Evie Summers
It is common for babies to cry in their sleep, and there are many reasons why a one-year-old might wake up crying. Firstly, hunger is often the culprit, especially in newborns who feed every few hours. Additionally, teething pain can cause discomfort and wake a baby during the night. Sleep regression, which is common throughout a baby's first year, can also lead to crying spells. This can be triggered by changes in routine or developmental leaps. Separation anxiety, which typically peaks around 15 to 18 months, can also cause night wakings and crying. Other possible reasons include nightmares, night terrors, illness, or an uncomfortable sleep environment.
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What You'll Learn
They could be hungry
Hunger is a common reason for a one-year-old to cry in their sleep. Newborns and young babies have small stomachs and frequent feeding needs, often eating every hour or two. They are still adjusting to life outside the womb and are prone to growth spurts that make them extra hungry. During these growth spurts, they may wake up more often at night to feed and may request feedings urgently.
Young babies' bodies have not yet mastered the challenges of a regular sleep cycle, so it is normal for them to wake frequently or make strange sounds in their sleep. Crying is their primary form of communication, so they may cry in their sleep to signal that they are hungry.
If your one-year-old is crying in their sleep due to hunger, you can try offering a feeding to soothe them. Nursing or formula feeding can be comforting for young babies and help prepare them for sleep. Establishing a daily routine and a consistent bedtime routine can also help.
It is important to note that occasional crying during sleep is usually not a cause for alarm. However, if the crying persists or you suspect your baby is in pain or experiencing a medical issue, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
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They are having a nightmare or night terror
It is developmentally normal for babies to cry in their sleep. As they grow, they develop more ways to express themselves, and crying while asleep may be a sign that they are having a nightmare or night terror. Toddlers and older babies who cry while asleep, especially while moving in bed or making other sounds, may be having night terrors.
Nightmares occur during light sleep, or random eye movement sleep. A child who has had a nightmare might wake up, remember the nightmare, and feel upset. However, children with night terrors won't remember them in the morning and aren't aware of having had a bad dream or a fright. Night terrors occur when a child becomes very agitated during the deeper phases of sleep. Children are more likely to cry from night terrors early in the night. They might look like they're awake during night terrors—for example, their eyes might be open, or they might be crying, talking, or sitting up. However, they are still asleep, so they won't respond when someone tries to comfort them. Night terrors can be very alarming for parents, who might feel helpless when they can't comfort their child.
Night terrors are less common than nightmares, but they still affect about one in 20 children. They usually happen in children aged 2–4 years, but they can occur in children up to 12 years old. Most children outgrow night terrors by the time they reach puberty. Night terrors might seem scary, but they don't hurt children, and they aren't usually a cause for concern or a sign of a medical issue. If your child is having night terrors, it's best not to wake them, as this will only confuse and disorientate them. Instead, sit quietly near your child to ensure they don't hurt themselves, and wait patiently until they go back to sleep.
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They are in pain or discomfort
Crying is the primary way for babies to communicate their needs. If your one-year-old is crying in their sleep, it could be due to pain or discomfort. Here are some possible causes:
Teething
Teething can cause pain and discomfort, which can wake toddlers up at night. This process can begin as early as 3 to 4 months old and continue well into their second and third years. If your child is moving their hands or objects to their mouth and has red, swollen gums, they are likely experiencing teething pain. A gum massage or age-appropriate medication can help alleviate the discomfort.
Gas
A gassy tummy can cause significant pain and discomfort, leading to hysterical crying. If your baby is squirming, clenching their fists, or showing signs of flatulence, they may be suffering from gas. Bicycle kicks, gas drops, or medication recommended by a doctor can help relieve the symptoms.
Illness
Babies often rely on crying to communicate that they are unwell. If your baby is displaying symptoms such as mood changes, changes in appetite, fever, fussiness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or symptoms of an ear infection, they may be experiencing pain or discomfort due to illness. Mild illnesses can often be treated at home, but more severe symptoms warrant a call to the pediatrician.
Sleep Regression
Sleep regressions can occur at various developmental stages, including around the child's first birthday. This can lead to trouble with naps and nighttime sleep. Toddlers may also resist naps, resulting in overtiredness and increased crying. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and providing comfort can help your baby settle back to sleep.
If you suspect your one-year-old is crying in their sleep due to pain or discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention if the issue persists or if you are concerned about their well-being.
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They are experiencing separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a normal phase of development that usually kicks in around 6 to 10 months old, peaks at around 15 to 18 months old, and then can continue into toddlerhood, though often with less intensity. It is caused by a baby gaining a sense of object permanence, meaning that when you leave, they have no idea if or when you'll be back, causing them to get upset. This can lead to reluctance or refusal to go to school, sleepovers, or other activities where they are separated from their familiar environment.
Separation anxiety can manifest in different ways. Your 8-month-old might be fussier than usual and will only settle down for sleep if held. Your 12-month-old might cry at nap/bedtime when being laid down or as you leave the room. Your 18-month-old might start taking short naps or suddenly struggle to fall asleep at naptime. Your 2-year-old might wake in the middle of the night (when this wasn't an issue before). Your 3-year-old might start having new or frequent sleep struggles, like protesting at bedtime. Your 4-year-old might be hesitant around strangers or people they don't know well.
To help your toddler or older child manage separation anxiety, you can use some of the same strategies as for younger babies. Keeping your promises, practicing goodbyes at home, and creating a short and sweet goodbye ritual are all great ways to help your little one. Staying calm is also important. If you freak out when your baby starts crying when you leave, they will pick up on that. Instead, be calm and say something like, "It's okay, I'll see you later, bye-bye."
Consistency with your sleep approach provides safe and secure boundaries around sleep for your little one, even when you're seeing signs of separation anxiety. If bedtime and naps are always a struggle, consider seeking out a step-by-step plan to help your child sleep independently. Having intentional 1-on-1 time with your child, even if it's only 10-15 minutes, can also help your little one adjust to big transitions or changes.
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They are overtired
It is common for babies to cry in their sleep. Crying is the primary way for babies to communicate their needs, and it is often the only way for newborns and very young children to communicate. However, crying in sleep can also be a result of overtiredness.
Babies need a lot of sleep, and when they are overtired, they can find it challenging to fall and stay asleep. Toddlers need 12-14 hours of sleep per day, and this can include one or two naps per day, even into their second year of life. If a baby is awake for too long, they can quickly become overtired. For example, a one-year-old baby should only be awake for 60-120 minutes. If they are awake for three hours, they may become overtired.
Overtiredness triggers fatigue-fighting hormones, making it harder for babies to sleep. This can result in big tears just before falling asleep and crying between sleep cycles. If your baby is overtired, it is best to condense your bedtime routine and help them settle quickly. You can skip some steps in your usual routine or speed things up. If your baby is very upset, it is helpful to spend extra time soothing them. You can try rocking or bouncing them gently, reading to them, or singing lullabies.
If your baby is crying in their sleep due to overtiredness, you can try giving them a lovey or stuffed animal to sleep with. They may seek comfort in this and settle without fully waking up. It is also important to ensure that the room temperature is comfortable for sleeping babies, between 68°F and 72°F (20°C and 22°C). Dressing them in one extra layer than you are wearing is usually sufficient.
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Frequently asked questions
Occasional crying in sleep is entirely normal and nothing to worry about. Babies cry in their sleep for many reasons, including hunger, teething pain, nightmares, or separation anxiety.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, you can do a quick check of their sleep environment to see if anything is causing their discomfort. The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 68°F and 72°F, and they should be dressed in just one layer more than you are wearing. If your baby has recently been fed and their sleep environment seems comfortable, they may be crying because of teething pain, a nightmare, or separation anxiety.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, you can try comforting them by rocking or bouncing them gently. Breastfeeding mothers may find that bringing their baby to the breast can help soothe them back to sleep. You can also try giving your baby a lovey or stuffed animal to sleep with, which can help them settle on their own without fully waking up.
Occasional crying in sleep is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the crying is persistent or you suspect your baby is in pain or experiencing a medical issue, it's important to seek medical attention.
Creating a calm sleep environment and a consistent bedtime routine can help prevent your baby from crying in their sleep. A bedtime routine for older babies can include reading books or singing lullabies.
