Parents may often see their babies crying while sleeping. Some babies start crying suddenly at night, and some may scream while sleeping. So, why do the baby start crying in sleep in night?
There may be many reasons for a baby to be crying in their sleep. They could be hungry, having a night mare, looking out for their mother/care giver, or even feeling unwell. It may be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason. But in most cases, a loving touch from the mother or a feeding session may put them back to sleep unless they are unwell in which case you may need to see a pediatrician
In This Article
- Why Do Babies Cry in Their Sleep?
- What Amount of Baby Crying is Normal?
- Top 7 Tips to Calm a Baby Crying in Sleep
- When Should You Consider Seeing a Doctor?
- FAQ’s
Why Do Babies Cry in Their Sleep?
Newborn babies may cry, grunt, or screen during their sleep. There may be many reasons for it such as
- Listening to unusual sounds
- Feeling hungry
- Digestion issues/ colic/ acid reflux
- Discomfort
- Wanting company/ mother
- Nightmares
- Feeling unwell
- Being disturbed when sleeping
- Sleep regression
- Getting awakened suddenly
- REM cycles
Younger babies cry while sleeping to communicate and express discomfort and hunger. Babies are born with weak digestive systems. It may take some time for them to adapt to milk or formula and other eateries. Hence, due to upset stomachs, they may often cry during their sleeping condition.
Some babies may also imagine different things and experience nightmares, which is another possible reason babies cry at night. The lousy dream sequence may choke them, so they start crying while sleeping. Sometimes crying is also a sign they are unwell and facing discomfort. Your tiny one may also cry when sleeping if they make a move or sound.
[Read : Top Reasons Why The Baby Is Crying]
What Amount of Baby Crying is Normal?
During the first few months, 2-3 hours of crying in a day are considered normal for newborns. Your tiny one may feel restless during sleeping which is why they start crying.
The newborn baby’s sleeping pattern changes from rapid eye movement to non-rapid eye movement. This is a very active phase and includes a light cry marked as a dream. Moving inside the crib and crying during this phase is pretty normal. Hence, if you hear some babies whimpering inside the room, they may be running in rapid eye movement, which is why they start crying while sleeping.
Sleeping regression is also a pinned-out reason for nighttime crying. This condition is normal for babies because they may have a nightmare and experience some terror that makes them cry at night. Your babies may again encounter sleep regression when they turn 6 months old or older.
[Read : 6 Month Sleep Regression in Babies]
Top 7 Tips to Calm a Baby Crying in Sleep
When you see your baby crying while sleeping, you should quickly soothe it so it can sleep back peacefully. Here is another helpful tip for calming your baby’s crying while sleeping.
1. Stroke to the Tummy to Get Them Back To Sleep
If your baby is crying while sleeping, gently comfort your tiny one with a belly rub. Ensure you speak calmly as it helps them to understand you are with them. Try to keep the massage period short and gentle so your baby can sleep comfortably.
2. Correct Their Sleeping Position
If your baby wedges themselves within their crib or dangling legs between slats, let them free and place your baby on the back in the middle of the bed. Setting them straight helps to make them calm and set them back into the dream sequence.
3. Use a Swaddle
A swaddle is the best option for keeping your baby calm during the first two months. Moreover, a snuggly swaddle also helps to promote good sleep. Be sure to swaddle accurately and not wrap babies tightly, as it may hurt them. Avoid covering their face as it may suffocate them.
[Read : All About Swaddling A Baby]
5. Dress Your Baby in Sleep Slack
If you don’t have a swaddle or your baby is too old to use one, opt for a sleeping sack with a zipper. It offers similar benefits to a swaddle and helps your babies to sleep peacefully.
6. Adjust Room Temperature to a Comfortable Setting
In addition to the above practices, check the temperature of the bedroom. It should not exceed 68- or 72-degrees F. A temperature below 72 degrees F is considered ideal for a comfy sleep for babies.
7. Don’t Rush Frequently to Your Baby
Babies are generally restless, so they might be in REM while sleeping. This REM stage can cause babies to cry. Try to avoid running towards them as soon as you hear their first cry. Within a few minutes, they might calm down and sleep back.
When Should You Consider Seeing a Doctor?
If you cannot understand the reason for your baby’s nighttime crying, contact a pediatrician. They will examine your baby and provide the real reason for their crying by checking the crying pattern. However, if your baby is crying more than 2-3 hours a day, this is also an alarming sign you should seek for doctor’s help.
Acid reflux or milk allergy can also be a reason for excessive crying at night while sleeping. Hence, if you observe any of these reasons, immediately seek doctor’s help to calm your babies.
Crying while sleeping is quite common for babies. Sometimes, it is a sign of their feeding time, whereas sometimes, it can be a nightmare call. However, if your baby shows unusual crying or screaming while sleeping, use the above tips to make them calm. Consult a doctor if your baby is still crying out louder while sleeping.
[Read : GERD and Reflux in Babies]
FAQ’s
1. How Do I Know if My Baby is Having Night Terrors?
If a baby is experiencing night terror, they may start screaming, their heart rate may increase, and they may often start crying louder. Some babies may get restless too.
2. How Long Can You Let a Baby Cry?
You can let your baby cry for 5-10 minutes. If they cry longer than 10 minutes, try to soothe them, understand the reason for crying, and try to calm them.
3. Can Babies Have Bad Dreams?
Yes, babies have a bad dream during the second half of sleep or usually when babies are in deep sleep.
Read Also: Safe Sleep Environment For Babies – What is it and How to Create
