Struggling with your little one's sleep? Book a free 15 minute discovery call now . You can also sign up for my Newsletter to get exclusive sleep-related advice & guidance for your little one. Sign up bottom of page

  • Cart (0)
  • Checkout
  • Home
  • About
  • Sleep Packages 
    • 2 Week Full Sleep Support Package
    • 4 Week Full Sleep Support Package
    • 60 Minute Troubleshooting Guidance & Advice Call
    • Newborn Sleep Gift Bundle - Consultation, Sleep Shade & Silk Scrunchies
    • Strong Start - Newborn Sleep Shaping Consultation
  • Sleep Products
  • Sleep Guides
  • Book a Call
  • Sleep Support Hub
  • Gift Cards
  • Home
  • About
  • Sleep Packages 
    • 2 Week Full Sleep Support Package
    • 4 Week Full Sleep Support Package
    • 60 Minute Troubleshooting Guidance & Advice Call
    • Newborn Sleep Gift Bundle - Consultation, Sleep Shade & Silk Scrunchies
    • Strong Start - Newborn Sleep Shaping Consultation
  • Sleep Products
  • Sleep Guides
  • Book a Call
  • Sleep Support Hub
  • Gift Cards
Blog

When is the right time to put your infant or child to sleep?

March 28, 2024 1 Comment

When is the right time to put your infant or child to sleep?

As a Child Sleep Consultant and mum of three, I know figuring out your child's sleep schedule can be challenging! Spotting the difference between when they're just drowsy versus overtired can significantly impact the quality of their sleep. Understanding these cues is essential to ensuring your little ones enjoy restful, uninterrupted sleep

The Transition from Drowsy to Overtired

Children, especially young babies, can swiftly move from feeling drowsy to becoming overtired. It can happen in minutes and is really easy to miss. 

The key to preventing  this is observing your child's sleep waves and sleep cues. These cues are your child’s way of telling you they’re ready for sleep. Miss these signals, and you risk entering the  battle that comes with overtiredness. Trust me, we've all been there, and it's a battle you want to avoid if at all possible.

Recognising the Signs:

Drowsy Signs:

  • Rubbing eyes
  • Eyes less focused 
  • Yawning
  • Decreased activity
  • Quieter and calmer
  • Sucking is weaker or slower

These signs mean your child is ready to sleep, and their body is all set for a good, restorative nap or bedtime.

Overtired Signs:

  • Increased fussiness or crying
  • Hyperactivity or a second wind of energy
  • Resistance to settling down or refusing sleep
  • Yawning and eye rubbing persist, but sleep seems elusive

When kids get too tired, they actually become super alert and find it hard to calm down and sleep. Sometimes, parents might think their child is just full of energy, but they're actually overtired. I've been there with my first kid. This mix-up can lead to struggles at bedtime, kids waking up a lot at night, and them getting up way too early in the morning.

Tips for Parents

  1.  Learn how much sleep they need: Understanding how much sleep your child needs at different stages of development is crucial.
  2. Look out for sleepy signals: Keep an eye out for when your child starts getting sleepy. Catching these early signs and acting on them can help them fall asleep more naturally.
  3. Establish a routine: Consistent bedtime and nap time routines can signal to your child that it's time to wind down. A predictable schedule aligns with their internal clock and natural sleep rhythms reducing the chances of becoming overtired.
  4. Avoid overstimulation: In the lead-up to nap time or bedtime, keep activities calm and soothing. Avoid TV and screen at least an hour before bedtime. Overstimulation can push your child past the drowsy phase into overtiredness.
  5. Create a conducive sleep environment: A quiet, dark, and cool environment can help encourage sleep. Consider using white noise machines and blackout curtains to minimise disruptions.
  6. Know when to adjust: Be flexible and willing to adjust your child's sleep schedule as needed. Growth spurts, developmental milestones, and changes in routine can all affect their sleep needs.

What happens when you miss the optimal time for sleep? 

Missing the optimal "sleep wave" leads to a missed opportunity for the best quality sleep. This restorative sleep is crucial for your child’s physical and mental development. The overtired zone comes with challenges - from bedtime resistance to disruptive sleep patterns that can affect the whole family’s well-being.

Final words

Mastering the signs of drowsiness versus overtiredness can significantly enhance your child's sleep quality and, by extension, their overall health and happiness. Remember, every child is unique, and finding the right balance may require some observation and adjustment, but the benefits of healthy sleep habits last a lifetime


Liadhán Collins is a Certified Child Sleep Consultant passionate about helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with practical, empathetic solutions for better sleep. If your little one's sleep issues are making you feel stressed or overwhelmed, why not book a free 15-minute chat with her? Book Now

 

Popular Articles 

How to Teach Your Baby To Self Soothe

The Impact Of Sleep on Children and Parents” Why Good Sleep Habits Matter 

CulaBaby Products

CulaBaby Sleep Shade, CulaBaby Silk Pillowcase, CulaBaby Silk Scrunchies 

Transform Your Child's Sleep

Choose the perfect package to help your child sleep better with our child sleep consultancy packages

2 Week Support Package 4 Week Support Package 60 Minute Guidance Call


Tweet Share Pin It Email

1 Response

bedtime stories for grade school kids
bedtime stories for grade school kids

July 18, 2024

Very helpful article for me. I was searching for this topic because I am a blogger in the beginner stage. Now I will use these methods for my blog. I hope it will work for me.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog

Why Your Toddler Suddenly Needs You to Fall Asleep (and What You Can Do About It)
Why Your Toddler Suddenly Needs You to Fall Asleep (and What You Can Do About It)

June 20, 2025

Continue Reading

Real Family Case Study: Helping Freya sleep through the night -20 Month Old
Real Family Case Study: Helping Freya sleep through the night -20 Month Old

June 17, 2025

Continue Reading

A Simple Breathing Practice to Help You Feel Calm Again
A Simple Breathing Practice to Help You Feel Calm Again

June 11, 2025

Continue Reading

Services Menu
  • Home
  • About
  • Sleep Packages
  • 2 Week Full Sleep Support Package
  • 4 Week Full Sleep Support Package
  • 60 Minute Troubleshooting Guidance & Advice Call
  • Newborn Sleep Gift Bundle - Consultation, Sleep Shade & Silk Scrunchies
  • Strong Start - Newborn Sleep Shaping Consultation
  • Sleep Products
  • Sleep Guides
  • Book a Call
  • Sleep Support Hub
  • Gift Cards
Sign up for our Sleep Support Hub

Sign up for our Sleep Support Hub and be the first to know about our newest products, exclusive discounts, and most importantly, get valuable sleep-related help for your little one.


  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Shop Now
  • Search
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Refund Policy

© 2025 CulaBaby. Powered by Shopify

American Express Apple Pay Google Pay Maestro Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Union Pay Visa