How do I know when my baby is sleepy?

Your baby is constantly growing, and sometimes it's difficult for parents to immediately perceive what needs the baby is expressing at a given moment. Each phase, each day, is a learning experience, and parents must be able to stay in constant sync with their baby so that both get to know each other better and as quickly as possible.

While the baby is still young, they will express their needs through gestures, small sounds, and eye contact, and will repeatedly become irritated because they don't feel understood or satisfied. It's a challenge to try and soothe a baby's inconsolable crying and tantrums, especially when they are more sensitive. The good news is… it might "just" be sleepiness, and at least for that, there's an immediate remedy! But how do you know if that's really the problem?

On several occasions, signs of sleepiness can resemble others, such as hunger or simple discomfort. Body language doesn't yet vary much, making it difficult for parents to read the signals at first. There are a few ways to tell if your baby is sleepy, and we offer some tips below.

How can I tell when the baby is sleepy?

Establishing a daily routine is essential for both parents and babies to get the rest they need. If parents allow their baby to rest too much during the day, it's more likely that the baby will still have excess energy at night, which will naturally prevent the parents from getting any rest.

This routine is important so that the baby gets used to the designated times for rest and is crucial for their overall healthy development.

Although each baby is unique and displays singular personality traits from an early age, there are signs that help us discover when a baby is sleepy , and over time, parents can easily recognize them. Some of these signs are:

• They are quieter and their gaze is fixed on their parents or on a toy;
• They yawn, rub their eyes, or display other body language signs characteristic of tiredness;
• They lose interest and do not react to proposed or natural stimuli.

What helps your baby fall asleep?

From an early age, every parent tries to find the formula that allows their baby to fall asleep calmly, peacefully, and preferably for a long time (especially at night). To help your baby sleep, here are some tips that can help in the process.

Before going to sleep

Before bedtime, it's important to provide a calm environment and reduce stimuli such as television or bright lights, keeping only a nightlight on if necessary. Choose a comfortable and safe bed – like the Bébé Confort Iora – and try to understand which position your baby prefers.

They shouldn't play or talk at bedtime, as this stimulates the baby. It's also crucial that you try to get your baby to fall asleep on their own as early as possible.

During sleep

In the initial stages, using a suitable winter sleeping bag for babies aged 0-6 months can be a great help to parents in terms of safety. It not only serves for the baby's rest, but above all, provides comfort and overall well-being, making the baby feel snug and protected. In addition, it is advisable to acquire an intercom that can be placed next to the baby, so that they can step away without worry and check on them whenever they deem necessary.

In cases of increased agitation, parents will know better than anyone else, with time, how to comfort the baby. The most common techniques involve the use of a pacifier, cloth diaper, or other comfort object, but the baby may also enjoy ambient music, a nightlight, or may simply feel more comfortable in one area of ​​the house than another. Try to read the signals the baby gives you over time and remember that it's normal for it to take time to identify all of their needs.

However, if you consider the child's difficulty falling asleep to be abnormal, and this concern is shared by the pediatrician, it may be a more serious matter. There are disorders that, while not immediately obvious, can affect a baby's rest, causing sleep disturbances and disruptions. Discuss this with your doctor.

Getting enough sleep is essential for your baby.

A baby's rest is fundamental for their healthy development and growth. Babies typically sleep a lot throughout the day – sometimes up to 18 hours – making it difficult for parents to establish sleep schedules. There's also often an initial fear of waking the baby to feed or stimulate them at certain times. There are no magic formulas, and the advice of a pediatrician should be given priority regarding this and other essential topics related to growth.

Not all babies are the same, and there are different sleep patterns. Remember that babies don't yet distinguish between day and night and nap throughout the day as they wish and are allowed. Therefore, the ideal for good development is to try to adapt their sleep cycles to those of their parents. In this way, they will gradually become aware (albeit abstractly) of concepts such as time differences and the notion of time.

Did you also know that one of the reasons that can lead to a baby's restlessness at bedtime is the feeling of anxiety and sadness related to the temporary separation from their parents? Around 6 months of age, a baby may wake up several times during the night to check if their parents are present. It is precisely at this stage that so-called transitional objects, such as a cuddly toy , are most recommended, as children can hug them and thus feel comforted.

Nobody said it's easy, but there's rarely reason to be alarmed when it comes to your baby's sleep. Remember that it's all a matter of habit, both yours and the baby's, and time! Even so, it's never too early to start adopting good sleep habits for the benefit of everyone at home. Sweet dreams!