We talk a lot about over-tiredness, but did you know that an under-tired baby can also have difficulties sleeping?

So let’s talk about how you can tell the difference.

• Over tired

Probably the more common of the two, an overtired baby will not be getting the sleep that they need. They stay awake for longer times according to their age than recommended, their sleep can be fragmented with short naps, false starts, frequent night wakes and/or early rising.

It can feel like they are actively fighting sleep and can appear almost hyperactive. They also wake up miserably and can struggle to regulate their appetite and emotions.

• Under tired

With an emphasis on avoiding an overtired baby, it’s possible to overcompensate and find yourself on the opposite end of the spectrum. An overtired baby may have shorter than average awake windows which can lead to a cycle of short yet frequent naps. They also seem to spend a lot of time in their cot happily playing or chatting. They can have extended wakeful periods overnight (split nights), or wake early to start the day.

In comparison to an overtired baby, an under-tired baby wakes up happy and will simply resist any attempts to resettle as they are simply not tired enough to go back to sleep. An under-tired baby may be getting the proper amount of sleep they need, but not necessarily at the right times. Often a few small tweaks can result in a more consistent routine.

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