Hearing your baby crying in their sleep can be unsettling. Because they can’t talk, you don’t know for sure why they are crying. But you do know one thing — they're not sleeping, and neither are you.

For babies younger than 6 months, crying and waking during the night is very common. Every baby is different, but it is unlikely your baby will sleep through the night before they are 4 to 6 months old, so it’s better to plan, avoid frustration and get rest when you can. 

Once you have the right mindset, what can you do to prepare and help your baby when they cry at night? Maya Bunik, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, breastfeeding expert and Associate Chief Medical Officer-Ambulatory provides some advice.

Reasons a baby might wake up crying in the night

There are so many different reasons a baby might wake up crying in the night.  You might not be able to figure out the exact cause — and that’s OK. Here are some of the common reasons babies cry and a few tips to soothe your little one. 

Hunger

Newborn babies need to feed every 2 to 3 hours overnight, and may continue requiring night feedings even as they get older. If your baby has been asleep for 5 hours or longer and wakes up crying, they are likely hungry. If your baby wakes up earlier than that mark, Dr. Bunik suggests testing if your baby is hungry by offering the breast,  a small bottle (0.5 oz) or a pacifier to see if they are hungry or just seeking comfort. 

Gas 

In the first few months, your baby’s digestive tract is very immature. This means that even just normal gas or stool is a dramatic event for them. There is usually not much you can do to ease this experience. You may try a warm bath because it can relax the tummy. Do your best to offer comfort and care. 

Reflux  

Reflux is very common in babies, and happens when they spit up liquid after feeds. If your baby is showing signs of discomfort from reflux, try burping them and holding them upright for 15 to 20 minutes after feeding. You can also try smaller, more frequent feeds so their stomachs don’t get overfilled and overfed. If your baby’s frequent crying is causing a lot of stress on your family, they are spitting up more than a handful every feed or losing weight, it’s time to contact your child’s pediatrician to discuss next steps.

Temperament

Dr. Bunik says sleep is closely linked to your baby’s temperament — the natural way your baby responds to and interacts with the world, impacting their mood, emotions and reactions. This might mean your baby just naturally needs extra support and comfort. You could try all the sleep tips and tricks, and they might not be the right fit for your baby because of their temperament — and that’s OK.

Learning day from night

When your baby is in utero, they typically get rocked to sleep during the day by their parent’s movement, and then spend more time awake at night, when the body is still. This is why some pregnant people feel like their baby is always moving around when they are trying to get to bed. After your baby is born, they have an adjustment period during which they learn day from night. You can help this process by prioritizing bright lights during the day — open the blinds, spend time outside and make sure they aren’t sleeping for  long stretches during the day. At night, keep the lights low during feeds and diaper changes, don’t chat as much, and keep your room quiet and dark. After a few weeks, your baby will adjust.

Teething

Teething can play a factor in your baby’s discomfort. Babies typically start to get their first teeth around 6 months of age, but teething behaviors can start before or after that mark. If you feel like teething is interfering with your child’s sleep, speak to their pediatrician about some pain reduction options.

Colic

Sometimes babies cry frequently without a clear cause. This is often referred to as colic. Colic is typically defined as crying in a healthy baby for more than 3 hours a day and more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. Crying and fussiness usually happens more frequently in the evening and peaks at about 6 weeks old. Explore soothing techniques for colic here.

Getting your baby to sleep through the night is a process

One of the most important things to remember is that your baby is learning how to sleep through the night. You might feel a lot of pressure to get your baby to sleep, but it’s important not to be too hard on yourself.

It takes time for babies to learn the rhythms of night and day and when to sleep. And remember, being responsive to your baby’s needs is a good thing.

You might have heard that you should try “sleep training” your baby or let them “cry it out.” These approaches often recommend that when your baby cries at night, you let them cry, while still checking on them frequently.

Some people believe this will teach your baby to self soothe themselves back to sleep. Research is mixed on what is the most effective approach. Do what is best for your family and child. The most important thing is to make sure your baby is following safe sleep guidelines.

When and how to put your baby to sleep

A lot of people may tell you that you should put your baby down to sleep when they are drowsy, but not fully asleep. This is a good goal, but it is not always possible — especially in the early months.

Many babies fall asleep while you are holding them, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding them, and that’s OK too. You will have the opportunity to practice those skills more as they grow older. Follow your baby’s cues and prioritize what works best for your family.

The 6-month milestone

When your baby reaches 6 months old, they hit an important milestone on their sleep journey. At this age their digestive tract is more mature, they are able to have better sleep hygiene and they are falling into a more predictable bedtime routine. 

They also might be more likely to soothe themselves back to sleep after night wakings. At 6 months, their risk for SIDS also decreases significantly.

Bedtime routine for babies

The 6 month milestone can be a great opportunity to work on a nighttime routine, such as:

• Taking a bath
• Putting on pajamas
• Brushing teeth (if they have any)
• Cuddling and feeding
• Reading a book
• And then going to bed

This may be a good time to try putting your baby in bed while sleepy, but not yet asleep in hopes that they get used to falling asleep alone.

When your baby does wake up in the night or during naps after reaching 6 months, use these tips for comforting them and helping them get back to sleep:

• Visit your baby as often as you feel is necessary, and make your visits loving, but brief.
• Act sleepy and whisper positive sayings, such as “You’re almost asleep.”
• Speak in a loving and calm voice.
• Try not to show any frustration or anger.

Finally, don’t forget that you know your baby best. Trust your instinct and your comfort level. Once you ensure that your baby is sleeping safely, follow these general guidelines, talk with your pediatrician and respond to your baby as you see fit.

When to call your pediatrician

Call your child’s doctor if crying becomes worse, if your child still isn’t sleeping after several weeks of transition, or if you ever have any questions or concerns.

Call your child’s pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions. You can also call Children’s Colorado’s ParentSmart Healthline at 855-543-4636 any time, day or night, to speak with a pediatric nurse.