Ashwin Lewis
It can be distressing to hear your toddler cry in their sleep, but it's important to remember that it's a common occurrence and usually nothing to worry about. Toddlers may cry in their sleep due to various reasons, such as teething pain, hunger, illness, or emotional distress. They may also be transitioning between sleep cycles or experiencing developmental changes that affect their sleep patterns. In some cases, toddlers may even have nightmares or night terrors, which can be frightening for parents but are typically harmless. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine can help toddlers regulate their sleep and reduce the occurrence of night wakings. If you're concerned about your toddler's sleep patterns or frequent crying, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
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What You'll Learn
Your toddler might be hungry
It is common for babies and toddlers to cry in their sleep. While this can be distressing for caregivers, it is usually a normal phase and not a sign of a serious problem. Toddlers may experience shifts in their sleep habits when they go through a major developmental shift, and this may include more crying than usual.
Hunger is a common reason for babies and toddlers to wake up crying. Infants have small stomachs, so they need to be fed every few hours and this can cause them to wake up hungry in the middle of the night. A baby who is hungry will rarely go back to sleep until they have been fed. However, as they get older, babies can sleep for longer stretches without needing to be fed. After six months, babies can be weaned off night feeds, and by two years, they should no longer be drinking from bottles.
If your 19-month-old toddler is waking up hungry, it may be that they are not eating enough during the day. Make sure their nutritional needs are being met by offering them enough food and water during their waking hours. You could also try giving them a light snack before bedtime to help them feel more satisfied.
It is important to establish healthy sleep habits for toddlers. Creating a comforting bedtime routine can help your toddler learn how to become an independent sleeper. This could include a bedtime bath, story time, or other rituals that do not involve eating. If your toddler associates food with comfort and falling asleep, try offering them a transitional object like a teddy bear to snuggle with instead.
If you are concerned about your toddler's sleep habits or their nutritional intake, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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They could be experiencing separation anxiety
It is common for toddlers to cry in their sleep, and it is usually nothing to worry about. However, one possible reason for your 19-month-old toddler's crying could be separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase that many toddlers go through, and it can manifest in different ways as children grow older. It often peaks when toddlers are between 10 and 18 months old, but it can start as early as six months and usually diminishes by the age of two to four years. Separation anxiety can be triggered by changes in the environment, routine, caregiver, or stress. It can also be influenced by the child's temperament and experiences, such as starting school or daycare, moving to a new home, or changes in the family structure.
The most noticeable signs of separation anxiety include increased clinginess and crying, especially when you are initiating the separation, such as when you put your baby down or leave the room. You may also notice more frequent sleep struggles, such as night wakings, shorter naps, and difficulty falling asleep.
If your toddler is experiencing separation anxiety, there are several things you can do to help them:
- Create a consistent bedtime routine: A familiar routine provides security and helps your toddler feel more prepared for separation.
- Spend time in your toddler's room during awake time: Engage in fun activities and create positive experiences in their room to increase their comfort and make it easier when you have to leave.
- Use transitional objects: Introduce a soft comfort object, such as a lovey, for your toddler to hold when they are away from you. Make sure it is safe and does not have any loose parts or choking hazards.
- Offer reassurances: Acknowledge your toddler's separation anxiety and let them know it is okay to miss you. Provide verbal comfort when they call for you in the middle of the night, but try not to inadvertently reward their behaviour by picking them up or taking them back to your bed.
- Practice short goodbyes: When leaving your toddler with another caregiver, give them advance warning and then say a quick goodbye. Avoid returning for extra hugs, as this may increase their anxiety.
- Encourage independence: If your toddler wakes up from a nap and is playing alone happily, don't rush to them. Let them experience being by themselves and boost their confidence and independence.
- Provide distractions: Ask your caregiver to have an activity ready when you hand your toddler over to take their mind off the separation.
- Watch developmentally appropriate TV shows: Shows that cover separation anxiety, such as the "Grown Ups Come Back" episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, can help your toddler understand and cope with their feelings.
- Have intentional one-on-one time: Spending extra attention and connection time with your toddler can help them adjust to big transitions and changes.
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They might be having a nightmare or night terror
It is common for young babies to make noises during sleep, including crying. In most cases, crying while asleep is a phase rather than a sign of a serious problem. Toddlers and older babies who cry while asleep may be having nightmares or night terrors.
Nightmares occur during light sleep, or random eye movement sleep. They are a common way to process emotions and information, and your child will eventually grow out of them. A child having a nightmare might wake up, remember the nightmare, and feel upset. They may also have a hard time falling back asleep. Toddlers may experience nightmares when they are sick, or when they go through a major developmental shift.
Night terrors, on the other hand, occur when a child becomes very agitated during the deeper phases of sleep. They are relatively rare and usually occur in children aged between 4 and 12 years old, but they have been reported in babies as young as 18 months old. During night terrors, kids don't wake up but may be screaming, breathing rapidly, sweating, and thrashing around. This can look scary, but night terrors are harmless, and you shouldn't try to wake your child up. Night terrors usually happen about 2-3 hours after a child falls asleep, and they can be caused by a lack of good-quality sleep.
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Your toddler could be in pain or discomfort
It is common for toddlers to cry in their sleep, and there are many reasons why this might happen. One reason could be that your toddler is in pain or discomfort. Toddlers will continue teething well into their second and third years, and this could cause pain and discomfort that wakes them up at night. If your toddler is moving their hands or objects to their mouth and has red and swollen gums, this could be the reason.
Another reason for crying in sleep could be illness. Illnesses such as fever, vomiting, ear infections, body aches, and congestion can wake your toddler up suddenly, causing them to cry or scream in the middle of the night. A mild illness can often be managed at home with over-the-counter medication, but more severe symptoms such as a persistent high fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, or symptoms of an ear infection warrant a call to the doctor.
Your toddler's crying could also be due to hunger. Infants have small stomachs and will be hungry much more frequently than older babies and toddlers. If your toddler is way past hungry, they may start crying. Think back to the last time they ate and see if hunger could be the reason.
Additionally, your toddler's sleep environment could be causing discomfort. If they are too hot or too cold, this could be the reason for their crying.
Finally, your toddler's crying could be due to gas, which can cause significant discomfort and pain. If you are unable to soothe your toddler with the basics, such as feeding, cuddles, and a diaper change, talk to your toddler's doctor about medication.
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They might be sick
It is common for toddlers to cry in their sleep, and in most cases, it is not a cause for concern. However, if your 19-month-old toddler is crying in their sleep, they might be sick. Illness can cause a toddler to wake up suddenly and cry or scream in the middle of the night. Fevers, vomiting, ear infections, body aches, congestion, and other mild illnesses can cause this type of distress. If your toddler is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to provide comfort and care. Over-the-counter medication can help manage mild illness symptoms such as pain or fever.
Additionally, sleep regression might be a factor if your toddler's routine has been disrupted. This could be due to changes in their sleep environment, travel, or developmental milestones. Ensuring that your toddler gets enough sleep and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can help prevent sleep regression.
It is worth noting that night terrors are also a possible reason for your toddler's crying. While night terrors are relatively rare and usually occur in older children, they can happen in toddlers as young as 18 months old. During a night terror, your toddler may scream, cry, or move around agitatedly, but they will not be fully awake. Maintaining a steady bedtime routine can help reduce the occurrence of night terrors.
If you are concerned about your toddler's crying during sleep, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you suspect illness or other underlying issues. They can provide guidance and advice tailored to your toddler's specific needs.
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