Herbie Murray
It can be distressing to see your baby cry in their sleep, but it's a very normal thing that many newborns do. There are several reasons why your baby might be crying out in their sleep, including hunger, discomfort, temperature, or a dirty nappy. Newborns and young babies may also cry in their sleep due to the pain of teething, or because they are having a nightmare or night terror. Sleep crying can also be caused by sleep regression, which is a normal setback in a baby's regular nighttime routine. If your baby is crying out in their sleep, there are several things you can do to soothe them, such as gently reassuring them with a belly rub and a calming voice, or trying a swaddle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Occasional crying in small doses is normal |
| Reasons | Hunger, discomfort, temperature, dirty nappy, sickness, teething, nightmares, night terrors, sleep regression, brain development, communication |
| Actions | Belly rubs, calming voice, swaddling, sleep sacks, talking softly, rubbing back or stomach, nursing |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns sleep in shorter bursts, with frequent waking periods |
| Sleep cycles | Babies sleep in cycles of around 40 minutes, transitioning from one cycle to another through a "lighter" kind of sleep |
| REM sleep | REM sleep is light sleep, marked by dreams, moving in the crib, tears, and irregular breathing |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for newborns to cry in their sleep
It can be distressing to see your newborn cry in their sleep, but it's important to remember that it is entirely normal. Crying is the primary way for newborns to communicate their needs, whether that's food, comfort, or something else. As newborns spend more time in REM sleep than adults, they may wake up crying to communicate that they need something.
Newborns may also cry in their sleep due to sleep regression, a normal setback in their regular nighttime routine. This can occur around 4 months, 6 months, 8 to 10 months, and 12 months. Additionally, newborns may experience nightmares or night terrors, which can cause them to cry out in their sleep. However, night terrors are relatively rare and usually occur in children between 4 and 12 years old.
It's worth noting that newborns may also cry in their sleep due to physical discomfort or pain, such as teething. In these cases, it's important to talk to a pediatrician about how to ease their pain. Other reasons for crying in sleep could be that they are too hot or cold, or they might need a feed or have a wet nappy.
If your newborn is crying in their sleep, try not to panic. Observe their sleep pattern and see if they settle on their own. If the crying continues, you can try talking softly to them or rubbing their back or stomach. Breastfed babies may also find comfort from nursing. It's also important to ensure that their sleeping environment and routines are safe and suitable for newborns.
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Babies may cry due to hunger or stomach upset
It is normal for babies to make noise in their sleep, and crying is one of the ways they communicate their needs. Hunger is probably the most common reason for a newborn to cry, especially as newborns nurse or take a bottle every few hours. If your baby is crying due to hunger, they will latch on, suck, and usually stay latched on until they are satisfied. If your baby is breastfed, they will root against you very aggressively, sucking very quickly and hard, while pulling the nipple away and then latching back on. The cry will be loud, and the pitch and volume will increase. If your baby is bottle-fed, they will act similarly by not keeping the nipple in their mouth due to the severe pain outweighing their hunger. If your baby is more hungry than in pain, you will see them latch on and suck quickly and hard until they are satisfied.
However, if your baby has recently been fed, they might be crying for another reason, such as a stomach upset. Babies are born without fully developed digestive systems, and it takes time for them to get used to milk or formula. Their cries could be due to waves of stomach pain, which can be caused by pressure in the intestine or the baby eating too much, too fast, and not stopping in time for their blood sugar to level off. This can cause bloating in the large and small intestine, leading to pressure against the stomach and resulting in crying due to the pain.
Excessive crying could also be a sign of colic, which some doctors think is a kind of stomach cramp. Colic can cause crying that sounds miserable and distressed, with short breaks in between. There may be little you can do except try to comfort your baby and wait for the crying to pass. If your baby is crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry, it could be a sign that they are ill. In this case, contact your health visitor, GP, or call NHS 111.
If your baby is crying due to hunger or stomach upset, there are several things you can do to try and soothe them. If you are breastfeeding, let your baby suckle at your breast. Having some gentle noise in the background may also help to distract your baby. You can also hold your baby or put them in a sling so they are close to you, and move about gently, swaying and dancing, talking to them, or singing. If your baby is bottle-fed, try giving them a pacifier to help them get to sleep.
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Nightmares or night terrors could be the cause
During night terrors, children might look like they're in a panic with a racing heart, fast breathing, and sweating. They might also seem very confused and may not respond to your attempts to comfort them. Night terrors can be very disruptive and scary for parents, but they are not dangerous and do not indicate an underlying health problem. Most children outgrow night terrors by the time they reach puberty.
If your newborn is experiencing nightmares, you can try to soothe them by providing gentle reassurance through a belly rub and a calming voice. However, it is important to avoid picking up your child when they are showing signs of restlessness or brief waking, as this can lead to them becoming dependent on you to fall back asleep. If your child genuinely needs comforting, they will wake up properly and let you know through the tone and pitch of their cry.
If your newborn is experiencing night terrors, there is no scientifically proven strategy to prevent them. However, establishing a soothing nighttime routine and putting your baby to bed at the same time each night can help prevent exhaustion, which is a potential trigger for night terrors. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid giving your baby anything with caffeine in it. If your baby is having regular night terrors, you can try gently waking them about 15-30 minutes before the usual night terror time and resettling them.
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Sleep regression could be a factor
Sleep regression is typically associated with the rapid physical and neurological development that infants undergo in their early years. It is often triggered by a new developmental milestone, such as crawling or walking, which can make it harder for babies to wind down at bedtime. Sleep regression can also be caused by other factors, such as stress in the home, changes in daily routine, or growth spurts.
If you think your newborn is experiencing sleep regression, there are a few things you can do to help them get back on track. Firstly, maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep training style. This includes keeping the room dimly lit, following the same routine each night, and putting your baby to sleep around the same times each day. You can also try using weighted sleepwear or swaddles, which can provide comfort and make it easier for your baby to fall asleep.
Additionally, it is important to pay attention to your baby's cues and respond to their needs. For example, if your baby is teething, a teething toy or cold washcloth can help soothe their discomfort. If your baby is fighting an infection, providing extra fluids or consulting a healthcare professional for advice may be necessary. Remember that sleep regression is a normal part of your baby's development, and with patience and consistency, you can successfully navigate through this challenging period.
If you are concerned about your newborn's sleep patterns or if the sleep regression persists, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for advice. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you and your baby get back to a restful night's sleep.
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Teething pain could be the reason
Teething typically begins around six months of age, but it's not uncommon for babies to start teething earlier, even before four months. The process of teething is not constant; it occurs whenever a tooth is ready to erupt through the gums. Most babies will have their primary teeth by 12 months and their molars between 13 and 19 months.
If you suspect your newborn is crying due to teething pain, there are several remedies you can try to provide relief. Cold items can be particularly effective in numbing the pain. Try wetting a clean washcloth, tying it in a knot, and chilling it in the refrigerator for your baby to chew on safely. You can also offer chilled teething toys or a refrigerated pacifier. Just be sure to clean and chill these items before each use.
It's important to avoid over-the-counter teething gels and liquids containing benzocaine, as these can have rare but serious side effects. Instead, speak to your pediatrician or family doctor about safe pain relief options. A small dose of children's pain reliever, such as acetaminophen for babies over two months or ibuprofen for babies six months and older, may be recommended. Always follow your doctor's instructions when administering medication.
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Frequently asked questions
It is entirely normal for newborns to cry out in their sleep. Newborns and young babies may grunt, cry, or scream in their sleep. Crying is the primary way for infants to communicate their needs, such as hunger, discomfort, temperature (too hot or cold), or a dirty nappy.
If the cry is more urgent and the newborn seems unable to settle, check if they need to be fed or have a dirty nappy. You can also try talking softly to the baby or rubbing their back or stomach. Swaddling can also help calm your baby and promote good sleep, but only during the newborn to 2-month age range.
Occasional crying in small doses while sleeping is usually not something to worry about. However, if you are worried about persistent crying in longer bursts, you can contact your GP or health visitor.
