You’ve done all the things—fresh diaper, full feeding, the sweet lullaby you swear works 50% of the time—and your newborn is still wide-eyed, fussy, and fighting sleep like a tiny insomniac. Sound familiar?

If your baby seems to resist sleep at the exact moment they need it most, you’re not alone. Here’s why newborns often fight sleep—and what’s worked for us (and other tired parents) to help them settle gently and calmly.

First, Let’s Talk About Why Newborns Fight Sleep

Newborns aren’t great at regulating themselves yet. Everything is new—light, noise, temperature, even the feeling of a swaddle or diaper. Add to that some biological quirks, and you’ve got a recipe for overtired little ones who really need rest but don’t know how to get there. Babies can become overtired really quickly and from there it can snowball into a whole crying (for both of you) and fighting sleep situation. Once they’re in an overtired cycle, it can be really hard for them to get out of it on their own (hint, we don’t recommend having them try).

Some common reasons your newborn might be fighting sleep:

1. Over tiredness

It sounds backwards, but the more tired a newborn gets, the harder it is for them to fall asleep. They become wired, fussy, and overstimulated. Think of it like a ‘second wind’ when you suddenly get a burst of energy but not really the good kind? The same thing happens to them. Their bodies produce cortisol, a stress hormone, which causes them to have trouble regulating—> falling asleep and staying asleep, making the cycle worse.

Fix: Pay attention to their awake windows so you can help them to settle before they become overtired

2. Under-tiredness

If wake windows are too short, baby might just not be ready to sleep yet. This can also cause too much daytime sleep, which can cause them to wake more overnight and have trouble settling.

Fix: Keep a loose log of how long your baby is awake between naps. Newborn wake windows are usually short—around 45–90 minutes depending on age—but every baby is different.

3. They’re Hungry (or not full)

Sometimes a baby who seems tired is actually still hungry—or didn’t get a full feed. If they have short feeds, they may have short naps because they wake up for the rest of the feeding.

Fix: Try to ensure full feedings.. If they keep falling asleep mid-feed, consider a diaper change halfway through or a gentle burp to wake them enough to finish.

4. Too Much Stimulation

Newborns can’t filter out the world like we can. A bright room, loud toys, or even too much eye contact before sleep can make it hard to settle. Try to keep things calm, especially when they’re eating and sleeping, so that they can settle into what they’re doing without becoming overstimulated.

Fix: Create a simple, calm sleep environment—dim lights, white noise, minimal interaction during wind-down.

5. They Need Help Learning How to Fall Asleep

In the womb, they were rocked, held, and never alone. It’s normal for newborns to need help transitioning to sleep in the early weeks. We recommend rocking them to sleep for all sleep (and definitely if they’re overtired) to help them get into the routine. Once they’re STTN, then it’s a good time to work on self-soothing!

Fix: Swaddle (if baby is under the age limit and not rolling), rock, shush, hold, or use a pacifier if they take one. Over time, you can gradually reduce how much help they need.

Gentle Ways to Help Your Newborn Settle Calmly:

Create a simple routine

Even a short one: change diaper, swaddle, feed, rock/sing. Repetition helps babies feel safe and secure.

Use motion

Whether it’s a baby carrier, stroller, or your arms, motion mimics the womb and helps calm the nervous system.

Try contact naps

Sometimes the best way to get baby to rest (especially in those early weeks) is to let them nap on you. You’re not “spoiling” them. You’re nurturing.

Set the scene

Dark room, white noise, and a consistent place for sleep helps cue their little brain that it’s time to rest.

Be patient with yourself

It’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong, but the truth is, newborn sleep is messy. You’re learning each other. That’s part of the process.

Newborns fight sleep because they’re brand new to the world—and falling asleep is a skill they have to learn with your help. If your baby resists naps or bedtime, it’s not a failure. It’s a phase. One you’re absolutely capable of navigating.

Give it time. Give yourself grace. And when in doubt — snuggle, breathe, and remember that sleep will come. (Eventually. We promise.)

If you’re looking for gentle sleep help, we offer Online Programs that walk you through exactly how to support full feedings, follow an age-appropriate routine, and gently guide your baby or toddler towards better sleep — without ever using cry-it-out.