How to put an overtired infant to sleep?

Question

My infant gets really cranky and overtired by evening, making it almost impossible to put her down. She just keeps fighting sleep. What are some effective strategies to put an overtired infant to sleep?

Shreya Ghoshal · Accepted Answer

It is so heartbreaking and exhausting when they scream and fight sleep, I used to feel like crying with my baby. Please don't blame yourself. Just hold them close, breathe deeply, and try to soothe them in a quiet, dark space.

Sameer Joshi · Answer

We went through this yesterday and it was chaotic. When they are overtired, cortisol spikes and they fight sleep. We had to take him to a completely dark room, play loud white noise, and just rock him patiently until he calmed down.

Rohan Kapoor · Answer

If this is happening very frequently and they are constantly screaming in pain, please ask your pediatrician during your next visit. They can guide you on sleep window timings to prevent overtiredness.

Anil Prasad · Answer

Just try to reduce all stimulation around them. Turn off the lights, swaddle them gently, and hold them close to comfort them. They will drift off soon.

Divya Nair · Answer

I used to panic thinking my baby had some major illness when she screamed like that. Then I realized she was just overtired. Calmly swaddling her and rocking her in a dark, quiet room always works once they calm down.

Pritha Sen · Answer

My baby is also starting to sleep less during the day. Does rocking them too much make them habitual, or is it okay to do it when they are very cranky?

How to put an overtired infant to sleep?

6 answers

Consult a pediatric cardiac surgeon

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