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Baby Sleep

My very high-energy baby won't wind down in the evening and moves all night - how do I calm her?

For energetic babies, the community recommends draining their energy through outdoor time, walks/strollers and active play (playpen, walker, play gym), keeping a calm bedtime routine, and accepting that lots of movement in sleep is normal.

💡Quick Answer

  • Drain energy with outdoor time, walks/strollers and active play
  • Use a playpen, wide-base walker or play gym to tire them out
  • Get sunlight, ideally twice a day, even on a balcony
  • Keep vigorous activity away from the last hour before bed
  • Follow with a calming routine: bath, massage, lullabies
  • Lots of movement during sleep is normal - secure the bed against falls

🤔What Parents Worry About

Parents of unusually energetic babies feel overwhelmed when their little one ramps up in the evening and seems impossible to calm, and they worry about constant movement in sleep. The community reassures them that this is a temperament many have lived through, and that the answer is channeling that energy - long stroller walks, outdoor time, playpens, walkers and play gyms - followed by a calming wind-down routine. They also normalize the all-night wriggling, suggesting simple safety measures like positioning the bed against a wall rather than trying to stop the movement.

Community Answers from Moms(7)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

  1. 1

    Take her for 45-minute stroller walks - being outside really helps; get a mat and playpen if she keeps falling, and give her random safe kitchen items to entertain her.

  2. 2

    Buy a playpen and let her play till she tires; someone can sit inside with her.

  3. 3

    Put her on a walker with a wide base to channel her energy - she'll enjoy reaching things herself.

  4. 4

    Try outdoor time twice a day (even just the balcony) for sunlight, set a bedtime routine, and watch wake windows; a play gym helps drain energy so she sleeps longer.

  5. 5

    An evening walk is good but can be overstimulating close to bedtime - follow it with a calming routine like a warm bath, gentle massage and soft lullabies.

  6. 6

    Movement helps an active baby settle - sway him in your arms, walk with him, or move him around the house in a stroller.

  7. 7

    It's normal for babies to move, roll and shift positions all night; if worried about falling, put one side of the bed against the wall.

About These Answers

The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.

Last reviewed: June 17, 2026

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My very high-energy baby won't wind down in the evening and moves all night - how do I calm her? | Real Mom Answers | Mom Insider