When your baby gets tired, and they haven’t fallen asleep, they can become what’s called overtired. When this happens, it ironically becomes much harder for them to fall asleep.
Q: What is “overtired?”
A: It’s when your baby gets so tired that their body kicks into overdrive with cortisol and adrenaline. It’s a stress response that turns a sleepy baby into a restless and fussy baby.
Q: How can I tell the difference between tired and overtired?
Tired | Overtired |
Yawns | More yawns |
Rubs eyes or tugs ears | Crying |
Acts clingy | Difficult to soothe |
May whimper or start to cry | Falls asleep outside of their normal times |
Withdrawals focus | Hyperactive |
Q: If I think my baby is overtired, how do I course correct?
A: In the moment, focus on soothing co-regulation strategies. In other words, embody calm yourself.
Darken the room
Try a swaddle
Try quiet, gentle movement like walking, bouncing or rocking
Babywear or hold them close so they can hear your heartbeat.
Try to feed or offer a pacifier
Try white noise
Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent it from happening in the first place?
A: Dealing with an overtired baby is something every parent will experience, especially in babies under six months old. Stay observant of your baby’s natural rhythms, noticing their early tired cues like yawning, eye rubbing, and losing interest in focused engagement. When you see those cues, it’s time!