and move her off to bed. She'll be much more relaxed - as will you!

Newborns signal tiredness by:

• closing her fists up around her cheeks
• tugging at her ears
• fluttering her eyelids
• having difficulty focusing her eyes
• sucking on her fingers
• jerking her arms and legs
• yawning
• looking worried
• arching her back

Older babies express tiredness by:

• needing constant attention
• becoming disinterested in her toys
• getting fussy with her food
• becoming clumsy
• getting clingy
• crying easily
• displaying grizzly behaviour

Once your baby starts to grizzle - a low-grade constant crying - she is absolutely exhausted so try to avoid letting her get to that stage before tucking her into bed. Before putting her down to sleep, try to give her some quiet time to allow her to relax.

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This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include Raising Children Network.