An Overtired Baby:
Getting a baby to sleep under the best of circumstances can be tricky, but when your little one is overtired, it can be even more difficult.
That’s because overtired babies have a harder time settling down for sleep, sleep only intermittently and wake up more often throughout the night.
The result? Overtired babies tend to sleep less and sleep less well, making them more tired, which continues the tired-overtired cycle. And it can be especially difficult to sleep train an overtired baby.
How can you tell if your baby is overtired? Here are the signs, plus tips on how to steer your baby toward better sleep habits.
Signs of an overtired baby
Babies who don’t sleep enough and who stay awake for longer than they can handle end up having a stress response — an increase in adrenaline and cortisol — making it trickier for them to wind down for bed.
Sometimes it’s obvious your baby is overtired … and other times the signs are subtle. Here’s what to look for in your little one:
• They have a hard time settling down for sleep.
• They only takes brief catnaps, instead of full-blown naps.
• They don’t get a lot of sleep at night.
• They are very cranky or fussy.
• They are less able to handle frustration or pain.
• They are more prone to meltdowns (in an older baby).
• They fall asleep at random times during the day (in the high chair when eating, for instance, or as soon as she hits the stroller, even if it’s not naptime).
What can I do to avoid them getting overtired:
• Watch for signs of overtired:
• Watch wake times and find their limit for staying awake
• Get them ready for bed or naps before they hit their wake time max
• Get them down to sleep before they start really crying, as that is usually a sign it s to late.