Mom tries to put her ‘FOMO baby’ to sleep—but his reaction is next level

Babies fighting sleep is nothing new—but a recent viral TikTok has every mom out there saying same. The video, which has racked up 3.4 million views in just two days, shows a baby in a baby-wearer who pops their head up every time mom tries to bring them to her chest. The caption says it all: “He was not missing a second of our play date!”

And judging by the comments, moms are feeling this one on a deep level:

• “My FOMO baby turned into a FOMO toddler and I just want her to NAP!!! 😭🤣” — @Bly Wntrs (3.2K likes)
• “Awww you got one of the special edition spring-loaded babies 🥰” — @rcal90 (11.7K likes)

“Head pops up ‘I thought I heard fun… Is that fun I’m hearing???’ 🤣🤣” — @Hello Darling Ash (564 likes)

Related: The science of sleep: 10 ways to build a better bedtime

Why do babies fight sleep?

If you’ve ever wondered why your baby seems to have a radar for fun—even when they’re clearly exhausted—you’re not alone. According to paediatric sleep experts, babies experience FOMO (fear of missing out) because they’re naturally curious and wired to soak up everything happening around them.

Dr. Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, explains that babies are born with an immature nervous system, which means they can struggle to wind down, especially when there’s a lot of stimulation. The more activity and noise, the harder it is for them to shut it off and sleep—even when they desperately need to.

Related: Sleep like a baby: Your expert guide to 12 months of rest

How to help a FOMO baby sleep

If you’re dealing with a FOMO baby, you’re not alone. Here’s what sleep experts recommend:

• Create a consistent bedtime routine. Familiar patterns help signal to your baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep.
• Use white noise. It mimics the comforting sounds of the womb and helps block out external distractions.
• Dim the lights early. Lowering the lights in the evening helps trigger melatonin production, which tells your baby’s body it’s time to sleep.
• Keep calm and keep trying. A FOMO baby might fight you at first—but consistency is key.

And if all else fails?

Take comfort in the fact that this stage won’t last forever. (Though let’s be real—that’s probably not much comfort when you’ve been up for the fifth time in an hour.) For now, just know you’re not alone— and yes, the play date will still be there tomorrow.

Related: 10 products the mamas of Motherly swear by to help baby sleep