Evie Summers
It can be distressing for new parents to hear their baby whimpering in their sleep, but it's a common occurrence. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, spending more time in light sleep, and are more likely to make noises such as whimpers and grunts. There are many reasons why a baby might be whimpering in their sleep, including teething pain, discomfort from a cold or flu, or separation anxiety. It could also be due to transitioning between sleep cycles, or because they are overtired. If you're concerned about your baby's whimpering, you can try comforting techniques such as placing a hand on their tummy or offering gentle motion and a soft voice. If you're still worried, it's always best to consult your paediatrician.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal | Whimpering during sleep is quite common, and many babies will fall back to sleep in a few minutes. |
| Sleep cycle transition | Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults and spend more time in light sleep, which means there are more chances for them to whimper. |
| Teething | Babies start teething around 4 to 8 months of age, and this can cause sleep disruptions and crying during sleep. |
| Overtiredness | Babies may cry and whimper before falling asleep if they are overtired. |
| Food sensitivities | Babies may cry in their sleep due to discomfort from food sensitivities, either from breast milk, formula, or solid foods. |
| Illness | Illness or discomfort from a cold or flu can cause crying in sleep. |
| Sleep regression | Sleep regression around 4 months can cause nighttime crying and changes in sleep patterns. |
| Temperature | A room temperature that is too hot or cold may disrupt the baby's sleep. |
| Nightmares | Older babies may develop imaginations, leading to bad dreams and crying at night. |
| Night terrors | Uncommon in babies but can occur as early as 18 months. |
| Separation anxiety | May temporarily disrupt sleep for a week or two. |
| Active sleep | Newborns spend about half of their sleeping hours in active sleep, also known as REM sleep, which can include crying and moaning. |
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What You'll Learn
It's likely REM sleep
It is likely that your 3-month-old baby is whimpering in her sleep due to being in the REM stage of sleep. REM sleep is characterised by rapid eye movement, dreams, and light sleep, during which babies can be easily awakened.
The sleep cycle of infants differs from that of adults. Babies' sleep cycles are shorter, typically lasting about 40 minutes, and they tend to spend more time in REM sleep, which is important for their development. During the first few months, babies' sleep is split almost evenly between REM and non-REM (NREM) sleep. As babies grow, they spend less time in REM sleep and experience more NREM sleep cycles.
Babies typically start to sleep for longer periods at night and shorter periods during the day from 3 to 6 months of age. At this age, their sleep patterns are also more influenced by light and darkness. It is common for babies to whimper and even briefly wake during REM sleep, and they may settle back to sleep on their own without intervention.
If your baby is whimpering in her sleep, it is recommended to wait a few minutes to see if she can settle herself. If the whimpering continues for 5 to 10 minutes, you can try offering gentle reassurance, such as a belly rub and a calming voice, to let her know you are there for comfort. Checking the temperature of the room is also important, as a comfortable sleep environment can help your baby sleep more peacefully.
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They may be teething
It is possible that your three-month-old baby is wimpering in their sleep because they are teething. While babies typically begin teething at around six months of age, it is not uncommon for teething to begin as early as three months. Teething is often associated with disrupted sleep and increased irritability in babies.
If your baby is teething, they may be experiencing gum pain and discomfort, which can make it difficult for them to sleep peacefully. To ease their pain and help them sleep better, you can try giving them a teething ring to bite down on during the day. This can reduce swelling and soothe their gums, making it easier for them to fall asleep at night. It is important to ensure that any teethers or teething rings are cleaned and sterilised regularly to prevent germs from causing illness.
You can also offer your baby healthy treats to chew on if they have started eating solids. For example, a piece of carrot or cucumber can provide a safe and soothing option to help relieve sore gums during the day and may aid in more comfortable sleep at night.
If your baby continues to experience pain and distress from teething, you may want to consider pain-relieving medication. Baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can be given to babies aged three months and older to manage teething pain. However, it is always recommended to consult your baby's paediatrician before administering any medication to confirm the proper dosage and ensure your baby's safety.
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They could be overtired
It is common for babies to whimper in their sleep, and there could be many reasons for this. One of the reasons could be that they are overtired.
Overtiredness occurs when a baby stays awake past their wake window. This sends conflicting signals to the baby, confusing and frustrating them. It is important to watch your baby's sleepy cues and adhere to their wake window.
Babies who are overtired are more likely to have trouble settling down at bedtime and staying asleep through the night. They may cry more before falling asleep and may also cry briefly between sleep cycles. This can happen when babies are teething, as the discomfort can make them fussier, leading to more crying and whimpering during sleep.
To prevent overtiredness, it is recommended to expose your baby to natural daylight and establish a consistent sleep routine. However, for newborns aged 1-3 months, a regular sleep schedule or long periods of sleep at night are unlikely as they are still adjusting to life outside the womb. During this time, it is normal for babies to wake up every 2-3 hours to eat and they may even wake up more frequently.
If your baby is crying in their sleep, it is suggested to pause and see if they can settle themselves before rushing in and disturbing their sleep pattern. You can also check the room temperature, ensure they are comfortably swaddled, or check if they are gassy or hungry.
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They might be hungry
It is quite common for babies to whimper and fuss in their sleep. If your 3-month-old baby is whimpering in their sleep, they might be hungry. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, and they spend more time in light sleep, which means they have more chances to cry, whimper, or make other noises in their sleep.
Babies may also cry in their sleep if they are hungry and need to eat again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that most babies need to eat every 2 to 4 hours. This means that your baby may wake up hungry several times during the night. If your baby is crying in their sleep and you have ruled out other causes, such as teething pain or discomfort from a cold, consider whether they might be hungry.
If your baby is lightly whimpering and still asleep, it is usually best to leave them be. Trying to comfort them might wake them up and make it harder for them to fall back asleep. If you have met their needs and they continue to cry lightly for 5 to 10 minutes, you can try placing a hand on their tummy, using gentle motion, and offering a soft "shhh." Most babies will outgrow this sleep-crying phase by the time they are 4 to 5 months old.
If you are breastfeeding, bringing your baby to the breast to comfort nurse may help soothe them and prepare them for sleep, even if they are not hungry. Nursing is very comforting for babies, and the closeness to the mother will help lower their heart rate. However, if the crying in their sleep is persistent or you suspect they are in pain or experiencing a medical issue, it is important to seek medical attention.
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It could be a sleep regression
The 3-month sleep regression is one of the first sleep regressions your baby will experience. It is usually a "nap regression," where newborns start taking 30-45 minute naps. This is because their daytime sleep cycles are still maturing, and they may wake up after one cycle and need help transitioning to the next.
If your baby is going through the 3-month sleep regression, there are some things you can do to help them develop healthy sleep habits. You can try to extend their naps to prevent overtiredness and set the stage for solid naps in the future. It's important to continue optimizing your baby's sleep while working towards getting it back on track.
You can also try to help your baby learn to fall asleep independently. If they can fall asleep without help, they may be able to use those same skills to fall back asleep when they wake up between sleep cycles. This can lead to longer sleep for both you and your baby.
Additionally, you can follow a calming bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, white noise, and dim lights. Make sure your baby is getting enough daytime sleep, as overtiredness can worsen sleep issues. Gentle sleep training techniques like the Wake and Sleep method can help babies learn to fall asleep on their own. Swaddling can also bring on sleep, as it provides a similar experience to being carried in a sling or being in the womb.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns aged 1-3 months are still adjusting to life outside the womb and are likely to cry out in their sleep or wake up crying if they are hungry. It is also common for babies to whimper in their sleep when transitioning from one sleep cycle to the next, or if they are overtired.
If your baby's needs have been met and they are still whimpering, you could try placing a hand on their tummy, using some very gentle motion, or offering a soft "shhh". If you sense your baby is overtired, it is best to condense your usual bedtime routine and help your baby fall asleep quickly.
If your baby is sick, congested, or you are concerned about whether what you're hearing is normal, check with your pediatrician. Persistent crying may be the first sign of a more serious illness, such as an ear infection.
