Signs Your Baby Is Tired
Updated
Quick answer: Early signs a baby is tired include staring into space, going quiet, slower movements, losing interest in toys and red eyebrows. Later signs include yawning, rubbing eyes and ears, fussing and arching. Crying hard, sudden hyperactivity and fighting sleep are signs of being overtired.
Early sleepy cues
- Staring into space or zoning out.
- Going quiet and still.
- Slower or jerkier movements.
- Turning away from faces or toys.
- Red or pink eyebrows or eyelids.
- Less interest in feeding or play.
Late sleepy cues
- Yawning.
- Rubbing eyes, ears or face.
- Fussing and whining.
- Arching the back.
- Clinginess (older babies).
Signs of an overtired baby
- Crying hard and hard to soothe.
- A sudden burst of energy or giddiness.
- Falling asleep within seconds of being put down.
- Waking 20–45 minutes into a nap or soon after bedtime.
Cues or the clock?
Young babies’ cues can be subtle, and many older babies and toddlers hide tiredness well. Use wake windows to know when to start watching closely, and begin winding down at the first early cues.
Common questions
Is yawning an early or late sign of tiredness?
Usually a late sign. Many babies have been tired for a while by the time they yawn.
Why does my baby get hyper when tired?
Overtired babies can get a “second wind” that makes them seem energetic. It often ends in a harder time falling asleep.