Key takeaways
- When a baby begins crying in their sleep, caregivers may worry that something is wrong. However, in most cases, for babies, crying while asleep is a phase rather than a sign of a serious problem.
- Babies may settle themselves back to sleep after crying out. If crying persists, a caregiver may be able to resettle the baby by speaking calmly, gently rubbing their back or stomach, or nursing them.
- It may be beneficial to speak with a pediatrician if crying during sleep persists, if the baby’s sleep habits change, or if a lack of sleep affects a caregiver’s ability to function.
For many caregivers, sleep-related issues are among the biggest challenges during the baby and toddler years.
In this article, we look at the reasons why a baby might cry in their sleep, how to soothe them, and the sleep cycles that people can expect at different ages.
Newborns and young babies may grunt, cry, or scream in their sleep.
Very young children’s bodies have not yet mastered the challenges of a regular sleep cycle, so they tend to wake frequently or make strange sounds in their sleep.
For example, newborns tend to sleep for
For very young babies, crying is their main form of communication. It makes sense, then, that babies cry often and might also cry in their sleep.
As long as a baby does not have additional concerning symptoms, such as other signs of illness or pain, this is developmentally normal, and not a sign that something is wrong.
As a baby grows, various factors can interrupt their sleep and lead to crying, including:
- growth spurts
- teething pain
- illness
Nightmares
As babies develop more ways to express themselves, crying while asleep may be a sign of a nightmare or night terror. Toddlers and older babies who cry while sleeping, especially while moving in bed or making other sounds, may be having night terrors.
Nightmares occur during light sleep, or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Night terrors, on the other hand, occur when a child becomes very agitated during the deeper phases of sleep. Children are more likely to cry from night terrors early in the night.
Night terrors are most common between the ages of
When a baby briefly cries out in their sleep, they may settle on their own. Picking them up may wake them up, disrupting their sleep.
If the crying continues, try talking softly to the baby or rubbing their back or stomach. This can help shift them into a different sleep stage and help them stop crying.
Breastfed babies who nurse in their sleep may find comfort from nursing. However, caregivers should decide whether or not the baby is likely to awaken from nursing and assess whether they are willing to risk waking the baby.
It can also be helpful to simply observe the baby’s sleep pattern. Some babies let out a soft cry as they fall deeply into sleep, or immediately before waking. Identifying the baby’s typical sleep pattern can help caregivers assess the cause of crying.
Some babies might cry in their sleep when they are sick or teething, but pain that causes crying will usually wake the baby. Caregivers can talk with a pediatrician about how to ease the baby’s pain.
Although we do not yet know when nightmares start, a caregiver who thinks that they hear their baby having a nightmare can soothe them by talking calmly to them or rubbing their back.
If a baby wakes up from a nightmare, comfort them and follow a soothing sleep ritual to help them fall back asleep. Older babies and toddlers may need reassurance that the nightmare was not real.
Resources for healthy sleep
To discover more evidence-based information and resources on the science of healthy sleep, visit our dedicated hub.
Caregivers may benefit from speaking with a pediatrician about nighttime crying and other sleep issues when:
- a child cries out in pain
- a child’s sleep habits suddenly change
- a child’s sleep problems last for several nights and interfere with the ability of the child or caregiver to function
- feeding difficulties, such as a bad latch, not getting enough breast milk, or concerns with a formula sensitivity, interfere with sleep
There is no single “normal” sleep pattern in babies and young children. Sleep patterns can change rapidly over the first 3 years of life, with lots of variation between individual children. The amount of sleep crying may also change over time.
Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults and spend more time in light sleep, meaning that there are more chances for them to cry, grunt, or make other noises in their sleep.
Cultural and family norms may also affect sleep expectations. A healthcare professional can work with caregivers to help them choose sleep strategies that work for them, their culture, and the needs and personality of their baby.
This section discusses the average sleep patterns of babies at different ages. However, it is important to remember that there is a lot of variation. If a baby has a different sleep pattern from the ones below, there may not be any cause for concern.
Newborns (0 to 1 month)
Sleep is unpredictable in the first month, often punctuated by brief waking periods followed by naps and longer stretches of sleep. Sleep may be
Babies typically wake every 2 to 4 hours, and sometimes even more often, to eat.
Exposing a baby to natural daylight and establishing a routine may help regulate their sleep patterns. For most babies of this age, however, a regular sleep schedule or long periods of sleep at night are unlikely.
Older newborns (1 to 3 months)
Newborns ages 1 to 3 months are still adjusting to life outside the womb.
Circadian rhythms tend to develop between
At this age, babies may cry out in their sleep or wake up crying if they are hungry.
Infants (3 to 7 months)
Between 3 and 7 months, some babies begin sleeping longer stretches or sleeping through the night. There is still considerable variation between babies.
Some babies also experience a sleep regression during this period that can change their sleep pattern.
Later in this period, babies may develop a sleep schedule of two daily naps and a longer period of sleep at night. Establishing a daily routine and a nighttime sleep routine can help.
Infants (7 to 12 months)
Most babies will sleep through the night by the time they are 9 months old. Although, factors like teething can still disrupt sleep.
At around a year old, some babies drop down to just one nap per day. Others may need two naps per day well into their second year of life.
Toddlers (12 months and older)
Toddlers need around 12 to 15 hours of sleep per day, divided between their naps and nighttime sleep. They may drop down to a single daily nap by 18 months of age.
Toddlers may experience occasional shifts in their sleep habits when something disrupts their routine, they are sick, or they go through a major developmental shift. This may include more crying than usual.
A child who routinely sleeps through the night, for example, may wake at 3 a.m. ready to play for a few nights.
These shifts are usually temporary, but if a parent or guardian has any concerns, it is always beneficial to speak with a healthcare professional.
Sleep can be challenging, especially in the early months and years. Every baby is unique and has their own set of needs and tendencies.
Caregivers can find ways to work with a baby’s temperament to maximize sleep, soothe crying, and ensure that the baby feels safe and comfortable at night.
In most cases, crying out in sleep is not dangerous or a sign of a serious problem. Sooner or later, almost all babies do it, and eventually, all babies sleep.