The Maison Elle guide to overtiredness and smoother settling
Overtired babies often look energetic rather than sleepy. Their bodies release stress hormones that make settling harder, naps shorter and nights more fragmented. Recognising the signs early can change the entire rhythm of the day.
The early signs your baby is getting tired
Softer movements, quieter engagement, turning the head away, rubbing eyes and losing interest in play. These signals appear before overtiredness sets in.
The signs your baby is overtired
Sudden bursts of energy, frantic crying, thrashing or arching, resisting the cot or crying immediately when placed down. These behaviours show the body is overstimulated.
Why overtiredness makes sleep harder
Once adrenaline and cortisol rise, your baby struggles to self-regulate. They may fall asleep briefly, then wake again, creating a cycle of short unsettled naps and more difficult evenings.
How to reset an overtired baby
Shorten the next wake window, move into a calm environment, reduce stimulation and use familiar sleep cues. Focus on one restorative nap rather than trying to fix the entire day at once.
How to prevent a baby from becoming overtired
Follow age-appropriate wake windows, use a consistent bedtime ritual and watch early cues closely. Predictability lowers stimulation and helps your baby settle with ease.
The Maison Elle perspective
Overtiredness is not a failure. It is simply a sign your baby’s rhythm needs adjusting. With calm cues, thoughtful timing and a predictable evening pattern, most babies return to longer, more restorative sleep quickly.
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