Miya Pearson
It can be distressing for new parents to hear their newborn scream or cry in their sleep. However, it is a very normal occurrence for babies to make noise in their sleep, and occasional crying in small doses is usually not something to worry about. Crying is the primary way for infants to communicate their needs, such as hunger, discomfort, temperature changes, or a dirty nappy. In some cases, crying during sleep may be linked to nightmares or night terrors, but this is less common in newborns and typically occurs when the baby's brain is more developed. It is important to observe the baby's sleep patterns and environment to identify any potential causes of distress.
Why does my newborn scream/cry in her sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep patterns | Newborn sleep patterns alternate between non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement (REM), which is the light, active phase marked by dreams, moving in the crib and some tears. |
| Sleep regression | A normal setback in a baby’s regular nighttime routine. |
| Sleep training | Sleep training methods like the Ferber method can cause tears at night. |
| Attachment to routine/person/object | Babies may wake up crying if they no longer have what they are attached to. |
| Hunger | Newborns may wake up crying if they are hungry. |
| Illness | Babies may cry in their sleep when they are sick. |
| Teething | Teething pain may cause babies to cry in their sleep. |
| Nightmares | Babies may cry in their sleep due to nightmares. |
| Night terrors | Toddlers and older babies may cry in their sleep due to night terrors. |
| Self-soothing | Babies may be able to self-soothe if given a chance to settle down on their own. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training and routines
Sleep training is the process of teaching babies to sleep on their own and stay asleep through the night without needing to be comforted. Sleep training can begin when your baby is between 4 and 6 months old, and it typically takes about two weeks to complete. However, sleep training is not suitable for every family, and it may not be necessary for all babies.
Babies can be sleep trained using a variety of methods, including Cry It Out (CIO), also known as extinction, the Ferber method, the Fading method, and the wave method. The best method for your family will depend on what you and your baby are most comfortable with.
The Cry It Out method involves taking your baby through a bedtime routine, cuddling them, and then leaving the room. If the baby cries, the parent does not respond. The idea is that the baby will eventually tire themselves out or self-soothe back to sleep. However, many parents feel uncomfortable letting their baby cry without comforting them.
The Ferber method is similar to CIO, but parents will re-enter the room if the baby cries, offering verbal reassurance without picking them up. The Fading method involves gradually increasing physical distance from the baby at bedtime, and the wave method involves checking in briefly every few minutes with a scripted mantra.
Gentle Sleep Training methods, such as the Fading and wave methods, are less emotionally stressful for both parents and babies since they involve no crying, but they can take longer to be successful.
To help your baby sleep through the night, it is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This should follow the same set of activities, done in the same order, so the baby recognizes these activities as a transition from day to night, and consequently, bedtime. A bedtime routine can include a warm bath, a book, and a lullaby before putting your baby to bed.
It is also important to follow a predictable daytime schedule, getting your baby up, feeding them, and putting them down for naps at the same time every day. This consistency and predictability help your baby relax and feel secure, making it easier for them to settle down to sleep.
Additionally, exposing your baby to natural daylight and teaching them the difference between night and day can help regulate their sleep patterns. As your baby grows, they will need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer stretches.
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Sleep cycles and patterns
Newborns and young babies may grunt, cry, or scream in their sleep. This is because their bodies have not yet mastered the challenges of a regular sleep cycle, so it is common for them to wake frequently or make strange sounds in their sleep. Newborns are also less likely to have the skills to settle themselves to sleep (and back to sleep) without help. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, with a cycle lasting 50 to 60 minutes, and they spend more time in light sleep. This means there are more opportunities for them to make noises, including crying, without actually waking up.
Sleep patterns are a likely culprit if your baby cries while they’re still asleep. Identifying the baby’s typical sleep pattern can help caregivers assess the cause of crying. Some babies let out a soft cry as they fall deeply into sleep, or immediately before waking. Babies also tend to be more prone to alarming nighttime disturbances than adults, mostly because there are so many reasons why they might happen. For example, younger babies go through periodic growth spurts that make them extra hungry. A true growth spurt typically lasts about 2 to 3 days, and if your young baby is waking up crying and nothing but feeding soothes them, it’s possible the situation is temporary and will resolve on its own.
Babies also have different sleep patterns as they develop. Newborn sleep patterns alternate between non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement (REM), which is the light, active phase marked by dreams, moving in the crib, and some tears. Nighttime crying can also be pinned to a sleep regression, which is a normal setback in your baby’s regular nighttime routine. You might encounter a sleep regression around 4 months of age, at 6 months, around 8 to 10 months, and then again at 12 months.
Babies also tend to be prone to an overactive startle reflex that can often look like they’ve woken up from a bad dream. They will startle themselves awake between sleep cycles, and it just takes a pat on the back or a physical touch to help them back to sleep.
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Illness, teething, or pain
Newborns tend to sleep a lot, with some sleeping for 16 to 18 hours a day, waking up only for short breaks to eat and have a diaper change. However, sleep is unpredictable in the first month, often punctuated by brief waking periods followed by naps and longer stretches of sleep. Some newborns seem to have confused night and day. Sleep crying is common, and newborns typically wake every 2-3 hours to eat.
If your newborn is sick, it could be a sign of illness. While teething can cause a slight fever, a significant change in your baby's sleep, feeding, or behavior is more likely due to illness. If your baby is being sick, it is very unlikely that this is caused by teething. If you are worried, it is best to check with your doctor.
Teething can also cause newborns to cry in their sleep. Infants usually start teething from the age of three months, and the pain and discomfort of emerging teeth can lead to incessant crying and sleepless nights. The discomfort arises as the baby's teeth push through the gums, causing inflammation and sensitivity. To soothe teething pains, you can try chilled teething toys, a gentle gum massage with a clean finger or soft wet cloth, or a cold washcloth to gnaw on. While pain medication should be a last resort, your pediatrician might recommend some over-the-counter options.
Additionally, newborns may cry in their sleep due to pain. If your newborn has been consistently put to bed with a bottle or pacifier, they may wake up crying if it is not there. Growth spurts can also cause increased hunger, leading to more frequent and urgent feedings.
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Nightmares and night terrors
It is common for newborns to make noises in their sleep, including crying, grunting, and screaming. Newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb and are developing regular sleep schedules. They are also learning how to communicate their needs, and crying is their primary form of communication. Hunger is the most common reason for a newborn to cry, and they may wake up crying if they are hungry.
Night terrors differ from nightmares as the child is not fully awake and usually does not remember the event. They occur when a child becomes very agitated during the deeper phases of sleep. Night terrors can cause children to scream, cry, or call out, and their eyes may be wide open but unfocused. They may seem very frightened but might not recognize anyone around them. Night terrors typically occur within the first 2-3 hours of falling asleep and can last between 5 to 10 minutes or up to 45-90 minutes. They are relatively rare and usually affect children aged 4 to 12 years, although they have been reported in younger children.
If your newborn is experiencing frequent nightmares or night terrors, it is important to talk to their doctor to rule out any underlying medical problems. Establishing a soothing bedtime routine and a consistent sleep schedule can also help prevent exhaustion and promote better sleep.
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Self-soothing and comforting
It is common for newborns to scream and cry in their sleep. In fact, it is normal for babies to make noises such as crying, grunting, screaming, and even moving in their sleep. This is because newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb and have not yet mastered the challenges of a regular sleep cycle.
Self-soothing is a gradual process that involves the parent and the baby. It is the ability to calm down without external help and is a skill that is developed over time. Babies who can self-soothe can fall asleep without much assistance from their parents. They can also fall back asleep if they wake up in the middle of a nap or during the night.
- Observe your baby's sleep pattern: Understanding your baby's sleep pattern can help you assess the cause of their crying. For example, newborns tend to sleep a lot, waking up only for short breaks to eat and have a diaper change. Identifying patterns can help you determine if your baby is crying due to hunger, a soiled diaper, or other reasons.
- Establish a consistent routine: Babies love routine. Try to put your baby to bed at the same time every day and stick to a consistent bedtime routine. This may include activities such as a warm bath or a bedtime story. A consistent routine can help your baby settle more easily and prevent them from becoming overtired, which can hinder self-soothing.
- Create a calming environment: Ensure your baby's sleeping environment is quiet, dark, and comfortable. Limit distractions such as a noisy TV or the presence of other children.
- Address basic needs: Ensure your baby's diaper is clean and dry, their clothing is appropriate for the environment, and they are not hungry or thirsty.
- Limit pacifier use: While a pacifier can be a common self-soothing technique, consider limiting its use to naptime and bedtime. This will prevent your baby from becoming overly reliant on it.
- Swaddling: During the newborn stage, a lightweight swaddle can calm your baby and promote good sleep. Make sure there are no loose ends that could cover your baby's face, and ensure they don't get too hot.
- White noise: White noise can be used as a comforting stimulus to help your baby self-soothe.
- Wean off feed-to-sleep: It is common for babies to fall asleep while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Gradually wean them off this association by ending the feeding when they start to drift off or burping them to wake them up if you want them to eat more.
- Observe and understand: Knowing why your baby cries requires careful observation. Understand their basic needs and preferences to address any underlying issues that may be causing their distress.
It is important to note that newborns typically cannot self-soothe, and it is recommended to wait until they are at least 3 months old before actively teaching self-soothing techniques. Until then, they need your help to regulate their emotions. As your baby grows older, their sleep patterns become more regular, making self-soothing easier.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns tend to sleep a lot, but they also tend to wake up frequently to eat and have a diaper change. Newborns also sleep in shorter stretches and are more prone to sleep disturbances like crying without being fully awake. Crying is their main form of communication, so they are probably hungry, uncomfortable, in pain, or too hot or cold.
If your newborn is crying in her sleep, do a quick check of their sleep environment to see if anything is amiss. If they are hungry, feed them. If they are uncomfortable, move them to a better position. If they are in pain, talk to a doctor about advice. If they are too hot or cold, adjust their clothing or bedding.
No, you should not wake your newborn up if she is screaming and crying in her sleep. Babies who learn to connect their sleep cycles themselves by self-soothing become independent sleepers. By going in and comforting them when this happens, you are actually fully waking them up and disrupting this natural process. Instead, give your baby a few minutes to see if they will settle on their own.
Exposing your newborn to natural daylight and establishing a routine may help regulate their sleep patterns. You can also try swaddling your newborn, which can calm them down and promote good sleep. During the newborn to 2-month age range, use a snugly wrapped, lightweight swaddle with no loose ends that could cover their face.
