Overstimulation: For Babies And Children

Many parents worry about whether they’re giving their children enough experiences. But children need downtime too. It’s all about finding a balance that’s right for your child.

What is overstimulation?

Overstimulation happens when a child is swamped by more experiences, sensations, noise and activity than she can cope with.
For example, a newborn baby might get very unsettled after a party where he’s been cuddled by lots of grown-ups. A preschooler might have a tantrum after a big event like a birthday party. A school-age child might be cranky if he goes to school, then after-school care and then a swimming lesson.

Overstimulated children get tired and can feel overwhelmed. When this happens, they need quiet time and a familiar, calm environment. 

Signs of overstimulation

Overstimulated newborns and babies might be cranky or tired, which might make them cry more. They might also seem upset or turn their heads away from you. Your baby’s movements might become jerky, and she might clench her fists, wave her arms or kick.

Young children who are overstimulated get cranky and upset too. Your child might seem very tired and be hard to manage. He might tell you that he doesn’t want to go to a particular activity anymore. It’s worth listening carefully to find out what it is about that particular activity that he doesn’t like.
Behaviour problems can also crop up as children get overstimulated. They might not want to do the things they’re normally happy to do.

Balancing fun time and quiet time

From birth through to preschool age, children’s brains grow very fast, so children need lots of learning opportunities. They’re constantly learning, taking in all the wonderful experiences the world has to offer.
This doesn’t mean you need to spend all day every day dangling toys in front of your baby, or that you have to rush your child from school to extracurricular activities. Babies and young children also need quiet time in a predictable and familiar setting.

Your child will benefit from quietly entertaining herself, exploring her environment in her own way and at her own pace. This time lets your child learn how to occupy herself, work out when she needs quiet time and find things to do in that time to make herself feel better. 

Handling overstimulation

By watching your baby or child you’ll learn the different signals that your child uses to show that he’s overstimulated.

BabiesWhen you see that your baby is overwhelmed, take her somewhere quiet where she can calm down – for example, her cot. If you’re out with your baby, you can put her in the pram and cover it with a light blanket.
Wrapping newborns and babies can help them calm down because it reduces physical sensations. Likewise, some babies find it soothing to be carried by parents, tied onto your body in a sling or something similar, as you go about your everyday tasks.