While the jury is still out on the best way to get babies to sleep, the perfect sleep environment and whether co-sleeping is for you, one thing is certain: a tired baby can be a handful.

Babies may not always sleep for long stretches of time, but it is important that they are able to rest as soon as they display signs of sleepiness. Not sure exactly what to look for? Use these tips to recognize and spot the signs of a tired baby.

1. Facial Expressions

In adults, the most obvious sign of tiredness is the yawn. Some parents are surprised to learn that even newborn babies can also yawn, and it often suggests that they could use some extra sleep. Yawning isn't the only facial expression that hints at tiredness, however. Babies that begin to grimace or frown are often ready to hit the hay temporarily, particularly if their normal facial expression is a smile.

2. Hand Movements

Even at a very young age, babies are able to use their hands to express how they feel and what they need. As a parent, it is a good idea to learn what individual babies do regularly with their hands as well as what they do in the minutes leading up to nap time. Typically, babies between 0 and 12 months use their hands instinctively to signify when they are tired. Some of the hand movements parents might notice include clenching their hands into balled fists, rubbing their eyes with their hands or pulling on their ears repeatedly. A single odd hand movement isn't necessarily a sign of sleepiness, however. After all, babies are known to explore their surroundings and themselves! Repeated motions, though, are a great indicator that the baby is tired.

3. Crankiness and Crying

Whatever the age, crankiness is a reliable indicator of sleepiness. Most parents can probably remember a time in the not-so-recent past when the need for sleep impacted their mood and caused them to be a little grumpy. Unsurprisingly, the same principle applies to babies. When babies get overtired and are in need of sleep, they often begin to display signs of crankiness. Whining, crying or general fussiness are surefire ways to tell that a baby is in need of a nap. This holds true for older babies as well, and they may also become frustrated while playing, eating or enjoying normal activities that typically bring them joy.

4. Clingy Behavior

One of the biggest signs that a baby is getting overtired is when they start to become clingier than normal. Clingy behavior can display itself in numerous ways, and it can be different for each individual baby. Parents may notice that a baby cries to be held, or isn't happy unless they are being rocked. Being clingy and needing soothing actions is a baby's way of showing that they are tired and in need of sleep.

5. Blank Facial Expression

Another way to determine if a baby is tired is to look at their eyes and their expression. A blank, unfocused expression is often a sign of being sleepy. Parents should look out for a glazed look as well as eyes that aren't following motions. This blank expression is a baby's way of relaying that they are ready for a nap and are unable to focus on things like television, games or moving shapes any longer.

6. Jerking Body Motions

As babies begin to feel sleepy, they may start to lose control over their muscles. Instead of moving fluidly, these tired babies might start jerking their arms and legs. When parents recognize a change in physical behavior and spot jerking arms, in particular, it is probably time to settle down for a nap and help baby get some rest.

7. Less Interest in Surroundings

Babies who are tired can start to lose interest in what is going on around them. Instead of being alert and watching the people talking in the room, for example, a tired baby might slump or generally act disinterested in their surroundings. They may also interact less with others or be quieter than is normal.

Just like adults, babies have a range of ways to show that they are tired. Parents simply have to watch for the signs to know when their babies are ready to settle down for a nap.

Taken from my blog where we discuss how to create your baby's perfect nursery environment.