Ashwin Lewis
It can be distressing to see your baby cry in their sleep, but it's important to know that it's entirely normal. Babies sleep differently from adults, spending more time in the REM stage, which is when they dream and can experience light sleep, crying, and irregular breathing. As they transition between sleep stages, they may cry out briefly and then settle on their own. Babies also commonly experience sleep regressions, which can cause nighttime crying. Other reasons for crying include hunger, teething, illness, pain, or discomfort. Establishing a bedtime routine and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment can help soothe your baby. If crying persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal | Occasional crying during sleep is not usually a cause for alarm |
| Babies spend more time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep than adults | |
| REM sleep is when your baby is dreaming | |
| Babies may cry out in their sleep to signal that they are hungry | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they are experiencing discomfort due to food sensitivities | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they are teething | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they are sick | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they are too hot or too cold | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they have a wet nappy | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they are overtired | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they are having a nightmare or night terror | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they are experiencing separation anxiety or emotional distress | |
| Babies may cry in their sleep if they are in pain | |
| Not Normal | Persistent crying may be the first sign of a more serious illness |
| Babies who cry for 3 or more hours a day, 3 or more days a week, for at least 3 weeks might have colic |
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What You'll Learn
Hunger or feeding issues
Hunger is one of the most common reasons babies cry at night. Newborns wake up for feeding as often at night as they do during the day, and their sleeping patterns don't differ much between day and night. Their small stomachs need to be fed frequently, and feeding every 2-3 hours at first is not unusual. As they grow, the gap between feeds may change, and they will sleep longer and have longer gaps between night-time feeds at around 3 months of age.
If your baby is constantly hungry despite short, frequent feedings, talk to your healthcare provider about normal growth and feeding times. If your baby is crying due to hunger, you can try to soothe them by offering them your breast or a bottle, or a dummy if they are older than 4 weeks to allow breastfeeding to first be established.
Reflux or regurgitation may cause your baby to bring up milk after a feed and might also give them hiccups, keeping them up at night, particularly after a feed. If you think your baby is crying due to reflux, speak to your health visitor or doctor for advice.
Babies may also cry at night due to colic, which is likely to be from bowel cramping or other tummy discomfort. Colic can affect as many as 1 in 5 babies, and while it is usually nothing to worry about, you should speak to your GP or health visitor if you are concerned.
Another reason for crying due to feeding issues is constipation, which will usually stop once the baby has had a bowel movement. To help your baby get rid of trapped wind, sit or hold them upright during feeding, and relieve wind after feeding by holding them upright against your shoulder or on your lap while gently rubbing their back to help the air out of their food pipe.
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Discomfort or pain
Crying is the primary form of communication for very young babies. If your baby is feeling ill or is in pain, they may cry more than normal. If they have other symptoms such as a fever, this may be a sign that they are unwell. Speak to your GP if you are worried about any symptoms or think your baby may be sick.
Your baby may be uncomfortable if they are too hot or too cold. The ideal bedroom temperature for a baby is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. They might also be uncomfortable if they have a wet or dirty diaper. Skin irritation caused by a wet diaper can be very uncomfortable for babies.
Reflux or regurgitation may cause your baby to bring up milk after feeding and might also give them hiccups. This may keep them up at night, especially after a feed. If you think your baby is crying due to reflux, speak to your health visitor or doctor for advice.
Colic is another reason for a baby's crying. Colic can affect as many as 1 in 5 babies and is likely due to bowel cramping or other tummy discomfort. It usually shows up between 2 and 3 weeks of age and commonly occurs between dinnertime and midnight. Colic typically resolves by the time a baby is around 3 to 4 months old.
If your baby is teething, they may cry in their sleep. You can soothe their gums by gently rubbing them with a clean finger or by giving them a teething ring or children's medicine for pain and fever, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
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Sleep regression
At four weeks old, a baby is still adjusting to life outside the womb, and their sleep patterns are naturally erratic and unpredictable. Their circadian rhythm is still maturing, and they are experiencing a lot of brain development, which can make them more unsettled and cause crying and sleep regression. Their senses are developing rapidly, and they are starting to notice their surroundings more, which can disrupt their sleep patterns.
At this age, it is normal for a baby to wake up frequently in the middle of the night, and they may not have a defined day or night schedule, sleeping and waking at any time throughout a 24-hour period. Their sleep is broken into several short naps and chunks of sleep, reflecting the immature sleep cycles of a newborn. Their sleep time is mostly spent in REM sleep, which is light sleep, and they may seem like they are stirring, twitching, sucking, or smiling in their sleep.
To help your baby through this phase, you can try sleep training, giving extra attention during the day and before bedtime, and following a bedtime routine and sleep schedule.
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Nightmares or night terrors
It can be distressing to see your baby cry in their sleep, but it is entirely normal. Babies spend more time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, or light sleep, than adults. During this stage, your baby is dreaming. You might notice their eyes moving behind their eyelids, or they might jerk or twitch. Crying while asleep may be a sign that your baby is having a nightmare or night terror.
Nightmares
Nightmares occur during light sleep, or REM sleep. Toddlers and older babies who cry while asleep, especially while moving in bed or making other sounds, may be having nightmares. If your baby wakes up after having a nightmare, comfort them and follow a soothing sleep ritual to get them back to sleep. Babies who are still breastfed may also find comfort from nursing. Older babies and toddlers may need reassurance that the nightmare was not real.
Night Terrors
Night terrors occur when a child becomes very agitated during the deeper phases of sleep. They can last for a few minutes or up to 45 minutes, and your baby will remain asleep during and after the episode. They usually occur only once a night, early in the night, and your baby will be unable to recall the episode in the morning. Although it is rare for infants to have night terrors, babies as young as 18 months old can experience them. They are more common in children between the ages of 3 and 7.
If your baby is having a night terror, do not attempt to wake them, as this can cause confusion and distress. Instead, gently stay by their side to offer comfort and reassurance with a soothing voice. Ensure their sleep environment is safe, removing any objects that could cause injury if they thrash around. Keeping the lights dim and avoiding sudden noises can help maintain a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, be patient and wait for the episode to pass naturally.
To reduce the frequency of night terrors, you can introduce a consistent bedtime routine and a stable sleep schedule. A well-rested baby may be less likely to have night terrors.
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Temperature of the room
A 4-week-old baby crying in their sleep is a common occurrence and usually not a cause for concern. Young babies may grunt, cry, or scream in their sleep, and crying is their main form of communication.
Temperature plays a crucial role in ensuring your baby sleeps soundly and safely. It is recommended to keep your baby's room cool and comfortable, maintaining a temperature between 68° and 72°F (20° to 22.2°C). This range creates a comfortable sleep environment and helps prevent overheating, which has been linked to SIDS.
To achieve this ideal temperature, you can use a fan to circulate the air, ensuring it is not pointed directly at the baby. During warmer months, consider using lighter clothing and breathable blankets that only reach up to your baby's chest. You can also keep a window or door open to let in fresh air, ensuring there are no safety hazards. On the other hand, during cooler months, you can use a thermostat or indoor thermometer to monitor and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Additionally, be mindful of signs that your baby may be too warm or too cold. If your baby is sweating, forming a rash, or looking flushed, remove layers and lower the temperature. Conversely, if your baby's skin feels cool to the touch, you may need to increase the temperature slightly.
Remember, a comfortable room temperature for you is likely comfortable for your baby too. By creating a pleasant sleep environment, you can promote healthy sleep habits for your baby's growth and development.
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Frequently asked questions
Occasional crying during sleep is normal for babies and is usually not a cause for concern. Newborns and young babies may grunt, cry, or scream in their sleep. Crying is often their main form of communication, and they may be signalling that they are hungry or ready to eat again.
Try leaving them for a moment or two to see if they can settle back into a more restful sleep on their own. If the crying persists, they might be too hot or cold, or they might need a feed or have a wet nappy. Check that the room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your baby might be experiencing discomfort due to food sensitivities or teething pain. They may also be having a nightmare or night terror, especially if they are moving in bed or making other sounds.
Persistent crying may be the first sign of a more serious illness, such as an ear infection. If your baby is crying for more than two or three hours, contact your GP or health visitor.
