Colin Snow
Watching your newborn fight sleep can be frustrating and demoralizing. You know they're tired, so why won't they just sleep? It's important to remember that you're not alone—many newborns struggle with sleep. They might arch their back, cry, fuss, squirm, kick, or protest in other ways. So, what can you do when your newborn fights sleep? First, you need to identify the cause. Common reasons include hunger, overstimulation, developmental changes, illness, and over-tiredness. Once you've ruled out these potential causes, you can try strategies such as swaddling, moving to a dark room, using a sound machine, adjusting your bedtime routine, or seeking expert advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hunger | Newborns have small stomachs and need to eat frequently. |
| Overstimulation | Noisy toys, loud music, exciting play, or a crying spell can be too much for newborns to handle. |
| Overtiredness | Newborns can get overtired quickly, which often results in fighting sleep. |
| Sleep regression | Setbacks in a baby's regular nighttime routine can crop up throughout the first year. |
| Developmental shifts | Learning to roll over or sit up can impact a baby's sleep. |
| Illness | Sleep can be harder for a newborn when they're sick. |
| Separation anxiety | Older babies may fight sleep due to not wanting their parents to leave. |
| Gassiness | Gassiness can cause a baby to struggle with sleep. |
| Teething | Teething pain can make it difficult for a baby to fall asleep. |
| Other forms of pain | Ear infections or a too-tight onesie can disrupt a baby's sleep. |
| Feeling too hot | A baby may fight sleep if they are feeling too hot. |
| Lack of routine | Establishing a bedtime routine can help newborns fall asleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Recognise sleep cues and temperament
Recognising sleep cues and understanding your newborn's temperament are crucial to helping them fall asleep. Here are some detailed tips to help your newborn establish a healthy sleep routine:
Firstly, it is important to recognise sleep cues and act on them promptly. Newborns can get overtired quickly, and missing their sleep window can lead to irritability and fussiness, making it harder for them to fall asleep. Signs that your baby is tired include yawning, rubbing their eyes, and fussing. Be mindful of their nap schedule and wake windows to prevent overtiredness. If your baby seems overtired, start your bedtime routine earlier, and if they seem undertired, adjust the bedtime accordingly.
Secondly, understand that your newborn's temperament plays a significant role in how they sleep. Some babies may fight sleep due to their personality traits. For example, they may be experiencing separation anxiety, which is common between 8 and 18 months. They may not want you to leave their side, resulting in a struggle to fall asleep. Overstimulation can also be a factor, especially in busy households with screens, noisy toys, or loud music. Try to create a calm environment before bedtime by avoiding stimulating activities at least an hour beforehand.
Additionally, developmental shifts, such as learning to roll over or sit up, can impact your newborn's sleep. These changes can be exciting for them but may disrupt their sleep patterns. Offer extra support and reassurance during these times to help them adjust.
Remember that every baby is unique, and it is essential to understand their individual needs. By recognising sleep cues and considering their temperament, you can help your newborn establish a healthy sleep routine and get the rest they need.
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Avoid overstimulation before sleep
It is common for newborns to fight sleep. One reason for this could be overstimulation. The world is a new, exciting, and busy place for newborns compared to the calm environment of the womb. As a result, it doesn't take much for them to become overstimulated.
To avoid overstimulation before sleep, it is recommended to avoid stimulating activities at least an hour before your newborn's bedtime. This includes bright lights, screens, beeping toys, loud music, and exciting play. Instead, opt for a calm and quiet environment. You can also try swaddling your newborn, moving to a dark room, and turning on a sound machine to help them relax.
Additionally, it is important to follow your newborn's sleep cues and wake windows to prevent overtiredness, which can also lead to fighting sleep. Newborns can get overtired quickly, and this can result in them fighting sleep due to sheer exhaustion. Look out for signs such as yawning, fussing, and rubbing their eyes, and adjust your bedtime routine accordingly.
If your newborn is overtired, it is okay to provide extra support to help them get the sleep they need. You can start your bedtime routine earlier, or if they are undertired, make bedtime slightly later. A consistent bedtime routine can help your newborn establish a healthy sleep schedule.
Remember, every baby is different, and it is normal for them to fight sleep sometimes. By paying attention to their sleep cues and creating a calm environment before sleep, you can help your newborn get the rest they need.
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Ensure they're not overtired
Ensuring that your newborn isn't overtired is crucial to preventing them from fighting sleep. Overtiredness in newborns can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and make it harder for them to fall and stay asleep.
Recognize Sleep Cues
It is important to recognize the signs that your baby is tired and ready for sleep. These sleep cues may include yawning, fussiness, crying, and a lower frustration or pain threshold. By responding to these cues promptly, you can help your baby fall asleep more easily.
Establish a Sleep Schedule
Creating a sleep schedule that aligns with your baby's natural sleep patterns can prevent overtiredness. Start by observing when your baby naturally falls asleep for naps and at night. Then, try to establish a consistent sleep routine by putting them down for naps and bedtime at similar times each day. This may involve adjusting the schedule if they don't settle easily or wake up sooner than expected.
Adjust Wake Windows
The time your baby spends awake between naps or bedtime is known as the "wake window." Finding the right balance for their age is crucial to preventing overtiredness. Wake windows that are too long can lead to overtiredness, while those that are too short might result in your baby not being tired enough for sleep. As your baby grows, adjust the wake windows accordingly to ensure they get the necessary daytime sleep without interfering with nighttime sleep.
Avoid Overstimulation
Overstimulation can contribute to your baby fighting sleep. Avoid stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime. This includes bright lights, screens, beeping toys, or a busy household that might be too much for your baby to process, making it challenging to settle down.
Offer Extra Support
Developmental changes, such as learning to roll over or sit up, can impact your baby's sleep. During these times, offer extra support and reassurance to help them adjust to these new milestones.
By implementing these strategies, you can help ensure that your newborn isn't overtired and improve their overall sleep patterns.
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Address any illness or pain
If your newborn is unwell, they may struggle to fall asleep. Illness can disrupt sleep patterns and make it harder for your baby to relax and drift off. If your newborn is sick, provide the support they need to get a good night's rest. Prioritise their safety and comfort.
If your newborn is fighting sleep, consider whether they are in any pain. For instance, teething can cause discomfort and pain in the gums, which may lead to your baby fighting sleep. Teething often begins around six months but can happen as early as four months. It can cause crankiness and crying, and your baby may struggle to settle.
Reflux is another common issue that can cause pain and discomfort. Reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus, causing pain and irritation. Many babies experience reflux to some degree, and it can lead to frequent spitting up, fussiness, and difficulty sleeping. If you suspect your baby is suffering from reflux, speak to your paediatrician for advice and treatment options.
Another potential cause of discomfort is gas. As your newborn's body is learning to eat and digest food, gas can build up and make it hard for them to relax. Burping during and after feedings and using a pacifier can help relieve gas and soothe your baby.
Food intolerances can also cause discomfort and pain. If your baby seems constantly fussy and difficult to settle, talk to your paediatrician. They may recommend eliminating certain foods from your diet if you're breastfeeding or suggest a different formula.
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Establish a sleep routine
It is important to establish a sleep routine for your newborn, and there are several steps you can take to do this. Firstly, make sure you are following your newborn's sleepy cues and wake windows to prevent overtiredness. Newborns can get overtired quickly, which often results in them fighting sleep. If your baby is overtired, you can start your bedtime routine earlier, and if they are undertired, make bedtime a little later.
Secondly, you should try to avoid stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime. Overstimulation can lead to your baby fighting sleep. Noisy toys, loud music, or exciting play can leave them feeling overwhelmed and unable to calm down.
Thirdly, make sure your baby is getting enough to eat during the day and before bed. Newborns have small stomachs and need to eat frequently. Sleepy or distracted eating can result in a hungry baby who fights sleep.
Finally, you can try swaddling your baby, moving to a dark room, and turning on a sound machine to help them fall asleep. Swaddling can make newborns feel calm and promote sleep, but make sure to do it safely by keeping the hips loose and the blanket not too tight.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be many reasons for your newborn to fight sleep. Here are some common ones:
- They are overtired.
- They are hungry.
- They are overstimulated.
- They are not tired enough.
Here are some ways to address the issue:
- Follow your newborn's sleepy cues and wake windows to find the sweet spot to prevent overtiredness.
- Start your bedtime routine a little earlier.
- Make sure your newborn is getting enough sleep during the day.
- If your newborn is overtired, it's okay to provide extra support to help them get the sleep they need.
Here are some ways to address the issue:
- Make sure your newborn is getting enough to eat during the day and before bed.
- If you're breastfeeding, try feeding more frequently and for shorter periods.
- Try feeding your newborn in a calm and relaxed environment to minimize distractions.
Here are some ways to address the issue:
- Avoid stimulating activities at least an hour before your newborn's bedtime.
- Move to a dark and quiet room.
- Try swaddling your newborn and turning on a sound machine.
