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Why does the baby cry in his sleep?
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Only 30% of children under three months sleep normally, the rest cry. By the age of one, almost 90% of children already sleep normally. This means that parents need to survive this period. But if you know why a child cries in his sleep, you can significantly reduce the risks to his nervous system. What are the reasons for a child crying in his sleep?
Biorhythms of a newborn
Biorhythms, due to which we are active or, on the contrary, tired and want to sleep, return to normal after three to four months of the baby's life, and are finally formed by two years. When the child is not yet a month old, his sleep and activity cycle lasts 90 minutes. That is, three hours. This is the basis for the feeding regimen after every three hours. By three months, this cycle is increasingly stabilized. The child may no longer wake up after 00.00, falling asleep at 21.00 and waking up at about 05.00 - 06.00. If the night passes peacefully, the mother also gets enough sleep and can breastfeed the baby normally.
At two years old, the baby's habits regarding sleep and wakefulness become stable. But at the same time, this age can be a milestone when a turning point occurs in the child's personality, and he wants more attention. Then it can be difficult to put the child to bed.
Why does a child cry in his sleep?
- Tummy pain may be the reason for newborns crying at night
- The reason for a baby's crying at 3-4 months may be bloating, and at 4-5 months - teething. At this point, the baby's temperature may rise, and he needs increased attention from his mother.
- In the period up to one year, a child may cry at night when they discover that mom and dad are not around. Another reason for a child to cry at night may be a sharp noise, loud sounds. At the age of 2 to 3 years, children can be very sensitive to pain, especially sensitive to fears. Therefore, you must always be ready to pay attention to the child and calm him down in time.
- It is important to know that a baby's sleep is half active and half passive. The baby tends to wake up in the active phase - the phase of superficial sleep. You need to be prepared for this situation, react to how the baby tosses and turns, maybe moans in his sleep or tries to say something.
How to ensure your baby has a peaceful sleep?
To help your child wake up less at night, his room should have:
- Optimum air temperature (18-20 degrees)
- No drafts
- The baby's room should be well ventilated.
- If the child is afraid of the dark, a soft, dim light should be on at night.
- There should be no sharp or loud sounds in the room or the house at all.
- The room should not have many carpets on the walls and floor so that dust does not accumulate.
- A child can sleep with a favorite toy if it helps him feel calmer.
- Mom and dad should always be ready to get up and comfort a crying child. This way he will feel safe.
In such conditions, you will forget about this nightmarish question: "Why does a child cry in his sleep?", and the child's crying will occur much less often, because the parents have done everything possible for the comfort of their baby.