There are a few evident signs that can help you to identify and tell if the baby is overtired or under tired. Besides, we’ve collected ways to fix the issue as well!
Have you ever wondered how to tell if the baby is overtired or under tired? It can be tough to tell sometimes! In this post, we will discuss the signs of both types of fatigue in babies and how to deal with them. We will even provide a handy guide that you can print out and keep with you at all times! Keep reading for more information.
How to Tell If the Baby Is Overtired or Under Tired
Overtiredness in Babies
If your baby is fussing more than usual and doesn’t seem to be able to calm down, he or she might have overtiredness. Other signs that can indicate this issue are:
- Yawning frequently: Babies usually start yawning near the end of their second day when they are overtired.
- Eye rubbing: If your baby is rubbing their eyes, it might indicate that they need rest and are feeling sleepy.
- Fussiness and crankiness: If your baby has been relatively content up until now but all of a sudden starts to fuss more, he/she might be overtired.
- Reduced activity: Overtired Babies might not be as active as they usually are.
- Inability to sleep: Overtired babies often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
Reasons For Babies Getting Overtired
1. Sleep
One of the most common reasons babies get overtired is because they’re not getting enough sleep. Newborns need about 16-17 hours of sleep a day, and by six months old, they need 14-15 hours per day. If your baby isn’t napping well or sleeping through the night, they may overtire themselves.
2. Irregular Schedule
Another reason for babies to feel overtiring or restless is that they are not on a regular schedule. Having a consistent bedtime routine will help the baby wind down and be ready for sleep. If the baby is napping at different times throughout the day, they may have a hard time settling down at night.
Cure
If your baby is overtired, the best cure is a good nap. Try to put your baby down for a nap as soon as possible after they start showing signs of excess fatigue. Be sure to keep an eye on your baby’s sleep schedule so you can schedule naps and bedtime appropriately.
If your baby is tired, try to find ways to help them stay awake a little longer. This may mean playing with them more or keeping them up for an extra half-hour before their next nap. Either way, be sure to pay attention to your baby’s cues so you can tell if they are overtired or under tired.
Undertiredness in Babies
On the other hand, if your baby is under tired then they may show the below signs:
- Seem fussy or grumpy: Under tired babies may cry more than usual or be fussy and hard to please.
- Be hyperactive: If your baby seems unusually active, they may be trying to get tired.
- Have trouble sleeping: Your child will have trouble sleeping when their day was not tiring enough as per their age. They may as well wake up frequently during the night.
- Be difficult to wake up: Your baby will resist when you try to wake them up or they would just seem lethargic.
- Cry more than usual: Babies who are under tired may cry more than usual, especially during the day.
- Have trouble breastfeeding: Such kids will not take interest in and may have difficulty latching on.
- Sleepless than usual: Your child’s sleep duration also tells a lot about their tiredness level. If they sleep for short periods, it signifies that they aren’t tired enough.
Reasons For Babies Getting Under Tired
Some babies might even miss becoming tired if they’re not getting enough stimulation throughout the day. If the baby is always in the same environment (like in a swing or car seat), they may start to sleep more. This is because they’re not getting the mental stimulation they need to stay awake. To avoid this, make sure to vary your baby’s environment often. Take them for walks outside, put them in their bouncy seat or play with them on their activity mat.
Cure
It is often said that the best cure for being under-tired is to get some sleep. You can follow the below tricks to put your baby down to sleep:
Create a Relaxing Atmosphere in the Nursery
- Temperature: Maintain a cool temperature in the room – not too hot, nor too cold. Your child should feel fine in temperatures ranging from 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Darker Room: In a gloomy room, both adults and newborns sleep better. To help your infant sleep, dim the lights or place a darkening screen over the bedroom window.
- White Noise Machine: Because your baby sleeps and naps when everyone else is still awake, a white noise device enables to block out the commotion from the rest of the space and the street.
Swaddle Your Child
If you just had a baby, they are most likely missing the comfortable sense of security of being inside mommy’s womb.
Swaddling them snuggly makes them feel protected, comforts them, and reduces their startle reaction.
Put Your Sleepy Baby Down
It feels so lovely to rock your little one till they fall asleep! However, for the healthiest sleep habits, do not place them in their crib while they are sound asleep.
Instead, when they’re tired, put them in their crib and let them sleep better there. This teaches your baby to sleep on their own, which will help them learn to sleep again if they wake up at night.
Maintain A Bedtime Routine
Maintaining a bedtime routine will teach your infant understand when it’s time to sleep. Choose whatever activities to include in your sleepy time routine and perform them in the same sequence each time every day.
These are just a few things you can do to help improve your energy levels if your baby is having under tiredness. Remember to listen to your body and get as much sleep as possible. If you are still feeling exhausted, talk to your doctor.
Your child’s sleep routine should be tailored to your family’s needs, but here are a few suggestions:
- Taking a shower
- Reading a book
- Narrating a tale
- Cuddling
- A goodnight kiss
How Much Sleep Does A Baby Need?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Depending on the age of your baby, they will likely need anywhere from 14 to 17 hours of sleep in 24 hours. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every baby is different and some may need more or less sleep than others.
Irrespective of whether the baby is overtired or under tired, if you’re wondering how much sleep your baby needs, there are a few things you can do to help figure it out. One way is to keep track of how long they sleep each day and see if their total sleep time falls within the recommended range. Another thing you can do is watch for signs that your baby is having tiredness.
The Final Takeaway
In conclusion, it is important to know the signs of both overtiredness and under tiredness to ensure that your baby is getting the appropriate amount of sleep. By being aware of these symptoms, you can help your baby get the rest they need and avoid any potential health problems. Besides, it will help you in learning how to tell if the baby is overtired or under tired.
If you think that your baby is having overtiredness, try adjusting their nap schedule or bedtime routine and see if that makes a difference. If your baby is still struggling to get enough sleep, it may be time to consult with your pediatrician.
Undertiredness can also be a problem, so make sure you are keeping an eye on your baby’s cues and responding accordingly. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your baby gets the right amount of sleep for their age and stage.
