When over tired

In previous weeks, we’ve talked about the importance of catching early tired signs and that there are early and late tired signs. We have also touched on how your baby is affected by too little sleep or missing early tired signs.

 

Today I’d like to talk a little about what happens when your baby is overtired. Usually this is when most people think it is normal to put your baby to sleep. And yes, you will have to put your baby to sleep when he or she is overtired.

 

When you have caught the early tired signs you can give your baby the opportunity to self settle. When your baby is over tired that is probably not realistic to expect. At least not with young babies. Older babies who know about sleep may be able to go off to sleep for themselves when over tired if they know how.

 

When your baby is over tired he or she is so wound up and over stimulated and overwhelmed that he or she just can’t unwind enough to relax for sleep. Your baby doesn’t know that he or she is overtired, they just know they feel crappy and need you to help him or her feel better.

 

It may take up to half an hour or so for your baby to unwind. It may take longer. Generally we expect at least 20 minutes, then another 10-15 minutes to relax and then another 10 minutes or so to get to sleep. That is a normal expectation when your baby is over tired. It may even be a little longer.

 

When you are helping your baby to sleep be prepared to have to last the distance. Expecting your baby to be asleep after 5 or 10 minutes when over tired is usually unrealistic. If you calmly persevere in helping your baby you will usually achieve sleep of some sort however be prepared for it to be a short one and to have to repeat what you have just done to help build more sleep.

 

We’re here to help if your baby’s sleep is confusing you, if it's “hard work” all the time or if it could use some tweaking


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