How to Tell If Your Baby Needs a Nap
Knowing when your baby is tired is one of the most important skills you can learn as a new parent. A well-rested baby is a happy baby, which means a happy parent!
Signs of baby tiredness
Babies can’t tell us when they’re tired, so it’s essential to be able to read their body language and cues. Here are some of the most common signs of baby tiredness:
- Yawning
- Rubbing eyes
- Ear pulling
- Fussing
- Clenching fists
- Arching back
- Decreased activity
- Staring into space
It’s time to put your baby to bed if you see any signs.
When to put your baby to bed
Newborn babies need about 16-18 hours of sleep per day. They will require less sleep as they age, but most babies still need 12-14 hours of sleep per day by the time they are 1 year old.
It’s essential to establish a regular bedtime routine for your baby. This will help them to wind down and prepare for sleep. A bedtime routine might include bathing, reading a story, and singing a lullaby.
Tips for putting your baby to sleep
Here are some suggestions for putting your baby to sleep:
- Create a calm and relaxing sleep environment. This means making sure the room is dark, quiet, and relaxed.
- Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake. This will help them to learn to fall asleep on their own.
- Avoid feeding your baby to sleep. This can create a bad habit that will be difficult to break later.
- Be consistent with your bedtime routine. This will help your baby to know when it’s time to sleep.
Conclusion
Knowing when your baby is tired and how to put them to sleep are essential skills for new parents. By following the tips above, you can help your baby get the sleep they need to thrive.
Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble getting your baby to sleep. They can offer additional advice and support.