Understanding your Baby’s Sleep Cues

lbenjell • December 21, 2020

A Compilation of the most common baby sleep cues

Written by Lamis Benjelloun

When you and I get sleepy, we may feel lethargic, our eyelids might droop and we may start yawning.  That’s how we know that it’s time for bed.  But how do we know when our children are sleepy?  In many cases, we decide our baby needs to go to bed because they are crying and we’ve tried everything else to no avail.  In better cases, we put them to bed when we see them yawning.  While the second scenario is slightly better than the first one, I can confidently say that if you have waited until the yawn to start your bedtime routine, you have probably waited too long.

Babies have a way of telling us that they are sleepy.  Though they are not ready to use words, they do have cues for almost everything to help us navigate their needs.  This goes for sleep as well.  Sleepy cues look different from child to child but what’s common for all children is that they start very subtle and accelerate in intensity.  To make it easier for you to spot, I have grouped the most common cues in three main categories.  

Ideally, you want to be within 10 minutes from laying babe down in crib when you spot the first category, be right about to turn the lights out when you reach category 2 and hopefully, you may never find out what category 3 looks like!

The “I’m getting sleepy” cues

When babies are getting sleepy, they communicate with us through non-verbal cues.  They may look away or have a distant gaze.  This means that they are ready to go to bed.  As they get older, these signs may look like your child wanting extra cuddles or randomly laying down during play.  As these first set of signals tend to be more subtle and different for each child, it may take you some observation time to spot them.  The easiest time to see them is if you watch your child at the end of the day, right before dinner.  Once you have come to recognize them, start that pre-nap routine as you soon as you see them or aim to be at last few steps of the bedtime routine as they are happening.  If you respond to these cues, going to sleep will be a much easier process for your child and the bedtime routine will be smoother.  Below are the most common examples:

Distant gaze or zoning out
Getting Calmer and quieter
Looks away and may appear disinterested
Pink/Red brows or lower eyelid
Decreased activity
Wanting to cuddle
Lying down

The “Time for bed NOW” cues

Stage 2 sleepy cues are the more visible ones, or the ones we know most.  Baby at this point is probably yawning (maybe repeatedly), rubbing their eyes, and acting fussy.  For older children, they become clingier, whining, they start reaching out for their favorite teddy or blanket, maybe sucking their thumb or pacifier.  This means that they are ready to go to bed RIGHT now.  If you are already at this stage, I suggest you skip the pre-nap routine or shorten the bedtime routine, as baby is pretty much ready for sleep.  Below are some common cues for this stage:

Yawning
Rubbing eyes
Fussy
Hard to distract or keep happy
Eyelids drooping
Reaching for teddy or blanky
Sucking thumb or fingers
Sucking pacifier
Whining

The “It’s too late” cues

Once you are past stage 2, it is likely that you have passed baby’s ideal time to go to sleep.  Now their cries are more desperate, and their behaviors are signs that baby is overtired.  This stage is usually characterized by a lot of crying, screaming and jerky limb movements.  That image of a baby/child arching their back with a rigid body is very typical  for this overtired state.  For the older kiddos, it looks like a lot of meltdowns and tantrums, a rise in activity levels, and an uncharacteristic clumsiness.  Some of the more common overtired signs are:

Pulling ears or hairs
Irritable
Inconsolable crying
Screaming
Arching/Rigid body
Pushes away
Jerky limb movement
Overactive
Meltdowns and tantrums
Resisting bedtime
Clumsy

The thing about sleepy cues is that initially they are hard to spot, so take the time to observe your child and identify his favored sign.  Trust me, once you know them, you will save yourself a lot of angst as putting baby to sleep at the first sign of sleepiness is exponentially easier than doing so once their bodies enter the overtired stage.

What do you child’s sleep cues look like? Are they easy to identify?

By Sophie Huang September 29, 2025
Choosing a car seat is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about giving your child the best protection on every journey . In the UAE, where we drive long distances, face busy roads, and deal with extreme heat, the right car seat matters more than ever. But with so many options, how do you know which one to choose? Here are our top 4 tips to make car seat shopping easier — and safer. 1. PRIORITIZE SEATS THAT UNDERGO THE TOUGHEST CRASH TESTING Not all car seats are created equal. Many parents think if a seat is “legal,” it must be safe — but that’s not always true. ECE R44 : The most basic standard, now phased out in Europe. ECE R129 (i-Size) : Stricter testing with better head, neck, and side-impact protection. The Swedish Plus Test : The toughest crash test in the world — and the gold standard. What makes the Swedish Plus Test so important? It’s the only test that measures neck forces on a child’s body in a crash. Seats that pass prove they can keep neck loads below dangerous limits — a key factor in preventing serious injury. Many car seats fail completely under this extreme test, which shows just how high the bar is. 👉 If a car seat has passed the Swedish Plus Test , you can be confident it offers the highest level of safety for your child. 💡 Remember: Legal does not always mean safe . Go beyond the minimum. 2. CONSIDER YOUR CHILD'S HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AND AGE — EVEN THE SMALLEST ONES Every child grows differently, and size matters when it comes to safety. Preemies and smaller babies : Standard carriers often don’t provide the right fit. They need extra support for the head, neck, and body, plus proper harness positioning. Twins or multiples : Planning seating for two (or more) at once requires careful choice so every child gets the safest setup. As children grow, their height and weight percentiles determine how long a seat will last. We recommend car seats with at least a 25kg weight limit and 125cm height limit , which allow for extended rear-facing travel . Why rear-facing ? Research shows it is up to 5 times safer than forward-facing for children up to 6–7 years old. Better crash force distribution across the strongest part of the body. Superior head and neck protection , preventing the whip-forward motion that can cause spinal injury. Cocoon-like shell protection against front and side impacts. 💡 Bonus for UAE parents: The BeSafe Go Beyond with Preemie Inlay was designed with neonatal nurses to support even the tiniest babies. It features a removable wedge for better harness fit and breathable mesh fabric — keeping your baby safe and cool in our hot weather. 3. MATCH THE CAR SEAT TO YOUR CAR AND LIFESTYLE Your car seat needs to fit not just your car — but your daily routine . Multiple cars? Choose a seat that’s easy to install/uninstall. Growing family? Invest in a seat with a long lifespan that can be passed down. Seat placement? Consider if it will go behind the passenger, in the middle, or side by side with another child seat. Bigger families? Narrow but safe seats can fit 3-across or work well in 7-seaters, without compromising protection. Example from our family setup: Mummy’s car : BeSafe Flex Fix 2 for Sofia (8y) + BeSafe Stretch for Leo (5y). Daddy’s car: Axkid One3 for Leo + BeSafe Flex Fix 2 for Sofia. The Axkid One3 was chosen because Daddy often removes the seat, and installation takes under 30 seconds . 👉 Key takeaway: The “best seat” isn’t the one your friend uses — it’s the one that fits your child, your car, and your lifestyle . 4. DON'T COMPROMISE — BUY FROM A CHILD CAR SEAT SPECIALIST Buying from a specialized retailer ensures peace of mind: They recommend a seat that fits your child, car, and routine . They install it correctly and show you how. If the seat doesn’t fit, they won’t install it — and they’ll help you find one that does. They’ll reinstall it whenever you need , for example when changing cars, at no extra cost. At Safety On Board , we offer 1-1 car seat consultation and hands-on support to make sure your child rides safely every time. FINAL THOUGHTS A car seat isn’t just another baby item — it’s life-saving equipment. Whether you’re bringing home a preemie, juggling twins, or moving a big kid into a booster, the right seat + the right suppor t makes all the difference. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us and book a consultation with us. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your child, your car, and your family. Because every child in the UAE deserves the safest ride 💛 Sophie Huang is the founder of Safety on Board , the UAE’s first child car seat specialist. She is also a mom of 2 and an internationally certified car seat expert . With a passion for keeping children as safe as possbile on UAE road, she guides parents in choosing and installing the safest car seats. Sophie believes safety can be simple, stress-free, and empowering for every parent.
By lbenjell June 10, 2025
There’s something magical about a beach holiday — the sound of waves, salty air, and the promise of slow days in the sun. But let’s be honest: traveling to the beach with a baby isn’t exactly a vacation unless sleep is part of the equation. Whether you're heading to a resort, renting a seaside villa, or visiting family by the coast, here’s how to set your baby up for restful sleep — so everyone gets to enjoy that ocean breeze. Step 1: Know That Sleep Needs Don’t Take a Holiday Babies are creatures of habit. Their little bodies thrive on rhythm and predictability — even on vacation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or go with the flow! It just means that your baby’s sleep needs are still there, and the better prepared you are, the easier it will be to keep things (mostly) on track. Step 2: Your Beach Baby Sleep Packing List Here’s your ultimate baby sleep packing list for a beach trip, broken down by category: Sleep Environment Essentials : Portable travel crib or bassinet – Choose one your baby is already familiar with if possible. Fitted sheets – Bring 2-3 just in case of sand, spills or spit-up. Also bring a gently used one to remind baby of home as he/she adjusts to the new sleep environment. Portable blackout blinds – Beach homes and rentals often have light, sheer curtains. White noise machine or app – Helps block out unfamiliar sounds like waves (yes, they can be loud!) or street noise. Baby monitor (if you’ll be in a larger space or stepping outside during naps). For more on the ideal sleep environment, have a read here . Comfort + Routine : Lovey or comfort object (if age-appropriate and safe for sleep). Sleep sack – Choose a breathable, summer-weight one. Favorite bedtime book – Familiarity brings comfort. Pacifiers – Always bring extras! Nightlight – A soft, warm one if needed for feeds or changes during the night. Weather + Climate Considerations : Lightweight, breathable pajamas – Think cotton or bamboo Fan – If your rental lacks good airflow or AC Bonus Tip: Have a “Nap-on-the-Go” Kit **For beach days that cut into nap time: Clip-on stroller fan Stroller or baby carrier your baby can sleep in Portable white noise machine Extra sun hats + baby-safe sunscreen (for after 6 months old) Step 3: Keep the Routine (Even on the Coast) Try to mirror your bedtime routine as closely as you can. If you usually do bath → PJs → book → feed → sleep, stick with it — even if it’s a quick version. Babies love the predictability, and it helps signal that it’s time to wind down, even in a new environment. Also, aim for naps in a darkened room when possible, especially after a stimulating beach outing. And if one nap has to happen in the stroller under a palm tree? That’s totally okay. Just go back to the routine as soon as you can. Getting There: Travel Day Tips Time your departure around naps if possible Use familiar sleep items (like the sleep sack or pacifier) during flights or drives Offer extra feeds — travel is dehydrating, especially in hot weather Keep expectations flexible – sleep may not be perfect, and that’s fine Beach trips with a baby can be full of joyful memories and restful nights — as long as you plan for sleep. With the right gear and mindset, your little one can stay well-rested and content, giving you more time to soak up the sun (or at least drink your coffee while it’s still warm!). And remember: sleep doesn’t have to fall apart just because you’re away from home. If you ever feel stuck or unsure about how to adjust things before, during, or after a trip, I’m here to help you build a personalized plan that fits your family’s travel style. Book your discovery call here .
By Guest author: Belinda Kirk October 7, 2024
October is SIDS Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It’s a time to educate parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices that can reduce the risk and help protect our little ones.. At Hushabye, safety is at the heart of our brand. Our focus is on providing parents with safe and high-quality baby sleepwear, such as sleep bags, that offer a safer alternative to traditional blankets. What is a baby sleep bag? A baby sleep bag, also known as a wearable blanket or sleep sack, is a specially designed garment for infants and young children to wear during sleep. The primary purpose of a sleep bag is to keep the baby warm and comfortable, but it also serves as a safe and convenient alternative to traditional blankets and quilts in a crib or cot.