Published by Actually Sleeping · Reviewed by Dr. Samantha Abrahamson, PharmD · Review policy · Updated 2026-11-10

Is it normal for my baby to sleep more or be fussy after vaccines?

Yes. The CDC lists fussiness and feeling tired among common mild reactions to some infant vaccines, and says mild reactions usually go away within a few days. A study of 2-month-olds found babies slept more in the 24 hours after their shots, especially when vaccinated in the afternoon. Let your baby sleep, offer feeds, and call the doctor if anything worries you.

A note on scope: this guide is general information about sleep. Dr. Sam is a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Pennsylvania-licensed pharmacist. Diagnosis and treatment decisions belong to your pediatrician.

What is common

The CDC lists soreness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, fussiness and feeling tired as possible reactions to the DTaP vaccine, which is part of the routine infant series. Rotavirus vaccine can cause irritability or mild, temporary diarrhea or vomiting. The CDC says these reactions are mostly minor and go away within a few days.

Babies often sleep more

A 2011 randomized trial in Pediatrics tracked the sleep of 70 babies, about 2 months old, for 24 hours before and after their first vaccines, using movement monitors on the ankle. Sleep increased in the 24 hours after vaccination, especially in babies vaccinated after 1:30 p.m. Babies whose temperature rose after the shots had larger increases in sleep.

So a sleepier-than-usual day or an early, long night after shots is common. It is not a reason to worry on its own.

A sleepy or fussy day after shots is normal and calls for comfort. If sleep was already hard before the shots, that is the part Actually Sleeping can fix.

Caring for your baby after shots

The CDC and MedlinePlus suggest:

Comfort. Hold and cuddle your baby. A soothing voice helps.
A cool, damp cloth on the injection site to ease redness, soreness or swelling.
Feeds and fluids more often. The CDC notes it is normal for some children to eat less in the 24 hours after vaccines.
Fever: the CDC suggests a lukewarm sponge bath. If your baby is very young, ask your pediatrician at the visit which temperature should prompt a call.
Pain relievers: ask your child’s doctor whether you can give a non-aspirin pain reliever, and follow the package directions or your provider’s instructions for your baby’s age and weight. Do not give aspirin.
Extra attention. The CDC advises paying extra attention to your child for a few days.

Sleep on the day of shots

Extra naps are fine. If your baby is young and normally fed on a schedule, keep offering feeds; ask your pediatrician if you’re unsure how long to let them go. A day or two of extra holding or feeding after shots is the right response, and it does not undo good sleep habits.

Families in a Actually Sleeping plan pause during a reaction like this and pick up the same plan once the baby is back to normal, with Dr. Sam confirming the restart in the daily 1:1 check-in. If sleep was already broken before the shots, or extra night feeds and holding linger long after your baby is well, that pattern is what Actually Sleeping fixes, with a plan written for your baby and bootcamp-style coaching before the first night. Night feeds stay in the plan until your pediatrician says otherwise. See also getting back on track after illness, and hear from families in our client video reviews.

When to call the doctor

MedlinePlus says to contact your child’s provider right away if your child:

Develops a high fever
Cannot be calmed
Becomes much less active than normal

The CDC notes rare, more serious reactions to DTaP, such as seizures, nonstop crying for 3 hours or more, or a fever over 105°F. After rotavirus vaccine, the CDC describes a small risk of a type of bowel blockage called intussusception, usually within a week of a dose; ask your pediatrician what signs to watch for. The CDC notes a very remote chance of a severe allergic reaction; seek emergency care right away if your baby has trouble breathing or you suspect one.

And the CDC’s simplest advice applies: if you see something that concerns you, call your child’s doctor.

If your baby has recovered from shots but sleep has not, book a free consultation with Actually Sleeping.

Want this fixed for your baby?

Actually Sleeping is 1:1 coaching: a sleep plan written for your baby by Dr. Sam, bootcamp-style coaching before the first night, and daily check-ins until it is working. 700+ families coached, 129 video reviews, and a written guarantee: 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days, or a full refund.

Book your free consultation → See what families say

Frequently asked

Should I wake my baby to feed after vaccines?

Extra sleep after shots is common. Keep offering feeds, and ask your pediatrician how long your baby can go between feeds, especially if they are very young. Call if your baby seems much less active than normal.

Can I give pain relief before vaccines to prevent fussiness?

Ask your child’s doctor. The CDC suggests asking whether you can give a non-aspirin pain reliever after shots. Dosing depends on your baby’s age and weight, so follow your provider’s or the label’s instructions.

How long does fussiness last after vaccines?

The CDC says mild reactions usually go away within a few days. Contact your child’s provider right away for a high fever, if your baby cannot be calmed, or if they are much less active than normal.