How play and feed affect your babies sleep.

Feed / Play / Sleep is an important part of establishing a good routine.

The 3 steps need to remain separate.

• Feeding is in your arms
• Down is where you play
• Sleeping is in a cot

Establishing the Feed / Play / Sleep routine will enable you to watch for and recognize tired signs. When you see tired signs and you know that baby has already been fed, you should implement the settling techniques straight away. Do not wait until your baby is already hungry, tired and grumpy, thus allowing them to fall asleep in your arms.
This does not however mean that love and cuddles are sacrificed. These should be incorporated into their playtime as much as you wish to, and don't forget that you are still feeding in your arms, the only difference is that you are not letting them fall asleep in your arms.

Wondering how to recognize tired signs? Here you go…
Tired cries are different to hunger cries. You will often notice your baby will be playing happily on the floor one minute and then for no apparent reason will start to yawn, grizzle, rub their eyes, or arch their back. These are classic tired signs.

Other signs include:

• not wanting to feed
• not happy when picked up
• not happy when put down

In an older child they can become nasty
Once you notice these signs, it’s time to start ‘settling’...