Herbie Murray
It can be distressing to hear your baby crying in their sleep, but it's important to remember that it's very common for newborns to cry and wake up during the night. Babies have different sleep patterns than adults, spending more time in REM sleep, which is when they dream. Their sleep may be punctuated by brief waking periods, and they may cry out in their sleep or wake up crying due to hunger or other reasons such as nightmares or stomach pain. In most cases, occasional crying during sleep is normal, but if you are concerned about persistent crying, you can contact your healthcare provider for advice and support.
Why does my newborn keep crying in their sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brain development | Your baby might have a lot of brain development going on, which can cause them to be more unsettled and cry more. |
| Stomach cramps | Doctors think stomach cramps could be a reason for crying in sleep. |
| Hunger | Hunger is a common reason for newborns to cry, especially as they feed every few hours. |
| Nightmare | Older babies might cry in their sleep due to nightmares. |
| Night terrors | Night terrors are relatively rare but can cause babies to cry in their sleep. |
| Illness | If your baby is crying constantly and cannot be consoled, it could be a sign that they are ill. |
| Reflux | Crying during feeds could be a symptom of reflux. |
| Overstimulation | Too much rocking and singing can keep your baby awake. |
| Sleep training | Some believe that letting your baby cry while checking on them will teach them to soothe themselves, but this is debated. |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns sleep in shorter bursts and spend more time in REM sleep than adults. |
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What You'll Learn
Hunger is a common cause of crying in newborns
It can be distressing to hear your baby cry, especially when it happens during sleep time. There could be many reasons for this, and it is important to remember that crying is your baby's primary form of communication. Hunger is a common cause of crying in newborns, but it is important to note that there are other reasons for crying that should be considered.
Hunger
- Being more awake and active
- Turning their head to the side, as if looking for food
- Opening and closing their mouth
- Making sucking motions with their mouth
- Staring at the person who usually feeds them
If your baby is crying and exhibiting these hunger cues, try feeding them. If they continue to cry shortly into the feeding, they may not have been hungry, and you can try some other soothing techniques, such as rocking them in a pram or going for a walk or drive.
Other reasons for crying
There are many other reasons why your newborn may be crying. They may be gassy, sick, or experiencing reflux. Crying can also be a sign that your baby is in pain or discomfort. If your baby is crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or if their cry does not sound like their normal cry, it may be a sign that they are ill. Other symptoms to look out for include a high temperature, rapid breathing, or vomiting. If you are concerned about your baby's crying, you should contact your health visitor, GP, or paediatrician.
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Babies may cry in their sleep due to nightmares or night terrors
It is common for babies younger than six months to cry and wake up during the night. Babies may cry in their sleep due to nightmares or night terrors. Night terrors are more common in young children but may also occur in infants. They are usually brief, but some may last 45–90 minutes. Night terrors are not nightmares, but the two terms are often used interchangeably to describe anything that causes a baby to seem afraid at night.
Night terrors are when a person wakes from sleep in a terrified state but does not remember anything the next day. Babies with night terrors may cry, appear frightened or confused, or exhibit a fast heart rate. They may not respond to the adults around them and may seem very confused. Night terrors can be scary, but they are not a sign of a health problem. They usually go away on their own, and doctors teach parents what to do when their child has a night terror and how to help prevent them.
Nightmares, on the other hand, tend to happen in the second half of the night when the child is sleeping lightly and dreaming. A child who has had a nightmare might wake up, remember the nightmare, and feel upset. However, children with night terrors will not remember them when they wake up. Night terrors are less common than nightmares, but they still affect about one in 20 children.
If your child has a night terror, the best way to handle it is to sit quietly near them, ensuring they do not get hurt by thrashing or running around. Wait patiently until your child goes back to sleep, usually within a few minutes. Do not try to wake your child, as this usually doesn't work, and kids who do wake are likely to be confused and upset.
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Sudden night-time crying is usually short-lived and not a cause for concern
It is completely normal for newborns to cry in their sleep. In fact, it is common for young babies to make noises during sleep, including grunting, crying, or screaming. This is because their bodies have not yet mastered the challenges of a regular sleep cycle, so they wake frequently or make strange sounds in their sleep. Crying is the main form of communication for very young babies, so it makes sense that they cry often and might also cry in their sleep.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, try to keep the disturbance to a minimum and the atmosphere calm and peaceful. This way, your baby will get used to the idea that night-time is for sleeping. You can also try stroking your baby's back or stomach firmly and rhythmically, holding them against you, or lying them face downwards on your lap. Talk soothingly to them in a calming voice, and keep the room warm.
If your baby has recently been fed and is still crying, it could be due to a stomach upset. Babies are born without fully developed digestive systems, so it takes time for them to get used to milk or formula. It could also be due to nightmares, as older babies start to develop their imaginations, which can lead to bad dreams and crying at night.
Remember, you know your baby best, so trust your instincts and comfort level. If you are ever concerned about your baby's crying, don't hesitate to call your child's doctor or a pediatric nurse hotline.
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Babies may be crying due to illness or pain
It is common for newborns to cry in their sleep, and this is usually nothing to worry about. However, if your baby is crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry, it can be a sign that they are in pain or ill.
Babies are born with an underdeveloped digestive system, and it takes time for them to adjust to milk or formula. As a result, stomach upsets are common, and your baby may be crying due to reflux or stomach cramps. If your baby is crying constantly and you suspect they are in pain, contact your health visitor, GP, or call NHS 111.
If your baby is crying and has other symptoms, such as a high temperature, projectile vomiting, or difficulty breathing, these could be signs of illness. In this case, it is important to seek medical advice.
It is also important to remember that babies go through frequent mental leaps as their brains develop, which can cause them to be more unsettled and cry more than usual. This is a normal part of their development, and it will pass.
If you are concerned about your baby's crying, it can be helpful to keep a record of when and how often they cry. This information can help your health visitor or GP identify any potential causes and provide advice and support.
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Sleep training methods can be used to help babies learn to self-soothe
It can be distressing for new parents to hear their newborn crying in their sleep. While there could be several reasons for this, such as stomach cramps or reflux, sleep training methods can be used to help babies learn to self-soothe and sleep through the night.
Sleep training is a tool that can be used as your baby's routine changes and adjusts. The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own. If they wake up, they will learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep. There are several sleep training methods that parents can use, and it is important to find what works for you and your baby.
Experts typically recommend starting newborn sleep training after the 4th trimester, between 4-6 months of age. This is because, by 4 months old, most babies can sleep for six hours between feeds overnight, and by 6 months, most children can sleep through the night. It is important to note that self-soothing is a developmental skill, and babies typically learn to self-soothe at around 4-5 months old. Before 6 months, simply giving your baby the opportunity to self-soothe is enough, as habits are not yet entrenched.
There are several sleep training methods that parents can use, and it is beneficial to research and discuss these with your partner to decide which method is best for your family. Some methods include the "Cry It Out" (CIO) method, where parents take their baby through a bedtime routine and then leave the room, not responding if the baby cries. Other methods include using attachment objects, such as a favourite teddy bear or blanket, to help your baby settle and self-soothe.
While sleep training can be challenging and there may be some rough nights, it can be beneficial for both babies and caretakers, leading to more restful sleep and improved overall quality of life for the family.
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Frequently asked questions
It is very common for newborns to cry in their sleep and there are many reasons why this could be happening. Newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb and are getting used to milk or formula. They may be hungry, have a stomach cramp or need a nappy change. It could also be that they are having a nightmare or night terror.
You could try rocking your baby in their pram or going for a walk or drive. You can also try stroking your baby's back or stomach, holding them against you, or lying them face downwards on your lap. You could also try a warm bath, but this can sometimes make babies cry more.
If your baby is crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry, it can be a sign that they are ill. Contact your health visitor, GP or call NHS 111 if they have other symptoms such as a high temperature, vomiting or trouble breathing.
Exposing your baby to natural daylight and establishing a routine may help to regulate their sleep patterns. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their back until they are 1 year old. The AAP also recommends that your baby sleeps in your room until their first birthday and definitely until they are 6 months old, as this reduces the risk of SIDS.
Don't rush in. Babies are restless sleepers, so it's normal for them to whimper and briefly wake. Wait a few minutes before checking on them, as they might settle down on their own. If you do go in, keep the disturbance to a minimum and the atmosphere calm and peaceful.
