We all want our babies to sleep – but can you have too much of a good thing when it comes to baby sleep? We’ve written before about babies sleeping too much, but what if your baby suddenly starts sleeping more than usual? What if you’re seeing marathon naps, later-than-usual morning wake-up times, and/or finding that you need to bump up to an earlier bedtime?
This can make many parents worry.
So what’s behind this sudden onset of sleepiness? Why is your baby sleeping so much? We’re sharing 3 common reasons. Keep reading for details!
3 Reasons Your Baby Is Sleeping More Than Usual
If your baby suddenly starts seeming extra-sleepy, it’s likely that one of the following three reasons is to blame:
1. Your baby is extra sleepy due to a growth spurt.
Growth spurts are typically the number one reason a baby or toddler suddenly starts taking extra-long naps and sleeping later in the morning. This is especially true for newborns. Lots of parents find that in the first few months of their newborns’ lives, their babies go through a number of sleepy spells when they seem to sleep around the clock!
To learn more, read this article about growth spurts and sleep.
2. Your baby is super sleepy due to a bout of teething.
Teething – it’s high on the list of most parents’ least favorite things! So many clients have told us that just when it seems like sleep is going well, a new tooth begins to pop through. Bam – everything falls apart! Now, while it’s true that teething can lead to increased night waking and shortened naps, a particularly nasty bout of teething can work almost like a bad cold virus. This too can cause your baby to need more sleep than usual. Some parents find that their babies even run low-grade fevers and are especially mucus-y during teething too. All of these factors can make baby feel lousy and extra sleepy.
To learn more, read this article about teething and sleep.
3. Your baby is extra sleepy due to illness.
Similar to teething, illness often causes your baby to feel lousy and extra sleepy. Yes, she may also wake more than usual at night, and wake early from naps too. However, your little one will likely need more total sleep throughout the day when she’s sick. Her body will need lots of extra rest as it works to fight off the illness.
To learn more, read this article about how illness affects your baby’s sleep.
What To Do If Baby is Sleeping More Than Usual
1. Rule Out Medical Concerns!
While the three reasons listed above tend to be the most common causes of extra sleepiness, it’s important to rule out any medical concerns that could be causing lethargy and higher-than-average sleep. For instance, sleep apnea can affect children, and can cause a baby or toddler to seem extra-sleepy. If you have concerns about your child’s tiredness, please see your healthcare provider.
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2. Engage Your Baby While Awake
Are you concerned that because your baby is sleeping a lot they won’t learn enough new skills? Engage them! Consider more one-on-one playtime and educational toys. Here are a few top picks:
- Classic Bead Maze Play: Babies explore four looping wires with 18 beads and 3 rings that slide & spin, encouraging pushing, pulling, & grasping motions while on the floor, at a table, or in a high chair
- Premium Quality Kids Toys: Built with smooth wooden blocks & beads, soft-coated wires, & a secure suction base that holds it steady & keeps the beads in reach for safe exploration & sensory play
- Montessori-Inspired Learning Toy: Sliding & spinning actions strengthen fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving while introducing shapes, colors, and cause-and-effect learning through play
- Thoughtful Gifts for New Parents: When shopping for baby shower gifts, holiday gifts for babies, & elegant baby room decor, our delightful Montessori toys bring beauty & functionality to any nursery
- Wholesome Play for 35+ Years: Melissa & Doug inspires kid-powered play with its learning toys for kids, baby & toddler toys, puzzles, games, building toys & stuffed animals, dolls, & even a doll house
- 9-in-1 Wooden Activity Cube: A versatile activity center that combines 9 engaging features in one toy, including a xylophone, bead maze, shape sorter, mirror, spinning gears, and opening doors & windows. Each side offers a different play experience to keep toddlers entertained, curious, and screen-free.
- Promotes Early Learning & Development: Encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color and shape recognition, problem-solving, and cause-and-effect learning. The baby-safe mirror supports self-awareness, while interactive windows and doors build dexterity and language skills.
- Safe & Durable Construction: Made from premium solid wood with smooth, rounded edges and coated in non-toxic, water-based paint. Includes large choke-safe blocks and sturdy silicone bead maze pieces. Fully CPC and ASTM F963 certified to ensure the highest safety standards.
- Compact, Portable & Easy to Store: Perfectly sized to maximize play value without taking up extra space. Built-in storage keeps all blocks and accessories neatly organized, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry for travel, playdates, or family visits.
- Perfect First Birthday Gift: Comes in a beautifully designed, gift-ready box. Available in elegant Morandi tones or a vibrant rainbow option, it fits seamlessly into any home decor. An ideal present for birthdays, baby showers, or holidays—a lasting gift for 1-year-old boys and girls that combines fun with educational value.
- 【9 IN 1 EDUCATIONAL SET】 WOODMAM presents a 9 in 1 educational wooden toys set designed for babies aged 7-12 months. This comprehensive Montessori toys include 9 basic toys to support your baby's development
- 【MONTESSORI TOYS】 Our Montessori toys for 7-12 months focus on sensory development and learning. The set includes classic Montessori egg cup and mirror shape puzzle to engage and stimulate your baby's senses and develop their organization and motor skills. Our educational box is designed to stimulate imagination and creativity
- 【BABY'S SAFETY FIRST】 Crafted from natural wood and coated with non-toxic water paint, the smooth surface and rounded edges ensure child safety during playtime. Stacking cups are made of food-grade silicone, and the textures are soft and durable, ensuring safe and lasting fun for child
- 【PERFECT FOR BABIES 7-12 MONTHS】 Ideal for babies in their curious phase, this Montessori toy set provides opportunities for skill development in vision, sound, touch, and motor skills. Develop both the body and the brain starting around 7 months, and help your baby explore and grow with these educational toys
- 【GREAT GIFT FOR BABIES】 Whether it's a baby shower, birthday, or special occasion, our Montessori toys make a thoughtful and engaging gift for little ones. Watch as these sensory toys bring joy and learning to your baby's playtime
3. Nothing!
It’s possible you don’t have to do anything about your baby sleeping more than usual. Some children will need more sleep than the average compared to their peers. And, there’s nothing wrong with that! If your baby is happy, healthy, and thriving, there’s no need to wake your baby.
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