Why Does Baby Cry in Sleep? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

 

If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of your baby crying only to find them not actually waking up, you’ve probably found yourself wondering: Why does baby cry in sleep? It’s totally normal to feel a little worried, especially when your little one had just been fed or changed.

The truth is, babies cry in their sleep for a variety of reasons, and most of them are completely normal. In this guide, we’ll dive into the most common reasons behind those middle-of-the-night cries, help you figure out what they might mean, and share some tips on how to soothe your little one back to sleep.

Reasons Why Babies Cry in Their Sleep

Babies cry in their sleep for various reasons, and while it might seem alarming, it’s often completely normal. Here are the main reasons why babies cry in their sleep:

Active Sleep Cycles and Transitions

Like adults, babies go through sleep cycles, spending half their time in lighter sleep (REM sleep) cycles, where their brains are highly active, and then shifting to deeper, restorative sleep cycles.

During the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep cycle, also known as active sleep, you may see your baby’s eyes fluttering under their eyelids, their arms and legs twitching, or even their hands opening and closing. So, do babies cry in active sleep? Yes, many babies also make noises, grunt, or cry out briefly during REM sleep without waking.

Plus, as babies transition between these sleep phases, they might also make small sounds or cries. They’re not fully awake—it’s just a brief moment of adjustment between cycles. They could cry for a few minutes and then settle back to sleep on their own.

Hunger or Thirst

Even though your baby might be sleeping soundly, they could wake up briefly because they’re hungry or thirsty. This is especially true for younger babies who need frequent feedings. If your little one is still in the newborn phase, their small stomachs might not keep them full for long, and they may cry in their sleep as a signal to you that they need a quick snack.

Discomfort

A wet diaper, a piece of clothing that’s too tight, gas or tummy trouble, or feeling too hot or cold can all cause your baby to cry while they sleep. Their cries are often short-lived, but if they’re uncomfortable enough, they might wake themselves up crying.

Overstimulation or Overtiredness

If your baby had a busy day or didn't get enough naps, they might cry during sleep because they’re overstimulated or overtired. Babies who are overtired often have trouble settling into a deep, restful sleep, and this can lead to fussy crying during the night. Overstimulation, like too much noise or activity before bedtime, can also cause them to have restless sleep.

Teething

Teething is another common cause of nighttime crying. As your baby’s first teeth start to come through, the pressure can cause pain or discomfort, which might disturb their sleep. If your baby is around 4-7 months old, teething could be the culprit, and a little extra soothing might be needed to help them sleep through the discomfort.

Growth Spurts

Growth spurts are another common reason babies might cry in their sleep. These typically occur around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, though every baby is different. During a growth spurt, your baby’s body is developing rapidly, which can sometimes make them more restless or fussy during their sleep.

Nightmares or Night Terrors

Though it might sound a bit scary, babies can experience dreams or night terrors during deep sleep. While nightmares (or bad dreams) are more common in older toddlers, babies can have what are known as “night terrors”—episodes where they seem upset or even terrified but are still deeply asleep. They might cry, whimper, or even appear to be awake, but they’re usually unaware of their surroundings and will typically calm down after a few minutes.

How to Interpret Baby Cries

As we’ve seen, not all cries are the same, and understanding your baby’s different cries can help you respond appropriately without unnecessary stress. Here’s how to decode their nighttime cries:

• Short Whimpers or Brief Cries: Babies might whimper softly or cry out briefly during active sleep or when transitioning between sleep cycles. In these cases, they can often settle themselves quickly. If the crying stops within a minute or two, it’s likely just part of their normal sleep pattern.
• Fussy Cries or Grunts: These sounds may indicate hunger, discomfort, or a need for attention. If your baby has recently been fed but continues fussing, check for other factors like a wet diaper, temperature changes, and tight clothing.
• Sleepy, Whiny Cry: A slow, whiny cry often happens when babies are overtired or struggling to sleep. This can be due to overstimulation or being awake too long.
• Long, High-Pitched Crying: This type of cry may signal a need that requires immediate attention, such as teething pain, gas, or reflux. If you’ve ruled out these issues and your baby continues crying in their sleep, it might be worth checking for signs of illness.

How to Soothe a Crying Baby

No parent likes hearing their baby cry, but when they’re upset during sleep, it can be especially challenging. Here are some tried-and-true methods you can try to soothe your little one back to sleep:

Check for Basic Needs

Before jumping into action, it’s always a good idea to check if your baby’s basic needs are met. Are they hungry, too hot, or cold? Have they had a fresh diaper change recently? Sometimes, all your baby needs is a quick snack or a fresh diaper to settle back down. If they’re still upset after taking care of these needs, you can try other soothing techniques.

Offer Comforting Sounds

Soft, familiar, and soothing sounds can help ease your baby back into a restful sleep. Playing gentle lullabies, nature sounds, and white noise creates a calming atmosphere that mimics the womb and promotes relaxation.

One great option to create a soothing sound environment is the Alilo Bunny baby music player. It comes preloaded with 76 pieces of content, including white noise, nature sounds, nursery rhymes, bedtime stories, and lullabies. With adjustable volume, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rechargeable battery, you can easily customize the soundscape to suit your baby’s needs. It also allows you to record your own lullabies for a personal touch, which might help your baby feel even more comforted by your voice.

If you’re looking for something more versatile, the Alilo Smarty Bunny baby rattle could be just what you need. Not only is it great for developing your baby’s fine motor skills during playtime, but it also plays calming music, lullabies, or white noise to help your little one relax and drift off to sleep. Plus, the rattle has an automatic shut-off after 30 minutes, making it a convenient, hands-free way to help soothe your baby to sleep.

Provide Gentle Touch or Patting

Sometimes a simple touch is all your baby needs to feel soothed. Instead of picking them up, gently patting or rubbing their back can help calm them down without fully waking them. If your baby is in a crib, you might try placing your hand on their chest or gently stroking their face. This reassuring contact can help them feel secure, allowing them to settle back into a deeper sleep.

Swaddle or Rewrap

For younger babies, being swaddled can be incredibly comforting. The snug, secure feeling mimics the tightness of the womb and helps them feel safe. If your baby enjoys being swaddled, try rewrapping them in a soft, breathable blanket to help them feel calm. Just make sure they’re not too hot and that their hips have room to move, as swaddling should always be done safely.

Rock, Sway, or Bounce Gently

Gently rocking, swaying, or bouncing babies in your arms can help them drift back off. If you’re using a rocking chair, or a baby swing (if they’re old enough for it), that gentle movement can mimic the sensations they felt when you were holding them during the day. Just be sure not to overdo it—if they fall asleep, try to stop the movement gradually so they can settle into a deep sleep.

Give Them Some Space

Sometimes, it’s tempting to rush in and pick your baby up the moment they start crying but giving them a minute or two can sometimes help them settle on their own. Babies might stir and cry briefly between light sleep and deep sleep but then go right back to sleep once they move through these transitions. It can be hard to hear your baby cry but giving them a little space (while staying nearby, of course) can allow them to work through the discomfort without over-stimulating them.

When to Call a Doctor

While occasional crying during sleep is normal, there are times when it might signal something more concerning. If your baby’s cries seem unusual or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor. Here are signs to watch for:

• Persistent, Intense Crying: If your baby cries loudly and persistently for extended periods, even after attempts to soothe them, it could indicate discomfort, illness, and pain. Trust your instincts and seek medical advice if something feels off.
• Fever or Signs of Illness: Crying combined with symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea may suggest an underlying medical issue. Contact your pediatrician promptly to rule out infections and other health concerns.
• Changes in Breathing Patterns: If you notice irregular breathing, such as pauses, grunting, and labored breathing while your baby sleeps, seek medical attention immediately. These changes can indicate a more serious condition that requires evaluation.

Conclusion

Hearing your baby cry in their sleep can be concerning, but now that you know why does baby cry in sleep, you’re in a better position to understand what’s going on. Whether it’s a sign of a sleep cycle shift or a little discomfort, most sleep-time crying is totally normal. Of course, if you notice persistent or unusual crying, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician. With a little patience and the right soothing techniques, you’ll be able to help your baby (and yourself) get more peaceful nights of sleep.

FAQs

Why do babies suddenly cry in their sleep?

Babies may suddenly cry in their sleep due to sleep cycle transitions, discomfort, or the startle reflex. During active sleep, their brain activity is higher, which can cause brief cries and fussiness without fully waking them up. These sudden cries are typically normal and often resolve on their own.

What is it called when babies cry in their sleep?

When babies cry during sleep, it’s often linked to active sleep or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is part of their natural sleep cycle. This is sometimes referred to as “sleep crying” and is a common occurrence, especially in newborns and infants as they adjust to their sleep patterns.

What do babies dream about when they cry?

While it’s unclear if babies dream the same way adults do, their brains are highly active during sleep. Crying may simply be their reaction to sensory processing or transitioning between sleep stages. For now, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest what they might be “dreaming” about.

Is it normal for a baby to cry to sleep?

Yes, it’s normal for babies to cry themselves to sleep on occasion. This can happen if they are overtired, overstimulated, and learning to self-soothe. However, if crying is persistent or accompanied by unusual symptoms, it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician to rule out any discomfort and medical concerns.