Responding to Overtired Baby Signs & Cues

In the relatively non-verbal landscape we share with our baby, we are forced to learn, read and interpret a variety of physical cues and body language to help us determine their needs. This is never truer than when it comes to an overtired baby. Thankfully, there are a range of signals our baby can give us to let us know they’re ready for bed. Some signs are pretty obvious, we do them ourselves. But others may require a little more detective work.

 

Recognising Tired Signs in Babies

When navigating the bewildering world of new babies, a lot of emphasis is placed on plotting out nap times, planning the all-important sleep routine and enticing your baby into taking the rest they need. Sometimes this means we can become oblivious to the subtle sleep signals our little ones are giving us. Whilst routines are important, mastering the art of interpreting overtired baby signs may just be the key to helping you establish good sleep habits.

 

When baby becomes overtired, their bodies can go into a stress response, triggering adrenaline and cortisol production. Recognising and knowing when to enable your baby to take rest before they get into an overtired state, can save them (and you) from the bigger hurdle of getting to sleep after they’ve become stressed or agitated.

 

Common Tired Signs for Newborns:

Registering the patterns of behaviour your overtired newborn demonstrates is key to fostering a valuable communication between you. As with most other things, each baby has their own set of signals. You will begin to tune into your own baby’s rhythms and signs, but here are some of the most common indicators that your baby may be ready to snuggle down to sleep.

 

Jerking Arms & Legs

Sudden, uncontrolled or staccato arm and leg movements are signs of overtired baby and that it’s coming to the end of their awake time. If you notice your baby jerking their arms and legs, it may be their way of telling you they need to nap. Begin your naptime or sleep time routine by swaddling your baby to help them feel secure.

 

Frowning

Frowning is among the subtler baby tired cues, but often means that your baby is becoming unhappy with the current situation and needs to rest.

 

Getting a little pink around their eyebrows

This indicator that your baby is becoming tired is due to slight hormonal changes and/or rubbing of the eyes. When baby goes a little pink around the eyebrows, it is usually a newborn tired cue and means it might be time to wind up your current activity and start the process of naptime.

 

Staring into space

Inability or unwillingness to focus or engage can mean that the sleeping bag may be calling. If you notice your baby has lost interest in the world around them, it may be that they are becoming overtired.

 

Yawning

Just like with adults, a yawn is amongst the more obvious of baby tired signs. Yawning indicates it’s time to turn in. There are many theories as to exactly why we yawn and whilst there is no conclusive proof, a yawn is universally recognised as a sign of tiredness. Yawning involves a rapid inhalation of breath and a deep exhale. If you notice your baby yawning, it may be time to swaddle up and get cosy.

 

Arching their back

When babies arch their back, it can be a sign that they are upset or restless. If you haven’t already, begin your naptime routine.

 

Tired signs for older babies & children

Overtired signs and cues for older children can be a little more obvious than newborn overtired signs. Not only have you had time to establish what your baby tends to do when they’re tired, signs in older babies can be easier to read.

 

Irritability

Overtiredness in older children can often manifest as fussiness, frustration or impatience and is a sign that it’s that your baby may be overtired. If you notice your baby becoming increasingly irritable they may be trying to communicate to you that they need to recharge.

 

Hyperactivity

Rather than become sleepy when they are overtired, babies can become hyperactive. The inability to give themselves the rest they need can become stressful for your baby. Their body is flooded with cortisol and adrenaline, making falling to sleep much more difficult. If you notice your baby becoming hyperactive, it may be wise to start a calming routine designed to help them past the overtired stage and redirect them into an opportunity for rest.

 

Clinginess

Not being able to put your baby down, or your baby demanding to be held may be an indication your baby is seeking comfort in your arms in the absence of sleeping. Taking refuge in the arms of Mum, Dad or a caregiver can provide baby with comfort. If you notice your baby becoming increasingly clingy, help them feel secure by perhaps providing the comfort of a swaddle as a reminder that it’s time to rest.

 

Tantrums and meltdowns

If your baby is throwing a tantrum or having a meltdown, it is likely they have already reached the overtired stage. Your baby is communicating extreme frustration by behaving in a heightened way that is out of proportion to the circumstances, or at odds with their normal pattern of behaviour. If your baby has reached this stage it may be difficult to begin a nap/sleep routine as normal. Your baby may need extra soothing, cuddles, a distraction or a bath to help settle them back down.

 

Becoming vocal

A common way for any of us to let the world know of our displeasure is by becoming vocal. In the absence of a vocabulary, becoming generally noisy or disruptive is a way for your baby to let you know they’re overtired.

 

Common FAQ’s about tired signs in babies

Recognising early overtired signs in your baby can save the frustration of getting a stressed baby to sleep. Here are some commonly asked questions about overtired babies:

Do overtired babies fight sleep?

Overtired babies may have to overcome their moderately stressed state before they’re able to settle themselves into sleep. As their bodies can produce stress hormones when overtired, extra settling, or soothing may be required to help your baby into sleep (and that’s ok).

 

How long will an overtired baby stay awake?

An overtired baby can stay awake up to hours after their usual nap time. It’s a good idea to help them on their way with extra soothing, settling or feeding.

 

How do you get an overtired baby to sleep?

Once you’ve recognised your baby is overtired, help them out by using your preferred settling techniques. Your baby may have trouble settling themselves in an overtired state. A few things you could consider are:

• Swaddling
• Bathing
• Motion
• White noise
• Gentle massage

 

Should you let an overtired baby cry it out?

Avoid letting your baby cry it out when they are overtired. While they may eventually fall asleep, it may be more of a short nap and they are likely to get themselves into a state of exhaustion first.

 

Do overtired babies wake up crying?

Overtired babies have been known to wake up crying or agitated. If the process of getting themselves to sleep has been somewhat stressful, they may not have enjoyed the length and quality of sleep required and may still seem unhappy.

 

Does overtiredness cause night waking?

Overtiredness can cause a vicious cycle of night waking and early waking. Ensuring that your baby is given ample opportunity to rest at the end of their awake time each time, may help avoid getting into shorter nap times and night waking.

 

How do you calm an overtired child?

Calm an overtired child in a similar way to which you settle them for sleep. Extra cuddles, feeding or soothing techniques may be required if your baby has become distressed. Ensure they are comfortable, dry, well fed and feeling as secure and relaxed as possible. A gentle massage or a bath is an easy way to help calm an overtired child.

 

What does an overtired baby sound like?

Often overtired babies can be feeling quite unhappy about the situation and let you know vocally. The pitch of their cry may change and you may eventually begin to recognise the specific sound of your overtired baby. Commonly, overtired babies sound more high-pitched and nasal than normal.

 

Will a bath help an overtired baby?

A bath may help soothe an overtired baby by providing a calming feeling. The warmth of the water and the relaxing nature of bathing, may help soothe an overtired baby and put them in a more conducive state for sleep.

 

At Love To Dream™, we know that every child is different, and we’re committed to helping you to find the right solution for your family. With you at every step, Love To Dream™ believes today’s little dreamers are the shapers of tomorrow. For further advice from our experts, visit our Sleep Library.