How to Calm an Overtired Baby
Managing an overtired baby can be tough, and it often leaves everyone in the house feeling frazzled. When your little one is overtired, it can seem like nothing will help them calm down and get the rest they need, but don’t worry! In this post, we’ll share some easy and practical tips to help soothe your baby and get them back to a peaceful and restful state. With a few simple tricks, you’ll be able to help your baby relax and sleep, making naptime and bedtime a bit easier for all involved.
Baby Wearing
Baby wearing, whether with a wrap or a sling, is a game changer for soothing an overtired baby. Keeping your little one snuggled up close means they get to feel your warmth and the gentle rhythm of your heartbeat, just like they did in the womb. This close contact makes them feel secure and loved, which can help them relax. Plus, wearing your baby lets you get on with your day while keeping them content and close by.
We’ve linked a few of our favorite carriers here (commissionable links). We also love Tushbaby which is a strap-free, ergonomic baby hip seat! You can purchase one here with code CHOOSEJOYNURSING for 15% off (commissionable link).
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact is a simple way to calm an overtired and fussy baby. Similar to the benefits of baby wearing, when you hold your baby close with their bare skin against yours, they get to feel your warmth and hear the comforting sound of your heartbeat. This direct contact helps them feel secure and can quickly ease their stress, lowering their heart rate and reducing crying, which makes it easier for them to relax.
It’s not just moms who can benefit from this—dads and partners can too! When they engage in skin-to-skin contact, they provide the same calming warmth and security. This special time also helps strengthen their bond with the baby, providing a wonderful way for them to feel more connected and involved. Skin-to-skin is a fantastic way for both parents to build a soothing, loving bond with their baby.
Gentle Motion
Gentle motion can work wonders for soothing an overtired baby. Simple actions like rocking, bouncing, or taking your little one for a stroller or car ride can be incredibly calming. Whether you’re gently rocking them in your arms, using a seat like the BabyBjörn (commissionable link), or strolling through the neighborhood, the consistent motion can help lull them into a more peaceful state. Even a car ride, with its gentle vibrations and steady rhythm, can be a quick fix for calming a fussy baby and getting them back to sleep!
Fresh Air
When it comes to calming an overtired baby, getting some fresh air can work wonders. A short walk outside can provide both a nice change of scenery and help reset their mood. The natural light from the sun also plays a crucial role in regulating their circadian rhythm, which is essential for good sleep patterns.
Just a little time outdoors can help your baby relax, recharge, and prepare for a restful nap or a good night’s sleep. So next time they’re feeling fussy, head outside. Even a few minutes with fresh air and sunlight can help turn everyone’s mood around.
Ideal Sleep Environment
Creating the perfect sleep environment can make a big difference for an overtired baby. Start by making the room dark and cozy with blackout curtains or shades to block out any light that might be disrupting their sleep. A dark space helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and rest.
Adding white noise with a sound machine, like the Hatch, can also be a game changer. The consistent, soothing sound helps drown out other household noises and creates a calming backdrop that mimics the sounds they heard in the womb. Paired together, a dark room and white noise can create a peaceful and inviting sleep environment, making it easier for your baby to fall asleep and get the restful sleep they need. Learn more helpful baby sleep tips here!
Warm Bath
A warm bath can be incredibly effective in calming an overtired baby. It offers comfort and relaxation while signaling to the baby's brain that it's time to wind down. The warm water helps to relax tight muscles and ease tension. Bath time is also a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond with their little ones, creating a soothing and loving environment before bedtime. Incorporating this ritual into your nighttime routine is not just about cleansing; it’s about providing comfort and connection. Our blog post, “5 Reasons to Give Your Baby a Bath Before Bed,” dives more into the benefits of bath time for your little one!
The 5 S’s
The 5 S’s are a set of techniques for calming an overtired baby, and they’re based on what helps mimic the soothing sensations of the womb. First, swaddle your baby snugly to provide a sense of security and warmth. Next, hold them on their side or stomach (but always place them on their back to sleep) to help them feel more comfortable and secure. Use a shushing sound to mimic the white noise they heard in the womb. Swing them gently, whether by rocking, bouncing, or using a swing, to replicate the same rhythmic motion they experienced in the womb. Finally, let them suck on a pacifier or their thumb to provide comfort and help them self-soothe. Combining these techniques can help settle a fussy baby and make those overtired moments a bit easier to handle. You can read about the 5 S’s in more depth here.
Try Multiple Techniques
If you find that one calming technique isn’t quite doing the job on its own, try mixing and matching a few methods to see which combination works best for your baby. For example, you might combine baby wearing with gentle rocking to provide both comfort and soothing motion. Pair skin-to-skin contact with white noise and a darkened room to create a relaxing environment. Or, use the 5 S’s in conjunction with creating an ideal sleep space to enhance their effectiveness.
A combination of these approaches could be exactly what you need to help settle and soothe your overtired baby. It’s all about experimenting and finding the right mix that works for you and your little one!
For more tips, explore our other blogs or follow us on Instagram at @choosejoynursing.
