Understanding toddler tired signs and why they are important

Mar 3

It has been a busy morning of entertaining your toddler. Fun in the kitchen, some outside play, and lots of happy giggles. But, in the blink of an eye, your little one's mood has changed. They're clinging to your leg, refusing lunch, and the tears are starting to flow.

You know they need a nap, but your toddler is so worked up and fighting sleep with every ounce of their tiny being.

Our little ones can become overtired so quickly that sometimes it feels like the flick of a switch. And when they reach that point of exhaustion, sleep can be a challenge.

Recognizing toddler-tired signs can help you catch your little one's exhaustion before it gets out of control.

Here are five toddler tired cues to watch out for and why catching them early is the key to quality sleep for your kiddo.

1. Clinginess

If your little one won't unwrap themselves from your leg or is pleading to be carried or cuddled, they are likely to be tired. Your toddler's behavior is an attempt to seek comfort and security when they're starting to feel a little low.

Clinginess can also be a sign of separation anxiety. Still, if your toddler is usually independent and suddenly wants to be held, it's a good indicator that they're ready for a nap.

2. Loss of appetite

When toddlers are tired, it can feel like nothing pleases them, including food. Tiredness can affect a toddler's appetite, making them less interested in eating. They may also have difficulty chewing or swallowing food due to a lack of energy.

If your little one refuses food or throws it on the floor in protest, they may need some rest.

3. Irritability and tears

We are all familiar with the tantrums and meltdowns that our gorgeous little kiddos exhibit. As frustrating and sometimes embarrassing as they can be, remember that when it comes to your toddler, behavior is communication. They are not yet developmentally able to recognize and regulate their emotions, and they need help from the big people in their lives to navigate these feelings.

When your little one gets tired, their ability to deal with certain situations decreases. As a result, they may become more easily frustrated and emotional and find it challenging to complete tasks that they would usually handle with ease.

Their behavior is a cry for attention and help. They need you to step in, make them feel safe, and then do what is necessary to restore balance—which will likely involve a nap!

4. Yawning and rubbing eyes

Yawning and rubbing eyes are the most obvious toddler-tired signs. We tend to recognize these easily as they are behaviors we still exhibit as adults when sleepy.

Your little one is constantly absorbing the world through those beautiful big eyes, so when they get overstimulated and tired, they may start rubbing their eyes to hint that they need a break and some much-needed shut-eye.

5. Clumsiness

Toddlers are known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm. However, their coordination and balance can be affected when they become tired, making them appear clumsy.

Tiredness can impair a toddler's ability to quickly process information and react to their environment. As a result, they may misjudge distances, lose their footing, or bump into objects. Additionally, fatigue can cause their muscles to weaken, making it more challenging for them to control their movements.

Why are toddler-tired signs important?

Understanding your toddler's-tired signs is crucial because it can help prevent them from progressing into a state of overtiredness. Toddlers can become overtired quickly; in this state, the body starts producing cortisol, the stimulating "alert" hormone. As your little one's cortisol levels rise, it is much harder for them to fall and stay asleep.

Overtiredness can also contribute to early morning wake-ups for your little one. For example, if your toddler has a higher cortisol level at bedtime, this can be compounded by our body's natural surge of cortisol early in the morning to prepare us for waking.

So, when your little one is overtired, any extra cortisol accumulated is elevated by the natural morning production, often resulting in an earlier-than-normal wake-up that further exacerbates their level of exhaustion.

Watching your toddler's behavior closely and catching those tired cues can help you prevent this vicious cycle of overtiredness and ensure your little one gets the quality sleep they need.

Make sleep a priority for your toddler

Sleep deprivation in toddlers can impact their behavior, mood, and overall health and development. Recognizing toddler-tired signs can help you establish a sleep schedule for your little one to ensure they meet the recommended sleep requirements for their age.

A consistent sleep routine will benefit your toddler's sleep-wake cycle and allow you to manage your little one's daily schedule with more confidence and certainty.

The team at My Sweet Sleeper can help you develop a customized sleep schedule for your toddler to get them on track. Alternatively, if you would like further assistance with any sleep challenges your little one is facing, we offer one-on-one personalized coaching tailored to the unique needs of your family.

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