Why Does Baby Wake Up Crying?
Baby may wake up crying due to physical discomfort or emotional needs; the exact reason can depend on their age.
Some of the most common reasons Baby wakes up crying include a dirty diaper, gas pain, growth spurts, hunger, illness, and teething.
To help Baby get back to sleep, try identifying the root cause of their crying and address it accordingly—such as fulfilling their basic needs or adjusting their sleep environment.
Baby is sleeping soundly and you are getting some much needed “me time” when all of a sudden you hear Baby crying hysterically. What causes Baby to wake up crying? Read on to learn common reasons, plus see our tips for soothing Baby back into slumberland.
Why is Baby crying when they wake up?
Before Baby can use words to express their needs, crying is their main form of communication. They do it a lot in their first couple years of life—often in the middle of sleep! Common reasons Baby wakes up crying include different forms of physical discomfort or emotional needs. Some of these will depend on Baby’s age.
Here are 11 reasons why Baby may wake up crying:
Dirty Diaper
A full diaper can be uncomfortable for Baby, especially if it’s been sitting for a while or Baby has diaper rash. This discomfort can cause Baby to wake up crying.
Gas Pains
If Baby was put to bed right after a feeding and didn’t get burped, their crying may be due to a tummy ache from painful trapped gas. Babies typically need to be burped after feeding until about 7-9 months.
These quick periods of rapid growth in Baby’s first 6 months can cause Baby to be hungry more often, have irregular sleep, and be fussier, all of which can make Baby cry upon waking.
Hunger
If Baby hasn’t been fed in a while or is going through a growth spurt, they may wake up feeling “hangry”. Aside from crying, Baby’s hunger cues may include smacking their lips or bringing their hands to their mouth.
Illness
Illnesses like colds and ear infections can strike in the middle of the night when Baby is fast asleep. Uncomfortable symptoms like fevers, ear pain, achiness, and congestion can cause Baby to wake up in tears.
Nightmares
While nightmares are rare for babies (and hard to recognize!), sleep experts believe they can start as early as 6 months. However, Baby’s first nightmare is more likely to happen around 1.5 to 2 years. Fear from a bad dream can cause Baby to cry out for their caregiver’s comfort.
Separation Anxiety
Babies become more aware of their caregiver’s presence (and absence) and can develop separation anxiety starting around 9 months old. If Baby wakes in the night and notices you’re not there, they may cry for you.
Schedule Changes
Overtiredness from changes in Baby’s nap schedule—like skipping or shifting nap times—can lead to more wakeups with crying. So can major changes in Baby’s normal bedtime routine, such as feeding Baby early instead of right before bed or not rocking them to sleep like they’re used to.
If Baby suddenly starts having frequent wakeups and cries during the night, they may be going through a sleep regression. Regressions commonly occur at 4, 8, 12 and 18 months and can last 2-6 weeks.
Baby’s gums get sore during teething, and the pain may sometimes cause Baby to wake up fussy. Teething can start as early as 3 months and last until age 2 or 3. Baby’s pain may be worse right before a new tooth erupts.
Uncomfortable Sleep Environment
Bright lights, loud noises, a room that’s too hot or cold… all these things can disrupt Baby’s sleep and overstimulate them. Then come the waterworks!
How to Help Your Crying Baby Get Back to Sleep
Sometimes it’s tricky to pinpoint which reason (or reasons!) Baby is crying, especially if there are no obvious signs or Baby can’t talk yet. Getting to the bottom of Baby’s woes may simply take some good old trial and error! Try these tips when you need to get crying Baby back to their sweet slumber.
Fulfill Baby’s Basic Needs
Change their diaper every 2-3 hours or when full. If Baby has a diaper rash, gently clean their diaper area and use a cream or ointment as prescribed by Baby’s healthcare provider.
Feed Baby if they are showing these hunger cues or haven’t been fed in a few hours.
Make sure Baby is getting enough sleep (see this guide for sleep recommendations by age). Try not to skip naps if you can help it!
Relieve Their Pain
Helps with gas pains, illness, teething
Burp Baby to remove trapped gas. Try switching up Baby’s burping position—on your chest, lap or while Baby sits up—if they are having trouble.
Speak to Baby’s healthcare provider if you suspect Baby is in pain or sick. Give them medicine as directed if Baby is prescribed something for their illness.
If Baby is teething, try giving them a slightly chilled (not frozen), clean washcloth or teething ring to soothe their sore gums prior to putting them back to sleep.
Adjust Baby’s Sleep Environment
Helps with uncomfortable sleep environment
Remove or reduce any stimuli that may disturb Baby in their sleep; if you notice the same household noises tend to wake Baby up (e.g. laundry machines), consider changing the time you do certain chores. Or, try switching the room Baby sleeps in so they are further from the source.
Keep Baby’s room completely dark until they no longer have day-night confusion, around 4-6 months.
Stick to a Sleep Routine
Helps with growth spurts, nightmares, schedule changes, sleep regression
Maintain Baby’s nap and sleep schedule as best you can—consistency will help you ensure Baby is getting enough sleep.
Start preparing Baby for sleep at least 30 minutes before their sleep time by taking Baby to the room they sleep in, dimming the lights, and using a quiet, soothing voice.
Try doing the same calming activities during Baby’s sleep routine, such as reading a bedtime story, singing a lullaby, or giving a baby massage to let them know it’s sleepy time.
You might have to adjust Baby’s regular sleep routine to include an extra feeding* if Baby is going through a growth spurt.
*Make sure to consult Baby’s healthcare provider before changing Baby’s feeding schedule.
Make Sure Baby Feels Safe and Loved
Helps with nightmares, separation anxiety
Swaddle Baby (or adjust Baby’s swaddle if needed) to help them feel calm and secure.** Find the best swaddling method for Baby here.
**Note that Baby should stop using a swaddle as soon as they attempt to roll. You can use a sleep sack to help transition Baby out of swaddling.
If Baby is 7-9 months and up, help them self-soothe. Babies typically learn to self-soothe around 6 months; try encouraging it using whatever methods you’re comfortable with.
Simply try holding, cuddling, or rocking them back to sleep. Sometimes all Baby needs is their caregiver’s warmth and physical touch to fall back into their sweet slumber!
When will Baby stop waking up crying?
All babies are different, so there is no set age Baby will stop crying when they wake up. Some may still occasionally do it past toddlerhood, even when they are able to communicate their problems with words. Getting Baby to sleep can be hard and you won’t always be able to figure out why they are crying. Just know you are not alone, and this phase will pass. If Baby is waking up crying frequently, consider reaching out to Baby’s healthcare provider for support and guidance.
