Having a new baby at home comes with many challenges. Mastering breastfeeding, managing your own recovery, caring for other children, listening to all the advice from others, and learning about your baby. Some babies can adjust to life outside the womb more easily than others. Most babies are very sleepy for the first few weeks and can easily tune out distractions. They easily fall asleep when they’re tired. Others put up a good fight and will not give in to sleep easily. It’s around the 3rd or 4th week when the overtired baby catches many parents off guard.

Feeling Overwhelmed – You are not alone

It’s not unusual for parents to feel overwhelmed at this stage. The baby that had been falling asleep with very little effort is now requiring a lot of shushing, swaying, and rocking. By this time, parents are exhausted because of the lack of sleep, which has been going on for nearly a month. It takes a toll on new parents! If you are a new parent and are feeling this way, you are not alone!

Overtired Baby Sleepy Signs and Wake Windows

It’s time to start watching your baby for sleepy signs. Following age-appropriate wake windows is also very helpful starting now. A wake window or wake time is the amount of time a baby should be awake, from the time they get up from their last sleep to the next time they should be going to sleep. These suggested times, along with following sleepy signs, can make a big difference once your little one starts having trouble ignoring distractions. Below are the suggested wake windows or wake times for up to 4 months of age.

• 0-1 month: 30-60 minutes wake window
• 1 month: 1-hour wake window
• 2 months: 1.5 hours wake window
• 3 months: 1.5 hours wake window
• 4 months: 2 hours wake window

No wonder it’s such a challenge at a month of age! From the time your baby wakes, eats, diaper changes, and socializes, they have one hour! That’s a lot to fit in in such a short amount of time.

Get My Free Handout Today

To read more about sleepy signs, click on the link below to find my “7 Signs Your Baby is Overtired and How to Keep it From Happening in the Future” handout. Feel free to print a copy of it.

By following your baby’s sleepy signs (cues) and using the age-appropriate wake window for your overtired baby, you will have an easier time getting your little one to sleep.

If you feel overwhelmed and want help now, check out my NEWBORN SLEEP TIP SHEET WITH COACHING service.

Related Topics:

• The 5 Best Newborn Baby Sleep Environment Tips
• Laying the Groundwork for Newborn Healthy Sleep Habits
• How Much Sleep Does My Baby or Toddler Need?
• Getting Help from a Sleep Consultant and What to Expect
• Daylight Savings Time: Adjusting the Baby’s Sleep Schedule