Your baby is fussy. It’s past bedtime, and you know she just needs sleep. But she is refusing. And now you, too, are exhausted. It seems like a puzzle your brain doesn’t have enough energy to work through. Here are some common reasons your tired baby will not sleep:
Overtiredness
- Babies, especially in their early months, have limited self-regulation abilities and can easily become overtired. Factors like irregular sleep schedules, growth spurts, teething discomfort, and changes in the environment contribute to overtiredness.
- When infants don’t get enough sleep, they may react differently than adults. Instead of becoming withdrawn, they can become agitated and uneasy due to a paradoxical sleep reaction. Toddlers usually need one to three naps during the day, and if they miss these naps, falling asleep becomes harder.
Overstimulation
- Overstimulation occurs when a baby or child experiences more stimuli than they can handle or are used to. It’s common from about 2 weeks to 3 to 4 months old.
- Signs of an overstimulated baby include irritability, crying, clinginess, and self-soothing behaviors (like sucking on hands or fists). Toddlers may show signs like tantrums, grumpiness, or hyperactivity.
- To soothe an overstimulated baby:
- Change the environment to a quieter, darker place.
- Consider swaddling.
- Use white noise (avoid TVs or phones).
- Hold your baby gently but be prepared to give them space.
Discomfort or Pain
- Discomfort from teething, gas, or other physical issues can disrupt a baby’s sleep.
- Address discomfort by checking their diaper. Even just changing a clean diaper for a fresh, cool, dry diaper can really help to soothe them as they are going down. Nothing like going to sleep in a clean set of “underwear”!
- Be sure to thoroughly burp your baby after each feeding. You may hear one or two small burps, but there could be a hidden burp lurking deeper in their belly. Wait about 15 minutes after your first burp session and try to get them to burp again and you may be surprised to see that they had one ready to go. That can help them get to sleep faster and with less distracting discomfort. Excessive crying will also cause baby to swallow more air.
- Your baby may be experiencing discomfort or pain due to a gas bubble in their digestive tract. Ask your pediatrician about what they recommend giving your baby to help them get rid of those gas bubbles. Some people have used Simethicone drops or Gripe Water drops, but definitely check with your doctor before administering either!
Developmental Milestones
- Babies’ sleep patterns can change during developmental leaps (like learning to roll over or crawl).
- These milestones may temporarily affect their sleep, but it usually improves over time.
Separation Anxiety
- Around 8 months, separation anxiety can make it harder for babies to settle at night.
- Comfort your baby with a consistent bedtime routine and reassurance.
Remember, every baby is unique, and their sleep needs vary. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and adapt your approach accordingly. We hope these tips have helped you along your journey. If you have any questions about helping your baby to sleep better, developing a conducive routine for your baby that works with your life, or about your baby in general, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts in all things baby and sleep and would love to help!
About The Author: 💤Katie Bishop | The Early Weeks 💤
✅ Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant
✅ Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
✅ Advanced Newborn Care Specialist
Katie has over 25 year experience working with children of all ages. As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Specialist, she has professionally supported families babies worldwide over the last 10 years. Her mission is to help the entire family unit get better sleep, utilizing a holistic approach that supports the baby or child’s natural biologic drive to sleep. She has personally served 200+ families, holds 16,000+ hours exclusively caring for infants & babies and has 60+ 5-⭐️ Google reviews.
