Why Your Newborn Fights Sleep — and What You Can Do About It

You’ve rocked, bounced, fed, and shushed — and still, your baby’s eyes pop open the moment you think they’re asleep. Sound familiar?

Many parents expect newborns to drift off easily when tired, but instead, they

’re met with crying, wriggling, or a baby who seems wired despite being clearly overtired. It’s confusing, exhausting, and often leads to questions like:

“Why is my newborn fighting sleep — and how do I fix it?”

Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on — and how to help your little one settle more peacefully.

😴 First Things First: It’s Not “Bad Behavior”

Let’s clear this up right away: your baby isn’t being difficult, stubborn, or manipulative. Newborns simply don’t have the brain development or regulation skills to “fight sleep” on purpose.

What we call fighting sleep is usually a sign of:

• Over tiredness

• Overstimulation

• Discomfort (gas, hunger, temperature, etc.)

• Or simply a baby still learning how to transition from awake to asleep

Newborns need help winding down — and it’s normal for that process to take time and support.

🌀 Why It Happens

Here are the most common reasons newborns seem to fight sleep:

1. They’re Overtired

When babies stay awake too long, stress hormones like cortisol kick in — making it harder for them to fall and stay asleep. This often leads to fussiness, short naps, and bedtime battles.

2. They’re Under-Tired

Yes — this can happen too! If your baby just had a nap or didn’t burn off enough energy during awake time, they might resist sleep because they’re not quite ready.

3. They’re Uncomfortable

Gas, a wet nappy, hunger, or being too hot/cold can all make it hard to settle. Newborns are sensitive, and even small things can impact sleep.

4. They’re Overstimulated

Too much noise, bright lights, or even too much play can overwhelm a baby’s nervous system. When that happens, sleep becomes much harder to come by.

🛠️ What You Can Do to Help

While you can’t “train” a newborn to sleep on demand, you can gently support their natural rhythms and help reduce sleep resistance:

✔️ Follow Wake Windows

Aim for age-appropriate wake times (usually 45–90 minutes for a newborn) to avoid overtiredness. Watch for sleepy cues like zoning out, rubbing eyes, or fussing.

✔️ Create a Simple Routine

A short pre-sleep routine — feed, nappy change, cuddle, dim lights — helps your baby recognize it’s time to wind down.

✔️ Use Movement and Contact

Newborns often settle best in your arms, a baby carrier, or a gently rocking bassinet. Don’t worry — holding your baby to sleep in the early weeks is not creating bad habits. It’s providing comfort and security.

✔️ Watch for Sleepy Cues, Not the Clock

Your baby’s tired signs are more accurate than the clock. Responding early can help you catch the perfect sleep window before they become overtired.

❤️ The Bottom Line

If your newborn seems to fight sleep, know this: you’re not doing anything wrong, and neither are they. It’s part of the normal adjustment to life outside the womb — and it won’t last forever.

Offer closeness, patience, and support. Over time, your baby will begin to settle more easily, and sleep will become less of a battle.

You’re doing beautifully — even on the days when sleep feels far away.