Herbie Murray
It is normal for babies to cry in their sleep, especially newborns, who sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day but in shorter bursts. Crying in sleep can be caused by nightmares, night terrors, hunger, illness, teething, or an uncomfortable environment. Sleep training can help babies develop a regular sleep schedule, but it is generally only recommended for babies over 4 months old.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hunger | The most common reason for crying in newborns |
| Stomach upset | --- |
| Nightmares | More common in older babies |
| Night terrors | Rare, usually occur in children aged 4–12 years old |
| Sickness | --- |
| Teething | --- |
| Temperature of the room | Should be between 68–72 °Fahrenheit |
| Sleep regression | Caused by brain development |
| Growth spurts | Temporary, lasting about 2–3 days |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hunger is a common cause of crying in newborns
A newborn baby crying in their sleep is developmentally normal and not a sign that something is wrong. Crying is a baby's way of communicating their needs, and hunger is a common cause of crying, especially in newborns who nurse or take a bottle every few hours. Newborns usually breastfeed or formula-feed every two to four hours, and crying is often a late sign of hunger. Therefore, it is important to look out for early hunger cues, such as lip-smacking, turning their heads and opening their mouths, or chewing on their hands or fists, so you can feed them before they get too worked up. Crying can also cause a baby to swallow air, leading to discomfort and more crying.
If your baby is still crying after feeding, they might be crying for a different reason. For example, babies are born without fully developed digestive systems, and it takes some time for them to get used to milk or formula. They could be experiencing gas or reflux, which can be uncomfortable and cause crying during or after feeding. Crying during or after feeding can also be normal for babies with colic, which tends to kick in between 3 and 6 weeks of age. Colic is characterised by excessive crying for no clear reason during the newborn phase, and up to 40% of babies have colic.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, it could be because they are having a nightmare or night terror. Older babies are starting to develop their imaginations, which can lead to bad dreams and crying at night. Toddlers and older babies who cry while asleep, especially while moving in bed or making other sounds, may be experiencing night terrors. However, night terrors are relatively rare and usually occur in children aged between 4 and 12 years old.
If you are concerned about your baby's crying, it is always best to contact your paediatrician or healthcare provider for advice.
Newborn Sleep: Why Your Baby Isn't Sleeping Through the Night
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Babies may cry due to nightmares or night terrors
It is developmentally normal for babies to cry often and even cry in their sleep. As long as a baby does not have any other concerning symptoms, such as signs of illness or pain, this is not a sign that something is wrong. As babies develop more ways to express themselves, 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 (REM) sleep. REM sleep is a deeper sleep that occurs later in the sleep cycle and helps build cognitive and learning skills. Babies have more REM sleep than adults, so some researchers assume that more REM sleep means more baby nightmares. However, since babies cannot communicate verbally, it is hard to know if they are waking up due to a nightmare. It is common for children to have their first nightmare between the ages of 1.5 and 2 years old, when they are old enough to communicate their nightmare.
Night terrors, on the other hand, occur when a child becomes very agitated during the deeper phases of sleep. During a night terror, a child will appear awake and scream, shout, or thrash their limbs while actually still asleep. Night terrors typically happen in the earlier part of a baby's sleep, and it is easier for a baby to drift back to sleep after a night terror than a nightmare. While night terrors can be scary for parents, they do not hurt children, and most babies will not remember having them. Night terrors are relatively rare in babies, and usually occur in children aged between 4 and 12 years old, though they have been reported in babies as young as 18 months old.
If your baby is prone to nightmares or night terrors, you can try to reduce their occurrence. Maintaining a steady sleep schedule, performing calming bedtime routines, and avoiding frightening stories or imagery may help. Reading uplifting stories before bed and creating a calm, soothing sleep environment can also help prevent nightmares.
Senior Sleep: Why Do Elders Need More Rest?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Illness or discomfort from teething can cause crying
Teething can cause fussiness and crankiness in babies. It can also cause disrupted sleep, swelling or inflammation of the gums, drooling, loss of appetite, mild temperature, diarrhea, increased biting and gum-rubbing, and even ear-rubbing. The extra saliva produced during teething can cause an occasional cough or gag. If your infant’s cough continues or is accompanied by a high fever and cold or flu symptoms, contact your infant’s pediatrician.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, it is most likely due to hunger, especially in newborns who nurse or take a bottle every few hours. Crying in sleep is common, and babies typically wake every 2-3 hours to eat. Exposing a baby to natural daylight and establishing a routine may help regulate their sleep patterns.
If you are concerned about your baby's crying, you can always contact the pediatrician for advice.
Baby Sleepwear: What's Best for 5-Month-Olds?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Babies may be too hot or cold
It is important to ensure that your baby is not too hot or too cold when they sleep. Overheating is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and it can be dangerous for babies to overheat. A baby's normal body temperature ranges from 97.5 to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and if their temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, they may be overheating or in need of medical attention.
To prevent your baby from overheating, ensure they are not overdressed. A sleeveless bodysuit under a lightweight swaddle may be sufficient for warmer months. If your baby is too hot, you may notice symptoms such as sweating, damp hair, heat rash, flushed cheeks, or rapid breathing. You can also do an "ear check" to see if their ears are red and hot, and their neck is sweaty.
If your baby is too cold, they will likely be uncomfortable and may cry. Signs that your baby is too cold include shivering, pale complexion, skin that is cold to the touch, fussiness, and frequent waking. To keep your baby warm, check the temperature of their room and dress them appropriately. You can layer a onesie, pajamas, and a sleep sack in colder rooms. Avoid thick sweaters or winter fabrics, and instead, opt for a fleece sleep sack if your house tends to be cold.
The ideal room temperature for babies is between 64.4 to 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit according to another source. You can adjust factors to ensure your baby is comfortable if this temperature range is not possible in your home. Wait 10 to 15 minutes after your baby has fallen asleep, then touch your hand to their back or chest to check their temperature. Your baby should feel slightly warm but completely dry.
Additionally, avoid using electric blankets, heat bags, heat packs, or hot water bottles for babies. If your baby's room is too cold, you can use a space heater, but remember to turn it off before going to sleep as it is a fire hazard. Thick room-darkening curtains can also help keep the room warmer.
Sleep Solutions for Toddlers: Safe Bedding and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Portable Baby Sound Machine [White Noise for Babies Kids Adults][Sleep Soother][Timer Function][12 Soothing Sounds] 15 Hours Battery Life, Travel,Registry Toys,Gifts,Shower,Clips on Baby Stroller](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612-i8iioGL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Crying can be due to irregular sleep patterns
Crying in sleep is a common occurrence in babies. While it can be distressing for parents, it is usually not a cause for concern. Babies have irregular sleep patterns and can sleep anywhere between 16 and 20 hours a day, but this is mostly in short bursts. Newborns typically wake up every 2-3 hours to feed and may even wake up more frequently.
As babies grow older, they start developing a more regular sleep schedule. However, this can be disrupted by various factors, including illness, teething, or changes in their environment, such as a room that is too hot or too cold. These disruptions can cause discomfort and lead to crying in sleep.
Additionally, babies' internal clocks are still developing, and they may confuse night and day. Establishing a routine and exposing them to natural daylight can help regulate their sleep patterns. It is important to note that sleep training is typically not recommended for babies under 4 months old, as they are still adjusting to life outside the womb.
If a baby is crying in their sleep, it is recommended to wait and watch rather than immediately rushing to comfort them. Often, babies will settle back down on their own as they transition between sleep stages. However, if the crying persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it may be necessary to seek advice from a pediatrician or GP.
Overall, while crying in sleep can be distressing, it is usually a normal part of a baby's development and irregular sleep patterns.
Benefits of a 3-Year-Old Sleeping Independently
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is developmentally normal for babies to cry in their sleep. Babies can cry in their sleep when they are sick, teething, or hungry. They may also be too hot or cold, or they might need a feed.
You can try to comfort your baby by talking calmly to them, rubbing their back, or nursing them. You can also try swaddling your baby or using a sleep sack.
Your baby might be having a nightmare or a night terror. They could also be experiencing a growth spurt that is making them extra hungry. Other reasons could include a room that is too hot or cold, or a wet diaper.
Occasional crying in their sleep is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you are concerned about persistent crying in longer bursts, you can contact your GP or health visitor. If your baby is crying for two or three hours, this is considered excessive and you should call a doctor.
