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By Jan Murray

Recognising and acting on your baby's tired cues helps him settle earlier. When your baby won't settle and he becomes overtired, getting him to settle and fall asleep is more difficult and will take longer.

Recognising Tired Signs in your new baby:

• Yawning 
• Facial grimacing
• Hiccoughs
• Wandering or cross-eyed
• Breaking eye contact
• Jerky limb movements
• Clenched fists
• Crying

Recognising Tired Signs in an older baby:

• Rubbing eyes
• Whinges and whines
• Clingy
• Refuses to feed or eat
• Yawns
• Won't play on his own

Once you have identified your baby's tired signs and cues, help him settle and fall sleep. 

There are several things you can do to help your baby settle and sleep but it is important to recognise that every baby may need different support.

Putting them to Sleep eBook has many ideas for you to try.

More detailed information on basic Baby sleep patterns

Enjoy parenting 

Settle Petal supports the work of Destiny Rescue

Video footage by Tahnee Wimart