How to Tell if a New Family Twin is Tired

SHE is sleeping, duh!

The symptoms of drowsiness in an infant can be very subtle and hard read. Identifying drowsiness is the key to putting them down without a fuss. Dad, having read a book, carefully watches his children for evidence and upon discovering it, immediately rushes them to their beds. If they are awake at their scheduled time, as they almost always are, he begins to sooth them for a few minutes before putting them down.

Evidence to watch for in the New Family Twins are:

1.       A thousand yard stare

2.       Slow or no motion

3.       Drooping eyelids

4.       Passive responses to social interaction

So, Dad, trying to be superman, noticed Liesel was 30 minutes from her scheduled nap when she became fussy. Wanting to finish his other work, he strapped her onto his chest facing out (where he cannot see her face). She calmed at first, but then became fussy again. Dad looked at the clock, 20 long more minutes to go. “Egad, you tired child?” he thought. After a few minutes, she settled and Dad barely noticed as he focused on cleaning up the kitchen.

Passing a mirror, he happened to catch her reflection. Her eyes were closed.

Hmm, okay, so she might be tired earlier than her scheduled naptime. He had to test his theory.

He prepared her for bed and put her to down. She never stirred.