If you’re waiting for a yawn to put your baby down for a nap, you’re probably missing their ideal sleep window.
By the time your baby is yawning, rubbing their eyes, or arching their back, they’re already overtired.

And that’s where things get tricky: Short naps. Long bedtimes. Frequent wake-ups. Fussing for no clear reason.

But once you understand the *science of sleep cues* and what to look for *before* a yawn, everything gets easier.
Let’s dive in.

**What Are Sleep Cues, Really?**

Sleep cues are your baby’s body language signals that they’re ready to sleep. They’re subtle. Easy to miss. And often misunderstood.

Sleep cues happen in *three phases*:

**1. Early Cues – The sweet spot**
• Zoning out or turning away
• Slower movements
• Red eyebrows or eyelids
• Less vocal interaction
This is your ideal window to begin winding down.

**2. Active Cues – Almost too late**
• Fussing or clinginess
• Pulling ears or rubbing eyes
• Yawning
• Jerky movements or back arching
If you’re just getting started now, your baby might resist sleep.

**3. Late Cues – Overtired**
• Crying intensely
• Pushing away
• Harder to soothe or settle
• Rejection of feeding or rocking
By this point, your baby is running on adrenaline, and that makes sleep harder, not easier.

**Why Overtiredness Makes Sleep Worse**
Babies who are kept awake too long become overstimulated. Their cortisol and adrenaline levels rise — making it harder for their brain to slow down and transition into restful sleep.

This often leads to:
• Short, broken naps
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Frequent night waking
• Early morning wake-ups
Ironically, keeping your baby _awake longer_ doesn’t make them sleep longer. It actually makes sleep lighter and more fragmented.

**So… When Should I Put My Baby Down?**
Instead of watching the clock or waiting for a yawn, focus on this pattern: *Wake → Play → Wind Down → Sleep*. The “wind down” phase should begin at the _first signs_ of slowing down — not when your baby is melting down.

Here’s a sample breakdown for a 6-month-old on a 2-hour wake window:
• Wake at 7:00 AM
• Active play: 7:00–8:30 AM
• Start wind down: 8:30 AM (early cues show up)
• Nap at: 8:45–9:00 AM
Timing naps _before_ the overtired window leads to faster settling and longer naps.

**What If I Miss the Window?**
It happens to everyone. Life gets busy, you’re in the car, or the day just doesn’t go as planned.

If your baby gets overtired:
• Don’t try to power through — offer sleep ASAP
• Keep stimulation low (dim lights, soft voice, fewer toys)
• Use motion or contact napping if needed to help them reset
Your baby isn’t broken, they’re just human. You’ll get back on track quickly with consistency.

**Final Thoughts**
Understanding sleep cues is one of the most powerful tools in your parenting toolkit. By responding early, before yawns and meltdowns, you’ll help your baby fall asleep easier, nap longer, and feel better throughout the day. So next time you see that dazed stare or red brow, you’ll know:
*It’s go time.*

*Need more help?*
Get in touch with us to speak with a specialist, we’ll help you spot your baby’s ideal sleep windows and build a rhythm that works for **your** family.

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