Is My Baby Actually Overtired? How to Tell and What to Do About It
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If you’ve ever bounced a wide-eyed baby for what feels like hours, wondering why they’re fighting sleep even though they’re clearly exhausted...you’ve met the overtired baby.
Overtiredness is one of the most common, yet misunderstood, causes of poor baby sleep. Here's how to spot it, prevent it, and calm your baby back down (and hopefully get them sleeping soundly in no time).
What Does ‘Overtired’ Actually Mean?
Overtiredness occurs when a baby has been awake too long, causing their body to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, essentially putting them in fight-or-flight mode just when they need to rest.
According to the Journal of Sleep Research, elevated cortisol levels are linked to fragmented sleep and shorter sleep duration in infants.
The paradox? The more tired your baby is, the harder it may be for them to fall (and stay) asleep.
Signs of an Overtired Baby
Spotting overtiredness can feel like decoding a baby-sized Rubik’s Cube. But here are the most common clues:
- Rubbing eyes, ears, or face;
- Crying suddenly or inconsolably after being calm;
- Zoning out or staring into space;
- Yawning excessively (a sneaky late-stage cue);
- Hyperactive or fidgety behaviour (yep, some babies get more energetic);
- Resisting naps or waking up soon after falling asleep.
How Long Should My Baby Stay Awake?
While every baby is different, awake windows matter more than the clock. General guidelines:
- 0–3 months: 45–90 minutes
- 3–6 months: 1.5–2.5 hours
- 6–12 months: 2–3.5 hours
- 12–18 months: 3–5 hours
If you wait until they’re crying or cranky, you may have missed the ideal sleep window.
Overtired vs. Understimulated: Know the Difference
Tricky but important. An understimulated baby might also seem fussy, but they’ll usually perk up with interaction. An overtired baby? Not so much. They need sleep, not stimulation. What a minefield!
How to Soothe an Overtired Baby (Without a Battle)
1. Act Quickly When You Notice Cues
Don’t delay bedtime or try to stretch wake windows. Once you spot tired signs, move swiftly but gently into a wind-down routine.
2. Use a Consistent Sleep Cue
Cue their brain that sleep is coming. A consistent sound, like the white or brown noise from Shushiie, can trigger calm and signal that rest is near.
3. Keep Stimulation Low
- Dim the lights
- Avoid eye contact or animated play
- Reduce loud noises
- Use a soothing tone of voice
4. Use Motion Wisely
For overtired babies, rocking or swaying may help. But remember to keep it slow and rhythmic. High-energy bouncing can backfire.
5. Stay Calm (Even If They Aren’t)
Your baby is tuned in to your nervous system. If you’re frazzled, chances are, they may be too. Take a deep breath, hold them close, and trust that this phase will pass.
Preventing Overtiredness in the First Place
- Track your baby’s patterns to find their natural rhythms
- Use tools like sound, swaddles, and routine to ease transitions
- Don’t worry about rigid schedules. Consistency is more important than perfection
Final Thought: A little tired is okay, but a lot can be hard to walk back
An overtired baby isn’t being difficult. Instead, think of them as feeling overwhelmed. By learning their cues, adjusting awake windows, and creating consistent, soothing routines, you can help them rest easier (which might also mean you'll get to rest, too).
Good luck, mama! x