Four ways to beat holiday overstimulation with a tired baby
The holidays are fast approaching, and like many parents, you may be worried your babe will regress over the holidays and forget their sleep routine. If this sounds like you, don’t worry too much! In addition to reminding you about the 80/20 rule, we’re going to give you some solid tips and tricks on how to not only survive, but thrive, during the holidays.
First of all, with the holidays approaching, your little one is probably going to get into the dreaded no-no place: overtiredness. We know this is inevitable during the height of the holidays simply because your little one will be bombarded with a TON of activities like constant family and friend visits. There is much room for overstimulation and in turn, overtiredness.
What can we do to mitigate these two holiday danger zones?
First of all, here’s how you can identify when your baby is overtired or overstimulated.
Overtiredness:
Fussiness and crying
Difficult to soothing
Yawning
Overactivity – be careful, as this may be interpreted as ready to play, not ready to sleep!
Overstimulation:
crying, usually louder than usual
withdrawing from your touch or turning their head away from you
wanting to be held
wanting to nurse more frequently
being very fussy or irritable
clenching their fists or waving their arms and legs
acting scared
having temper tantrums
moving in a frantic or jerky way
acting very tired
engaging in self-soothing measures, such as sucking on hands or fists
When you find yourself with a fussy baby who is having trouble sleeping, most likely from being overtired or overstimulated, here are some stimulating and sleep promoting activities that will relax you both!
Infant/Toddler Massage
Create a calm atmosphere. If possible, do the massage in a warm, quiet place — indoors or outdoors. Remove your jewelry. Sit comfortably on the floor or a bed, or stand in front of the changing table, and position your baby on a blanket or towel in front of you. Place your baby on their back so that you can maintain eye contact. As you undress your baby, tell them it's massage time.
Control your touch. When you first start massaging your baby, use a gentle touch. Avoid tickling your baby, however, which might irritate them. As your baby grows, use a firmer touch.
Slowly stroke and knead each part of your baby's body. You might start by placing your baby on their stomach and spending one minute each rubbing different areas, including your baby's head, neck, shoulders, upper back, waist, thighs, feet and hands. Next, place your baby on their back and spend one minute each extending and flexing your baby's arms and legs, and then both legs at the same time. Finally, with your baby either on his or her back or stomach, repeat the rubbing motions for another five minutes.
Stay relaxed. Talk to your baby throughout the massage. You might sing or tell a story. Try repeating your baby's name and the word "relax" as you help him or her release tension.
Watch how your baby responds. If your baby jiggles his or her arms and seems happy, he or she is likely enjoying the massage and you can continue.
Warm Bath
While a bath alone in the sink may work, the best idea is to stand under the shower or get into a warm bath tub with your baby. Dim lights, soft music (or white noise), and your heartbeat may help calm your baby.
Reducing environmental stimuli
I am giving you permission to end a visit early or make the choice to skip a function if you need to so you can prevent or reduce the amount of stimulation experienced by your baby. Don’t be afraid to do what is best for your family.
Trying to stay calm yourself
And finally, as you may already know, it is very hard to deescalate an infant or toddler with an adult that is also stressed and overstimulated. Please, if you find yourself overwhelmed, place your baby in their crib and give yourself an appropriate amount of time to reset. Even five minutes of mindfulness and conscious breathwork can be all that you need to reset your own overstimulation. Then, you can help your little one.
There is a lot of stress during the festive season, so let your baby’s sleep not be one of them!
Remember the 80/20 rule and give yourself a little grace.
Related Articles:
How to prioritize sleep over the holidays
Are you overlooking these sleep cues?
Surviving the holidays without sacrificing sleep