It is really hard to understand why your baby, who has been up for 12 hrs, missed a nap and spent the day running around, does not want to sleep, but instead is acting like they just drank a 5 hr Energy. This is when you have missed your baby's "window" for a restful sleep. Now he has hit his second wind, which consists of extreme crankiness, hyperactivity, and he will be more difficult to console. Babies who are overtired do not settle easily and surprisingly that night baby will not make for those extra hour he lost. It is actually more likely that he will sleep LESS next day or two until he completely back on schedule.
The best way to help your baby get back on schedule as quickly as possible is when they wake up the next morning keep the wakeful period very short before the first nap. You may notice eye rubbing or yawning as soon as 45 mins after wake up and you should take that as a cue to start getting baby ready to return to dreamland.
It can be difficult to avoid an overtired baby, especially during the summer months, around holidays and while traveling. Allowing your baby to get one quality nap each day can really be beneficial. This nap should not be in the car or stroller and should be for at least 1 hour. You will find that the effort to sneak in these little periods of rest will be well worth it in the days to come.
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