Ashwin Lewis
It is not uncommon for babies to cry in their sleep. Crying is a baby's primary mode of communication, and it could be their way of letting you know that they need something. There are several reasons why your baby may be crying in their sleep, including hunger, teething pain, discomfort, temperature, or a dirty nappy. It could also be due to the baby transitioning between sleep cycles or experiencing nightmares. If you are unable to identify the cause of your baby's crying, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician for advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal | Crying during sleep is a very normal thing that many babies do |
| Reasons | Hunger, discomfort, temperature, dirty nappy, teething, illness, separation anxiety, emotional distress, nightmares, night terrors, sleep regression, overstimulation, over-tiredness |
| Solutions | Swaddling, sleep sacks, checking room temperature, exposing baby to natural daylight, establishing a routine, talking calmly, rubbing back or stomach, nursing, offering extra soothing, attempting to console, reducing overstimulation, reducing over-tiredness |
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What You'll Learn
- Babies often cry in their sleep when they are hungry
- Crying can be caused by discomfort due to food sensitivities or teething pain
- Nightmares are a common cause of sleep crying in older babies
- Babies may cry due to separation anxiety or emotional distress
- Sleep regression around a child's first birthday can cause sleep loss and overtiredness
Babies often cry in their sleep when they are hungry
It is normal for babies to make noise in their sleep, and crying is a common occurrence. One of the most common reasons for a baby to cry in their sleep is that they are hungry. Newborns often eat around the clock and wake up every 2-3 hours for feedings, so it is likely that a crying baby is simply ready for their next meal. This is especially true during growth spurts, which can cause a baby to wake up more often during the night to feed. A true growth spurt typically only lasts about 2-3 days, but it can be very alarming for parents to hear their baby wake up crying hysterically in the middle of the night.
Babies are born without fully developed digestive systems, so it also could be that your baby is experiencing stomach pain or gas as they get used to milk or formula. If your baby has recently been fed and stomach pain is not the issue, they may be crying because they are too hot or cold. The ideal temperature for a baby’s bedroom is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby is dressed appropriately for this temperature and is still crying, they may be sick or teething. Pain that causes crying will usually wake the baby.
If your baby is crying in their sleep but not awake, it is recommended to give them a moment to see if they settle on their own, as this can be part of their sleep cycle. If they continue to cry, check on them for any signs of discomfort and gently soothe them without waking them fully. If your baby is crying out in their sleep like they are having a nightmare, this is probably not the case, as current research indicates that babies do not have vivid dreams until they are older. It is more likely that they are simply transitioning between sleep cycles and will go back to sleep once they check in with their environment.
If your baby is swaddled, try swaddling them with a lightweight blanket to calm them down and promote good sleep. However, you should only swaddle your baby until they show signs that they are going to roll over, as swaddling can become dangerous at that point. If swaddling is not working, a sleep sack can offer similar benefits. If your baby is still breastfeeding, nursing may help soothe them.
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Crying can be caused by discomfort due to food sensitivities or teething pain
It is common for babies to make noises in their sleep, and crying can be a way for them to communicate their needs. Hunger is often the most common reason for crying, especially in newborns who feed every few hours. However, if your baby has recently been fed, there might be another reason for their tears.
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities or intolerances can occur in babies, and they can cause discomfort, leading to crying. While food allergies are rare in babies, their immune system can react to certain foods, causing sensitivities. If you suspect food sensitivities, consult your baby's paediatrician about trying a different formula brand or an elemental formula.
Teething Pain
Teething is a normal yet uncomfortable part of your baby's development. It occurs when teeth break through the gums, causing pain and swelling. Most babies start teething around six months, but it can happen earlier. Teething can be distressing for babies, and they may experience drooling, fussiness, and even low-grade fevers. If you notice any severe symptoms, such as high fever, vomiting, or rashes, contact your baby's healthcare provider.
It is important to remember that crying is a way for your baby to communicate, and it is normal for them to go through different stages of development, including teething. If you are concerned about your baby's crying or discomfort, don't hesitate to reach out to their healthcare provider for guidance and support.
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Nightmares are a common cause of sleep crying in older babies
It is unlikely that a 2-month-old baby is crying due to nightmares. According to some sources, babies don't have nightmares until they are closer to 2 years old. However, there is no definitive answer to when babies start having nightmares, and some scientists believe newborns may dream about being in the womb.
Babies spend a lot of time in the REM sleep cycle, which is the stage of sleep where dreaming happens. Since babies cannot communicate, it is hard to know if they are crying due to hunger or because of a nightmare. Nightmares are a common cause of sleep crying in older babies who can communicate their experiences.
Nightmares occur during light sleep, or REM sleep, while night terrors occur during the deeper phases of sleep. Night terrors are rare in babies and usually occur in children between 4 and 12 years old. They can be distinguished from nightmares by the fact that the child becomes agitated and may cry early in the night. During a night terror, a child's eyes may be open, but they are still asleep.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, it could be due to various reasons. They may be experiencing discomfort due to food sensitivities, teething pain, or a cold. It could also be due to separation anxiety or emotional distress, which can temporarily disrupt their sleep. Exposing your baby to natural daylight and establishing a consistent bedtime routine may help regulate their sleep patterns.
If you suspect that your baby is having nightmares, there are ways to reduce the risk of them occurring. Reading uplifting stories before bed, creating a calm sleep environment, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help. If your baby wakes up from a nightmare, comfort them and follow a soothing sleep ritual to get them back to sleep.
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Babies may cry due to separation anxiety or emotional distress
It is normal for babies to make noises in their sleep, and it is not uncommon for them to cry in their sleep too. There could be several reasons for this, ranging from hunger to nightmares or night terrors. However, one potential cause could be separation anxiety or emotional distress.
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase that many babies go through. It usually starts when babies are around 4 to 8 months old, but it can begin as early as 4 months. This happens when babies realize that people and objects exist even when they are out of sight, which is called object permanence. As a result, they may become upset or anxious when their primary caregiver, typically their mother, leaves them, even for a short period. This can lead to crying spells, fussiness, and clinginess.
During the separation anxiety phase, babies may exhibit specific behaviours, such as crying whenever their caregiver leaves the room or when they are left with someone else. They may also tense up around strangers or act shy around familiar people like relatives or babysitters. At bedtime, they might cry until their caregiver returns and may even wake up in the middle of the night, crying and searching for their caregiver.
To cope with separation anxiety, it is important not to ignore your baby. Instead, try gradually practising short periods of separation, such as leaving the room for a few minutes and gradually increasing the time. You can also establish a consistent routine for departures and returns, using distractions like toys or books, and offering a snack before you leave to ensure they are not hungry.
While it is normal for babies to experience separation anxiety, if you are concerned about your baby's crying or believe it is affecting their overall well-being, it is always best to consult your paediatrician or a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
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Sleep regression around a child's first birthday can cause sleep loss and overtiredness
It is normal for babies to make noise in their sleep, and crying is a common way for newborns to communicate their needs, with hunger being the most common reason. Babies typically wake up every 2–3 hours to eat and sometimes even more frequently. Crying in sleep can also be caused by nightmares, which occur during light sleep or REM sleep. However, current research suggests that babies don't have vivid dreams until they are two years old.
Sleep regression can occur at various stages of a child's development and is characterised by temporary sleep problems. Sleep regression around a child's first birthday is common and can be caused by several factors, including:
- Physical growth and increased activity levels, leading to restlessness and overstimulation.
- Heightened emotional and social development, resulting in separation anxiety.
- Teething, which can cause pain and discomfort.
- Milestones such as standing up or taking their first steps.
- Fear of the dark.
Sleep regression can cause sleep loss and overtiredness in children. To manage this, parents and caregivers can:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it.
- Be patient and give their child time to self-soothe if they cry when first put to bed or during the night.
- Maintain familiarity by following their usual bedtime routine, even if their child is not ready for bed at the normal time.
- Contact their child's pediatrician if sleeping problems persist or if they notice other changes in their behaviour.
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Frequently asked questions
Crying during sleep is a very normal thing for babies. It could be because they are hungry, gassy, uncomfortable, or overtired. It could also be that they are transitioning between sleep cycles and momentarily wake up and cry out before going back to sleep.
The ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C and 22°C).
If your baby is crying in her sleep, first rule out hunger and check if they need a diaper change. You can also try talking softly to them or rubbing their back or stomach.
Overtiredness occurs when your baby stays up past their wake window, sending conflicting signals that confuse and frustrate them. This can lead to fussiness and crying at night.
Self-soothing is an important component of sleep skills development. You can encourage self-soothing by waiting to see if your baby calms down on their own before intervening. A strong nighttime routine can also help your baby sleep better.
