Colin Snow
It can be distressing to see your baby cry in their sleep, but it's important to know that it's usually entirely normal. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults and spend more time in light sleep, which means there are more chances for them to cry, grunt, or make other noises in their sleep. There are many reasons why your 14-month-old might be crying in their sleep, including hunger, teething, illness, sleep regression, separation anxiety, nightmares, or night terrors. It's recommended that you try to identify the cause of their distress and address it accordingly. Establishing a daily routine and a nighttime sleep routine can also help.
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What You'll Learn
Hunger
Babies also sleep differently from adults and children. They spend more time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, also known as light sleep, which is when they dream. They also sleep in shorter bursts, and their sleep patterns are different. They might cry out in their sleep as they transition from one sleep stage to another. They might settle back down on their own, but sometimes they wake up.
Babies also experience sleep regression, which is when they suddenly stop sleeping well after previously sleeping through the night. This can be caused by a change in their bedtime routine or by developmental and physical changes. For example, if a baby has consistently been put to bed with a bottle and wakes up to find it's not there anymore, they might start crying.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, it's important to try to keep the disturbance to a minimum and the atmosphere calm and peaceful. This will help them get used to the idea that nighttime is for sleeping.
If you're concerned about your baby's crying, you can always contact your doctor or health visitor.
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Teething
It is completely normal for babies to cry out in their sleep or wake up crying. Babies go through six stages of sleep each day, and crying out during sleep may be an indication that they are transitioning between stages.
- Drooling more than usual
- Sore, red, swollen and tender gums
- Irritability and fussiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Biting or chewing on objects
- Mild temperature increase
- Diarrhea
- Rash around the mouth
If your baby is teething, you can help soothe them by gently rubbing their sore gums with a clean finger, a cool spoon, a moist gauze pad, or a washcloth. You can also offer your baby a clean teether to chew on, but make sure it is made of solid rubber and not plastic or liquid-filled, as these can easily break. Teething gels and tablets are not recommended as they may contain harmful substances. If your baby is over six months old, you may be able to give them children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the pain, but check with their doctor first.
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Illness
Babies and toddlers crying in their sleep is a common occurrence and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your 14-month-old is crying in their sleep due to illness, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, crying is the primary way for babies to communicate their needs, so it could be an indication that they are sick or in pain. Common illnesses that can cause night-time crying include fever, vomiting, ear infections, congestion, and teething pain. If your toddler is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to provide comfort and seek medical advice if necessary.
Secondly, sleep regression, which is common around the 12-month mark, can be a factor. This is when toddlers suddenly stop sleeping well after previously sleeping through the night. It can be caused by various factors, such as changes in routine, travel, or developmental milestones. Sleep regression can lead to overtiredness, which in turn can result in uncontrollable crying and difficulty falling asleep.
Additionally, separation anxiety, which typically peaks between 15 and 18 months, can also cause night-time crying. This occurs when toddlers wake up alone in their bed and may cry or scream due to feeling separated from their caregivers.
To manage illness-related crying in your 14-month-old, here are some suggestions:
- Assess for illness: Look for signs of illness such as fever, vomiting, congestion, or other symptoms.
- Provide comfort: If your toddler is sick, offer comfort and care. Ensure they are well-hydrated and provide over-the-counter medication for mild symptoms like pain or fever.
- Seek medical advice: For more severe symptoms, such as persistent high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or signs of an ear infection, contact your paediatrician or seek medical care.
- Address sleep regression: If your toddler is going through sleep regression, work on establishing a consistent bedtime routine and ensuring they get adequate daytime sleep.
- Manage separation anxiety: Provide comfort objects like a stuffed animal or a lovey, which can help your toddler self-soothe and settle back to sleep.
- Minimize night-time disturbances: Keep the atmosphere calm and peaceful during night-time interactions to reinforce the association between night-time and sleep.
Remember, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your toddler's health or sleep patterns. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your child's specific needs.
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Sleep regression
At 14 months, sleep regression is often linked to significant developmental milestones and physical and cognitive growth spurts. Your toddler may be taking their first steps, walking independently, or even climbing, and they are also rapidly acquiring language and emotional skills. This increased mobility and exploration can lead to a heightened risk of falls and bumps, which can impact their sleep patterns. Additionally, their growing sense of independence and curiosity may result in bedtime resistance, as they test boundaries and assert their will.
Separation anxiety is another common factor contributing to sleep regression at this age. As your toddler becomes more mobile, their ability to move away from you increases, which can trigger a new wave of separation anxiety. They may become clingier as they get tired, and being put down in their bed can become distressing for them. Understanding object permanence can also lead to increased separation anxiety, making sleep challenging.
To manage the 14-month sleep regression, it is essential to provide ample opportunities for your toddler to practice walking and engaging in physical activities during the day. This helps reduce their need to explore these skills at night, minimizing nighttime disruptions. Ensuring a safe sleep environment is also crucial, such as adjusting the crib to the lowest setting and using appropriate sleepwear like a sleep sack.
Consistency and routine are vital in navigating sleep regression. Establishing a predictable and consistent bedtime routine provides a sense of security and stability for your toddler, making it easier for them to transition to sleep. Using a visual timer can help your child mentally prepare for bedtime and understand what to expect. Additionally, fostering healthy sleep habits and working on sleep training can support your toddler in getting the rest they need to facilitate their development.
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Separation anxiety
The timing of separation anxiety can vary among children. Some might experience it later, between 18 months and 2 and a half years of age, while others may never go through it. Certain life stresses can trigger feelings of anxiety about separation, such as a new childcare situation, a new sibling, moving to a new place, or tension at home.
To help your 14-month-old toddler with separation anxiety, you can try the following:
- Practice being apart from each other by gradually introducing new people and places.
- Invite a relative or new babysitter over in advance so your child can spend time with them while you're still present.
- If starting a new daycare or preschool, make a few visits together before your child attends full-time.
- Practice leaving your child with a caregiver for short periods to help them adjust to being away from you.
- Try not to leave your child when they're tired, hungry, or restless. Schedule departures for after naps and mealtimes if possible.
- Remember that this phase will pass as your child grows older and becomes more secure in your bond.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, it's important to know that crying in sleep is entirely normal for babies and toddlers. There are many reasons why your 14-month-old might be crying in their sleep, including hunger, teething, illness, sleep regression, separation anxiety, nightmares, or night terrors.
Night terrors occur when a child becomes agitated during deep sleep, while nightmares happen during light sleep or REM sleep. Children are more likely to cry from night terrors early in the night, and they may be screaming, breathing rapidly, sweating, and thrashing around. Night terrors are relatively rare and usually occur in children between 4 and 12 years old, but they have been reported in toddlers as young as 18 months.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, try leaving them for a moment or two to see if they can settle back into a restful sleep on their own. If the crying continues, try talking softly to them or rubbing their back or stomach. Breastfed babies may find comfort from nursing.
If you have been sleep training for a week or more and your baby is still crying, or if their sleep seems to be getting worse, stop the sleep training and speak to your pediatrician to identify the source of the problem.
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