Ashwin Lewis
Being a new parent is challenging, especially when your baby is fussy at night. Fussiness in newborns is incredibly common, and there are many reasons why your baby may be irritable. From the basic needs of hunger, a wet diaper, or being too hot or cold, to digestive issues like gas and reflux, or even illness—it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what your baby needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal behaviour | Yes |
| Reasons | Overtiredness, discomfort, digestive issues, illness, temperature, colic, separation anxiety, growth spurts, hunger, wet or soiled diaper, overstimulation, milk letdown, gas, sensitivity to light/sound, etc. |
| Solutions | Establish a bedtime routine, feed and change the baby before bed, check for signs of illness, ensure the room temperature is comfortable, rock the baby on their left side, reduce stimulation, massage, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Fussiness due to digestive issues
If your baby is experiencing digestive issues, this could be the reason for their fussiness at night. Fussiness due to digestive issues can manifest in various ways, such as constipation, acid reflux, or gas. Here are some tips to help soothe your baby's digestive issues and promote better sleep:
- Burp your baby: After feeding your baby, ensure you burp them to release any excess air they may have swallowed during feeding. This is an important part of their feeding routine and can help prevent gastrointestinal abnormalities.
- Rock your baby on their left side: Holding your baby upright and rocking them on their left side can help ease digestive or stomach pains. This position can provide relief and comfort, especially if your baby is experiencing acid reflux or constipation.
- Avoid laying your baby down right after eating: Try to wait for at least 30 minutes after feeding before putting your baby down to sleep or for tummy time. This can help reduce the risk of acid reflux.
- Provide fluids: Offer your baby water or juice (if they are above two months old) between feedings. This can help with digestion and hydration.
- Introduce solid foods gradually: If your baby is ready for solid foods, opt for baby food with fibrous ingredients. A gradual introduction of solid foods can aid in digestion and reduce the risk of constipation.
- Consult a healthcare professional: If you are concerned about your baby's digestive health or if their fussiness persists, don't hesitate to contact your paediatrician or healthcare provider. They can provide personalised advice and recommendations to address any underlying digestive issues.
It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and some may be more prone to digestion issues than others. By being attentive to your baby's needs and making adjustments to their feeding and sleeping routines, you can help soothe their discomfort and improve their sleep quality.
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Fussiness due to illness
If your baby is fussy at night, it could be a sign that they are unwell. Babies are more sensitive to temperature changes than adults, so it's important to ensure that your baby is dressed appropriately for sleep and that the room temperature is comfortable. Check on your baby regularly and adjust their clothing or the room temperature as needed.
If your baby is fussy and restless at night but not crying, it could be a sign of abdominal pain or gassiness. Gas can make your baby very uncomfortable, and they may feel fussy and squirmy as a result. If you suspect that your baby is experiencing digestive issues, try rocking them on their left side, which can provide relief.
Other signs of illness in babies include coughing, sneezing, fever, congestion, nasal discharge, and trouble eating or nursing. Keep an eye on your baby so you can pick up on any of these signs and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Fussiness in newborns can also be a sign of colic, which is characterised by prolonged and frequent crying. If your baby is crying for three hours or more, for three days a week, for three or more weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor for a thorough examination.
It's important to remember that newborns may also be fussy due to reasons such as hunger, a wet or soiled diaper, overstimulation, or overtiredness. Establishing a bedtime routine and ensuring that your baby gets enough sleep during the day can help prevent fussiness at night.
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Fussiness due to overstimulation
It is normal for newborns to fuss while sleeping. Fussiness in newborns can be due to various reasons, and one of them is overstimulation. Newborns have an underdeveloped nervous system, making them more sensitive to bright lights, sounds, and changes in their environment. For instance, the light of a TV in a dark room or the volume of the TV may cause the baby to cry.
To calm an overstimulated baby, it is essential to reduce stimulation. Take the baby to a quiet, dark room to limit stimulation and help them calm down. Turn down the lights and reduce noises. You can also try swaddling the baby to make it easier for their nervous system to calm down. The SNOO sleeper is a smart sleeper that offers a snug swaddle, continuous white noise, and rocking, all of which help soothe a fussy baby.
If your baby is very fussy, you might need to use more vigorous techniques to help them settle down and fall asleep. This includes rocking or swinging the baby with more vigor, or even doing a "Jell-O Head Jiggle" by swaddling the baby and cradling them in the classic breastfeeding hold, with the baby's head resting on your forearm, and then doing tiny jiggles.
Additionally, creating a flexible daily schedule can help prevent your baby from becoming overtired and overstimulated.
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Fussiness due to separation anxiety
It is normal for newborns to fuss while sleeping, and this fussiness can be due to various reasons such as hunger, a wet or soiled diaper, digestive issues, illness, or overstimulation. Establishing a bedtime routine and ensuring that the baby gets enough sleep during the day can help reduce fussiness at night.
Separation anxiety in babies typically begins when they develop a sense of "object permanence", which usually occurs between 4 and 9 months of age. Object permanence is the understanding that people and objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen. As babies become more aware of their surroundings, they realize how dependent they are on their caregivers, which can make them feel anxious and upset when separated from them.
Signs of separation anxiety in babies include increased clinginess, crying, and resistance to attention from others. It is important to remember that separation anxiety is a normal and healthy part of childhood development and is a sign of a strong bond between the child and their caregiver.
To help your baby deal with separation anxiety, you can:
- Foster secure attachment by spending time holding and cuddling them daily, and providing comfort when they are afraid or upset.
- Practice being apart from each other gradually, starting with short separations and slowly increasing the time apart.
- Introduce new people and places slowly, allowing your baby to get comfortable with them while you are still present.
- Create a goodbye ritual, such as a special handshake or providing a special toy or blanket to comfort them when you are not there.
- Provide comfort and reassurance during the day, which may help ease nighttime separations.
- Talk to your baby about what you are doing and when you will be back, so they know what to expect.
- Leave your baby with someone they know well and feel comfortable with, so they still feel safe and secure in your absence.
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Fussiness due to temperature discomfort
Newborns tend to fuss while sleeping due to a variety of reasons, one of which is temperature discomfort. Here are some insights and suggestions to address this issue:
Understanding Temperature Discomfort
Newborns can become fussy if they are too hot or too cold. Ensuring a comfortable temperature for your baby is crucial for safe sleep. It is recommended to dress your baby in clothing suitable for sleeping and to avoid overdressing by adding no more than one extra layer compared to what an adult would wear. It is also important to maintain a comfortable room temperature, which should feel cool but not too cold. Keep the crib away from direct sources of heat or cold, such as windows, drafts, and radiators.
Adjusting Temperature for Baby's Comfort
Understanding your baby's temperature preferences may take some time, and it's advisable to regularly check on your little one to ensure they are comfortable. If you find that your baby is fussing due to temperature discomfort, adjust their clothing or the room temperature accordingly. You may need to remove or add layers of clothing or use a room heater or air conditioner to regulate the temperature.
Addressing Overheating
Overheating can be particularly concerning for newborns and young infants. It is important to prevent your baby from getting too hot, as this can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Signs of overheating include sweating, restlessness, rapid breathing, and skin feeling hotter than usual. If you notice any of these signs, take steps to cool down your baby, such as removing layers of clothing or using a fan to circulate air.
Avoiding Over-Bundling
While it's important to keep your newborn warm, over-bundling them can lead to discomfort and fussiness. Avoid dressing your baby in excessive layers, especially when indoors or in a warm environment. Instead, opt for a comfortable sleeping outfit and a single additional layer if needed. This will help regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.
Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment
In addition to maintaining a comfortable temperature, creating a soothing sleep environment can help your newborn sleep better and reduce fussiness. Ensure the room is quiet and dark, as newborns are sensitive to light and sound. Use blackout curtains or shades to block out any external light sources, and minimize noise by keeping the room quiet or using white noise to create a calming atmosphere. Glowing night lights or soft music can also help create a peaceful sleep environment for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns fussing while sleeping is normal and can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Hunger
- Wet or soiled diaper
- Being too hot or cold
- Digestive issues
- Illness
- Overtiredness
- Overstimulation
- Gas
Here are some tips to soothe a fussy newborn:
- Feed and change your baby before bed.
- Rock your baby on their left side to help with digestive issues.
- Reduce stimulation by turning down the lights and reducing noises.
- Swaddle your baby to make it easier for their nervous system to calm.
- Wear your baby during the day to get things done while keeping them close.
- Take a walk to change the environment and provide the soothing rhythm of walking.
If your baby is crying for three hours or more, for three days a week, for three or more weeks, consult your doctor. Also, if your baby is crying at the same time every night for more than three hours, it could be a sign of colic.
