Helping Babies & Toddlers with High Sensory Needs Sleep Better

Does your baby or toddler have a hard time winding down for naps and bedtime? Does it sometimes seem like their little bodies and minds are running full-speed even when it’s time to relax? As a mom of two, I get it.

Did you know that most babies and toddlers have a natural sensory processing sensitivity that they outgrow around ages 3-5? This sensitivity can make it harder for them to settle down for sleep as their brains are rapidly developing and working hard to process new skills and milestones.

What is Sensory Processing Sensitivity?

Sensory processing sensitivity is common in infants and young toddlers. Their neurological and cognitive development is happening so fast that they can easily become overstimulated. Their frontal lobes, which help regulate emotions, are not fully developed yet (and won’t be for a while), so they express their feelings more openly and intensely. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Will My Child Outgrow Sensory Processing Sensitivity?

Yes, most infants and young toddlers naturally outgrow sensory sensitivity issues. In rare cases, sensitivity can relate to underlying conditions like ADHD or autism, but typically, it’s simply a phase of development.

How Can I Help My Baby or Toddler Process Sensory Input More Easily?

Babies and toddlers with sensory processing sensitivity need extra time to unwind and regulate. Here are some helpful strategies:

• Create a longer, calming bedtime or nap routine.

• Limit or reduce TV time.

• Increase natural sunlight and outdoor playtime.

• Slow down your day-to-day pace; start early to give your child time to adjust.

• Stick to a clean diet, reducing dyes and artificial additives.

• Include deep-pressure massages before bed.

• Try a bit of roughhousing before bedtime (great for toddlers!).

Easier Bedtime & Naptime Tips

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can make a big difference. Children with sensory sensitivity often struggle to wind down because their brains are still very active. Deep-pressure massages, extended bedtime routines, and even some pre-sleep roughhousing can help them get the sensory input they need to relax.

What Causes Overstimulation?

Infants and toddlers with sensory processing sensitivity may be sensitive to:

• Bright lights

• Loud noises

• Crowded places

• Being passed around from person to person

• Skipping naps or having overly long wake windows

• Overtiredness (which increases cortisol levels)

How to Prevent Overstimulation

There are several ways to help prevent overstimulation in a sensory-sensitive child:

• Stick closely to their wake windows.

• Give them time to adjust to new settings and activities.

• Avoid handing them around too much; let them stay close to a primary caregiver.

• Take them outside if they seem overwhelmed.

• Use deep-pressure hugs, especially for toddlers!

• Practice simple breathing exercises together (in a calm state).

• Use a light muslin cloth as a shield during outings if they need to nap or are feeling overstimulated.

• Include a longer, calming routine before naps and bedtime.

• Create a soothing ritual or song to help calm them when they feel overwhelmed.

Sleep Issues and Higher Sensory Needs

Babies and toddlers with higher sensory needs thrive on structure and consistency. A set schedule may feel restrictive, but children who are easily overwhelmed need this predictability to feel secure. If you’re a go-with-the-flow person, remember that meeting your child’s unique needs might mean adding more structure to your routine.

Sensitive children who feel stressed and overstimulated often struggle to wind down or let others help them settle. Preparing the right environment and routine can make sleep training smoother and more effective.

Use these tips as part of your sleep-learning journey, adjusting them as your child grows and changes.

Pro Tip

Since children with sensory processing sensitivity need extra emotional and physical support, consider adding more comforting methods, like frequent pick-ups and extended check-ins, into your sleep training. Emotional regulation is essential to your success! Taking breaks during early sleep training stages can be a powerful way to help them feel secure.

Need More Help?

If you’re still finding it tough to help your child wind down before bed or have tried these tips without success, you might benefit from a guided sleep training journey with me and my team. Set up a discovery call to learn more about our gentle, customized approach.

Until then, wishing you restful nights! ❤️

Selina Truax Creator and Head Sleep Coach