Why Do Babies Fight Sleep?

If you’ve ever wondered “why do babies fight sleep?” or found your newborn fighting sleep even when they seem tired, you’re not alone—and there are gentle ways to help.

Here’s what might be going on, and how you can support your baby’s sleep needs:

• They might be dealing with hunger, teething, separation anxiety, or simply feeling overtired—all common reasons why babies fight sleep.

• You may notice signs like fussing, short naps, frequent waking, or your baby protesting bedtime for 10 minutes before sleeping.

• Small changes like creating a calming bedtime routine, feeding on demand, and adjusting the sleep environment may help your baby stop fighting sleep.

• And if your baby refuses to sleep all of a sudden, they may be going through a sleep regression or developmental leap, which are both temporary and normal.

This guide covers why your baby might resist sleep and offers simple, reassuring strategies to help you both get more rest—no rigid schedules or guesswork required.

Why Do Babies Fight Sleep?

It’s common to wonder why your baby refuses to sleep, especially when your little one seems tired but still resists drifting off. Sleep is essential for your baby’s development, but that doesn’t mean it always comes easily. There are several reasons why your infant may be fighting sleep, and they often have to do with what’s going on in their little world—both physically and emotionally.

Whether it’s a temporary phase or a consistent pattern, understanding what’s behind it may help you support your little one as they settle into more restful sleep habits.

Separation Anxiety

Around 7 to 9 months, babies often start to experience separation anxiety, which means they may become upset when you leave the room, even just for bedtime. They’re beginning to understand that you exist even when you’re not in sight, and that realization can make saying goodnight more difficult.

You might notice your baby protesting bedtime for 10 minutes before sleeping, crying when placed in the crib, or reaching out for you even when they’re tired. This stage is part of healthy emotional development and usually eases with time. 

Developmental Leaps

Rapid growth and cognitive development—also known as developmental leaps—may temporarily disrupt sleep. If your newborn is fighting sleep, it may be because they’re mastering new skills like rolling, crawling, or babbling.

These changes stimulate their brain and body, making it harder to wind down. Even though these milestones are exciting, they may leave your baby refusing to sleep when they normally would.

Sleep Regressions

Sleep regressions are another common reason your baby refuses to sleep or suddenly starts waking up more often. These phases may happen around developmental milestones. The 4-month sleep regression is the most common time a baby may experience this and may throw off previously settled sleep habits. Your little one might seem extra fussy, fight naps, or have trouble falling asleep at night.

Sleep regressions are temporary and often resolve within a few weeks. Offering comfort, sticking to your usual bedtime routine, and staying consistent with your response may help ease the transition.

Hunger

“Why is my newborn fighting sleep?” Well, sometimes the answer is simply that they’re hungry. Especially in the early weeks, newborns need to feed frequently, including during the night. If your little one is waking up often or struggling to settle, a feeding might be what they need before relaxing into sleep.

Teething

Teething typically starts around 6 months but may begin as early as 4 months, and the discomfort may explain why your baby is fighting sleep more than usual. Swollen gums, drooling, and fussiness may all make it harder for your little one to settle, especially at night. Gently massaging the gums or offering a teething toy may help ease the discomfort, but if you’re unsure how to support your baby during this phase, consult your baby’s healthcare provider. 

Discomfort

Discomfort of any kind—from being too warm or too cold, to a wet diaper, or adjusting to their new world—could be the reason your baby refuses to sleep. Babies are sensitive to their environment, and even small changes may affect how they feel.

Pay attention to your little one’s cues and check for common issues. If nothing seems obvious, and sleep struggles continue, it’s a good idea to check in with your baby’s healthcare provider to rule out anything else.

For added comfort and protection through the night, you might also consider Pampers Swaddlers Overnights. These diapers are designed for up to 12 hours of overnight dryness, with soft materials and extra absorbency to help your little one sleep longer and more comfortably.

What Does a Baby Fighting Sleep Look Like?

When you're dealing with a newborn fighting sleep, the signs might not always be obvious. Your baby may not be able to communicate with words yet, but they may still show you they’re overtired—or struggling to fall asleep—through their behavior.

Here are some common clues that could help you understand what’s happening:

• Fussing, crying, or squirming when placed down for sleep 

• Rubbing their eyes, pulling their ears, or turning their head away 

• Your baby becomes more alert or “wired” as the day winds down 

• Clinginess or strong resistance to being put down.

These signs often appear when your baby is overstimulated, overtired, or experiencing changes in their routine—all common causes of an infant fighting sleep. Sometimes, babies show these behaviors even if they need sleep—they just can’t quite make the transition without your help. It may be frustrating, but it’s also completely normal.

How to Get Your Baby to Stop Fighting Sleep

If your newborn is fighting sleep, you’re not alone—and the good news is that several gentle strategies may help ease your little one into more restful sleep. The key is consistency, comfort, and tuning into their cues.

Track Patterns

In the first 3 to 4 months, your baby’s sleep, feeding, and waking patterns might feel unpredictable—and that’s normal. Newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb, and it takes time for them to learn day from night.

At this stage, babies aren’t developmentally ready for a strict schedule. Instead of trying to follow a rigid routine, it’s best to offer naps and feedings on demand. Keep things flexible and responsive to your baby’s cues.

Even though your baby isn’t ready for a set schedule, adding small, predictable moments may help lay the foundation for healthy habits. For example, singing a lullaby before naps can become a helpful sleep cue over time.

Feed Regularly

You can also help your baby stop fighting sleep by offering regular feedings—about every two to four hours—even if it means waking them gently. Tracking their sleep and feeding patterns may help you notice helpful rhythms as they emerge. And don’t forget to consult your baby’s healthcare provider regularly to ensure your little one is feeding well and growing steadily.

Ensure a Good Sleep Environment

A calming environment may make a big difference. Start by setting the scene:

• Swaddle your baby (until about 2 months or until they start rolling over)

• Keep the room between 68–72°F

• Dress them in one more layer than you’re wearing

• Change diapers with each feed, especially in the first few weeks. Try our Pampers Swaddlers Overnights as they offer soft materials and a wetness indicator to help keep your baby dry and comfortable, helping your baby sleep through the night.

• Let them nap on your chest occasionally (if you're fully awake and they’re under 4 months)

• Offer a pacifier or gentle rocking if they’re fussy.

These small changes may help your baby feel safe and cozy, which could reduce their resistance to bedtime.

Introduce Day and Night Cues

To help your baby begin to recognize the difference between sleep time and awake time, aim to expose them to natural daylight during the day. Keep things lively and bright when they’re awake, then switch to a darker, quieter setting in the evening.

A consistent bedtime routine, even a short one, may go a long way in helping your infant stop fighting sleep. Consider a warm bath, a gentle massage, or rocking in a dim room. These calming rituals help signal to your baby that it's time to wind down.

Ease Digestive Discomfort and Reflux

If your little one is fighting sleep after feeds, they may be dealing with reflux or gas. Try holding them upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding and burping them frequently. Feeding smaller amounts more often may also help.

If reflux or colic is suspected, talk to your baby’s healthcare provider. Reflux symptoms can sometimes mirror those of colic, so getting personalized guidance may make all the difference.

You can also explore the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers Sleep Assessment Tool to receive tailored sleep tips that align with your little one’s current needs.

The Bottom Line

If your baby is fighting sleep, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Newborns need time, comfort, and consistency to develop healthy sleep habits—and every baby’s journey looks a little different. Responding with patience and gentle routines can make a big difference.

Looking for more ways to support your parenting journey? Download the Pampers Rewards App to earn Pampers Cash towards money off future purchases and access helpful tools, and digital offers as you care for your little one every day.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}