Colin Snow
Newborns fuss in their sleep for a variety of reasons, including hunger, discomfort due to gas or a wet diaper, overstimulation, or the need for comfort and closeness. Establishing a bedtime routine and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment can help soothe a fussy baby. It's important to understand their unique temperament and needs, as every baby is different. While it can be challenging, parents can try various techniques such as babywearing, creating a calm environment, and providing extra love and attention to comfort their fussy newborn.
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What You'll Learn
Hunger or a wet diaper
Newborns have small stomachs and are growing rapidly, so hunger can disrupt their sleep patterns, leading to frequent waking and shorter sleep cycles. Crying is a common way for newborns to communicate their hunger, and they may also display early hunger cues such as sucking on their lips or hands, smacking their lips, licking their lips, or opening and closing their mouths repeatedly. If you notice these signs, it is likely time for a feeding. Responding promptly to these cues can help prevent your baby from becoming overly hungry and fussy, making the feeding process smoother.
It is important to note that the context is crucial when interpreting a newborn's cues. For example, if your baby has recently eaten and is showing signs of fussiness, they are more likely to be tired or gassy than hungry. On the other hand, if it has been a while since their last feed, those same signs might indicate hunger. As you learn your baby's unique hunger cues over time, you will become an expert in their specific signals.
Additionally, it is worth considering that newborns might fuss in their sleep due to a wet or soiled diaper. Diapers with a wetness indicator can be useful in determining whether a diaper change is needed, as they typically have a line in the front that will change color when the diaper is no longer dry. While modern diapers are designed to be extra absorbent, any diaper can become wet or overfull, leaving your baby feeling uncomfortable. To prevent leaks and extend the time before a diaper change is needed, you can wrap an extra absorbing layer, such as a cotton cloth or towel, around the diaper.
To soothe a fussy baby, it is recommended to feed and change them before bed and incorporate these activities into your regular bedtime routine. By responding to your baby's early cues and establishing a consistent routine, you can help them develop the ability to self-soothe and eventually grow out of their nighttime fussiness.
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Overstimulation or discomfort
Newborns fuss in their sleep due to overstimulation or discomfort. Overstimulation can be caused by bright lights, sounds, and changes in their environment. For example, the light from a TV in a dark room or the volume of the TV can cause overstimulation. Similarly, phone notifications or light from the hallway can also be overstimulating for newborns.
To reduce overstimulation, it is recommended to turn down the lights, reduce noise, and swaddle the baby. This makes it easier for their nervous system to calm down. Walking with the baby or taking a drive around the block can also help calm them down.
Discomfort can be caused by indigestion, gas, or stomach cramps. A slower milk letdown can also cause fussiness, as the change in milk volume might upset the baby. Discomfort can also be caused by a wet diaper, being too hot or cold, or illness.
To reduce discomfort, it is recommended to feed and change the baby before bed, ensure the room temperature is comfortable, and check for signs of illness. It is also suggested to experiment with the mother's diet if the baby is breastfed, as the baby may be reacting to something in the breast milk.
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Sleep training and self-soothing
Sleep training a newborn is generally not recommended. However, you can help your newborn develop good sleep habits from the day you bring them home. Start by helping them learn the difference between day and night. During the day, keep them stimulated with playtime and conversation, and take them outside for some daylight. In the evenings, keep things quieter, dim the lights, and reduce stimulation to signal that it's time to wind down. After a few weeks, they'll start to get the hang of it.
You can also start a bedtime routine for your newborn. This doesn't have to be elaborate—you can start with a bath and end with a book or lullaby. Eventually, your baby will come to expect the routine and feel calmed by it.
Once your baby reaches the 3- or 4-month mark, their sleep-wake pattern will start to solidify into a somewhat predictable schedule. At this point, they'll be ready for a sleep schedule, as well as a feeding and general daily schedule. Most experts recommend holding off on sleep training until a baby is 4 to 6 months old. By this time, most babies are developmentally ready and old enough to learn how to self-soothe when they're going to sleep and when they wake up overnight.
The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own. If they wake up, they'll learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep. There are several sleep training methods developed by pediatricians and sleep experts. With some methods, babies can sleep on their own within a matter of days. For gentler methods that minimize crying, the process can take longer.
One such gentler method is to put your baby down when they're getting drowsy so that they get in the habit of falling asleep on their own. Then, when they wake up at night, they're more equipped to put themselves back to sleep without your help because they've practiced. It will take time for your baby to develop the ability to self-soothe, but they can't master the skill if they don't practice. As your baby gets older, wait just a minute or two before going to them, or poke your head into the room rather than picking them up.
Another method is the Cry It Out (CIO) sleep training method, in which parents take their baby through a bedtime routine, cuddle with them, give them a kiss goodnight, and then leave the room. If the baby cries, the parent does not respond. Eventually, the baby tires themselves out or self-soothes back to sleep. Many parents feel uncomfortable with this method as they worry it will elevate the baby's stress levels, cause trauma, and lead the child to think they can't rely on their parents.
A variation of the CIO method that may appeal to parents who are uncomfortable with it is to respond to the baby's cries for the first few nights, immediately returning to pat them and ensure they're calm before leaving the room again. After the first few nights, parents gradually increase the amount of time they let the baby cry before re-entering the room, eventually reaching a point where the baby self-soothes. However, some parents still feel this method can be traumatizing for the baby.
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Food sensitivities or gas
Food sensitivities and allergies can cause gas in newborns, which can make them fussy and uncomfortable. While true food allergies are less common and typically cause symptoms such as hives or wheezing, food sensitivities are unique to each child and can lead to gas and indigestion. For example, a mother's diet may include foods that cause gas in her breastfed baby, such as dairy products, onions, caffeine, or spicy foods.
Breastfed babies may also experience gas due to an oversupply of breast milk or breast engorgement, which can cause them to gulp milk quickly and take in excess air. This excess air can form gas bubbles in the intestines, leading to discomfort and fussiness. Similarly, when bottle-feeding, an incorrect bottle nipple size or flow rate can cause a baby to feed too quickly and swallow excess air.
Introducing solid foods too early, before the digestive tract has matured sufficiently, can also lead to gas and indigestion. This is why it is generally recommended to introduce solids gradually from around 6 months of age. However, it's important to note that even after this age, babies may still experience gas and digestive issues as their digestive systems adjust to new foods.
To identify food sensitivities, parents can try keeping a food log and observing their baby's body language and sounds to notice any patterns. If a particular food is suspected, it can be eliminated from the mother's diet or the baby's diet for a period of time to see if the gas and fussiness improve. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes and to ensure the baby is receiving adequate nutrition.
Additionally, there are several ways to relieve baby gas and prevent it in the long term. Burping a baby frequently during and after feedings can help release excess air and prevent gas buildup. Holding the baby in an upright position for at least 20-30 minutes after feeding can also reduce the risk of reflux and gas pains. In some cases, a change in formula or a trial of gas drops or probiotics may be recommended, but these should be discussed with a healthcare provider first.
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Temperature or environment
The temperature of a baby's environment is crucial to ensuring they sleep comfortably. The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be cool but comfortable, and the baby should be dressed in clothing meant for sleeping. It is recommended to use no more than one additional layer to what an adult would wear. It is important to ensure the crib or bassinet is away from windows, direct sunlight, drafts, and radiators.
A baby's nervous system is sensitive to changes in their environment, such as bright lights, sounds, and notifications from electronic devices. Reducing stimulation by turning down the lights, minimising noise, and swaddling the baby can help calm their nervous system and make it easier for them to fall asleep.
A change of environment can also be beneficial, such as taking the baby for a walk or a slow drive around the block. The rhythm of walking or the motion of a car ride can help soothe the baby. Additionally, it is important to ensure the baby is comfortable and not too hot or cold.
It is worth noting that newborns may also be fussy due to their sensitivity to new environments and feelings. They are introduced to new flavours, textures, and sensations daily, and some adjustments may be more challenging than others.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns fuss in their sleep for a variety of reasons. They could be hungry, have a wet diaper, or be experiencing digestive issues. They may also be too hot or cold, or the room could be too bright or noisy.
To calm a fussy newborn, first check if they need feeding or have a dirty diaper. Try reducing stimulation by turning down the lights, reducing noise, and swaddling your baby. You could also try wearing your baby, taking them for a walk, or giving them a massage.
Newborns may fuss and cry at night due to a phenomenon known as the "witching hour," which typically occurs during the first 3-4 months of a baby's life. During this time, newborns may be more prone to fussiness and crying due to factors such as tiredness, food sensitivities, or colic.
To help your newborn fall asleep and stay asleep, establish a bedtime routine that includes activities such as a bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. Ensure the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Additionally, try to get your baby used to falling asleep on their own in their crib by putting them down before they fall asleep, rather than holding them until they drift off.
