Sleep for Alert Little Ones

What does 'temperament' mean?

Temperament refers to the innate characteristics of how we respond to and interact with the world around us. Unlike personality, which develops over time as our genetic disposition interacts with our experiences, temperament is biologically driven. It’s essentially our natural way of processing and reacting to internal and external stimuli. In simple terms, it’s our “detection and reaction system”—how sensitive and reactive we are to the world.

Several factors contribute to our temperament, including sensory thresholds, reactivity, attention, persistence, distractibility, physiological makeup, developmental capacity, social tendencies, and self-regulation. These all interact to form our temperament. Over time, this innate foundation is shaped by environmental factors, which in turn influence the development of our personality.

Theories on Temperament

Psychologists have explored temperament in various ways. In the 1970s, Thomas and Chess identified three general temperament types in infants: easy (generally happy and adaptable), difficult (intense reactions, irregular rhythms, often frustrated by new experiences), and slow to warm up (initially shy but gradually more comfortable with time).

More recently, theorists have moved away from labelling children as “easy” or “difficult,” as these terms can carry negative connotations. Instead, they focus on different children’s needs. One such theory is Thomas Boyce’s orchid vs. dandelion model. According to this theory, some children are more sensitive and reactive to their environment (orchids), while others are more resilient and adaptable (dandelions).

Orchid Children vs. Dandelion Children

• Orchid children are highly sensitive to stimuli and respond more intensely to both stress and joy. They are particularly vulnerable to negative environments—harsh caregiving can have a significant impact on them—but with the right, stable care, they can thrive. These children may require more attention and help to regulate their emotions.

• Dandelion children, on the other hand, are more resilient and robust. They are less affected by their environment and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. Parenting dandelions tends to be less high-maintenance, but of course, a stable and nurturing environment is still important.

What is an ‘alert temperament’?

An alert temperament is often found in children who exhibit traits similar to those of orchid children. These babies are typically more observant, aware, and reactive to stimuli.

Parents of alert infants often use terms like:

• "Doesn’t miss a thing."

• "Fear of missing out (FOMO)."

• "Hyperaware."

• "High needs."

• "Deeply feeling."

• "Highly sensitive."

• "Livewire."

• "Active."

• "Spirited."

• "Difficult."

• "Can’t be put down."

• "Not a self-soother."

For example, my firstborn was an alert baby—she was making eye contact and smiling at me by three weeks old, rolling over by seven weeks, and walking before nine months. Her intense enjoyment of social interaction motivated her to hit milestones early.

How does temperament affect sleep?

A child’s temperament can significantly impact their sleep patterns. While having an orchid or alert baby doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll struggle with sleep, it does increase the likelihood that they will require more support to fall asleep. As a sleep consultant, I frequently see this pattern.

Alert babies often have difficulty transitioning from the waking world to a sleep state. They may resist the moment of disconnect, which can make sleep more challenging for both the child and the parents. Additionally, these children are more sensitive to physical discomforts like teething, wrong fabric in pyjamas, or a mild cold, which can disrupt sleep.

Because alert babies are often very engaged and interactive, they can also struggle with separation and alone time. As they grow into toddlers and children, they may have a lot of energy and find it difficult to “feel sleepy” or slow down.

Improving Sleep for Alert Infants and Children

Parenting an alert child can be demanding and intense. These little ones are often mistakenly thought to have low sleep needs, but this is usually due to their ability to mask tiredness and resist sleep—not because they need less sleep.

To improve sleep, it's helpful to shift your perspective away from viewing your child as “difficult” or a “bad sleeper” and instead understand that they simply have different needs and ways of processing the world.

One key difference between alert babies and more easy-going ones is that alert babies need more support to disconnect from the world and transition to sleep. They may resist these efforts, and because of their heightened awareness, they’ll notice any inconsistencies.

While consistency is essential for every child, it’s especially important for alert babies. You may experience more resistance initially, but progress can be made with patience. When selecting a sleep intervention, it’s important to trust your instincts—choose something that feels right for both you and your child.

Harsh sleep training methods like “cry-it-out” or controlled crying are unlikely to work well with alert children and could lead to excessive resistance. A gradual, supportive approach is often necessary to manage their resistance while still providing the guidance they need.

Another often overlooked factor is the intensity of their energy throughout the day. Alert children tend to seek highly interactive and high-energy activities, but it’s crucial to balance this with some downtime and calmer play to avoid overstimulation. Too much excitement before bedtime can make it even harder for them to wind down.