Understanding Baby Crying in Sleep: Causes and solutions for parents

You’ve finally managed to get your baby to sleep - praise be! You tiptoe out of the room like a ninja, collapse onto the couch, and take a deep breath… only to hear them suddenly cry-out in their sleep. But when you rush back in, they’re still snoozing, looking as peaceful as an angel. What gives?

---

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents experience the confusing (and slightly terrifying) moment when their baby cries in their sleep, only to settle again without fully waking up. The good news? In most cases, this is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Babies have different sleep patterns than adults, and their little brains are working overtime, which can sometimes result in mid-sleep whimpers, fussing, or even full-on cries.

In this article, we’ll break down the common reasons why babies cry in their sleep, from normal sleep cycle transitions to hunger, discomfort, and even the dreaded sleep regressions. We’ll also go over some gentle ways to soothe them and when it might be time to check in with a doctor. Because while baby sleep can be a total mystery, a little knowledge (and a lot of coffee) can go a long way in helping you feel more confident navigating those restless nights and a crying baby.

Why do babies cry in their sleep?

---

If adults cried in their sleep as much as babies do, we’d probably be Googling “exorcism services near me.” But for little ones, crying while asleep is actually quite common – and usually harmless.

Unlike us, babies spend a lot more time in REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep), which is a lighter stage of sleep where the brain is super active. This is the stage where dreams happen, but for babies, it’s also when their nervous system is busy developing, processing new experiences, and adjusting to life outside the womb. Because of this, they might twitch, grunt, or even let out a little cry before drifting back into deeper sleep. It is more likely that baby wakes during this period.

For newborns, this can be even more noticeable. Their sleep cycles are still maturing, meaning they transition between light and deep sleep more frequently, sometimes waking up or fussing in the process. Add in factors like hunger, teething, or a full nappy, and it’s easy to see why they might cry out mid-snooze.

As babies grow, their sleep patterns become more predictable, but crying in sleep can still happen – especially as they start dreaming more vividly. Older babies and toddlers may begin experiencing nightmares or night terrors, which can cause sudden outbursts of crying, even though they’re still technically asleep.

So, while it can be unsettling to hear your baby crying in their sleep, in most cases, it’s just another quirk of babyhood. But if you’re wondering why they’re crying, let’s break down some of the most common causes.

---

Common causes of a baby crying in their sleep

---

There’s nothing quite like the heart-stopping moment when your baby lets out a sudden wail in the middle of the night – especially when they don’t even wake up. But before you panic, know that there are a few common reasons why babies cry in their sleep.

Sleep cycle transitions

Babies don’t sleep like adults, and that’s a big part of why they cry in their sleep. Their sleep cycles are much shorter – around 50–60 minutes compared to an adult’s 90-minute cycle – which means they transition between light, active sleep and deep sleep more frequently.

During REM sleep, the brain is highly active, and babies might twitch, move around, or even let out a cry before settling again. This is completely normal and often nothing to worry about. Sometimes they wake themselves up in the process, but other times they’ll fall asleep on their own.

If your baby cries briefly and then quiets down again, it’s likely just a sleep cycle transition. In these cases, it’s best to wait a moment before intervening – you might find they resettle without any help.

Hunger or discomfort

One of the most common reasons babies cry in their sleep is hunger. Newborn babies and young infants have tiny stomachs and need to feed frequently, including throughout the night. A hungry baby might cry, root around, or suck on their hands – even in their sleep.

Discomfort is another big culprit. A wet or soiled nappy, teething pain, or even feeling too hot or too cold can all trigger mid-sleep crying. Babies are sensitive little creatures, and something as small as a tag on their onesie or a bit of wind in their tummy could be enough to disturb their rest.

If your baby’s crying seems restless and unsettled, checking for common discomforts – like a full nappy, signs of teething, or a need for a feed – can help you figure out what they need to get them to stop crying.

Nightmares or night terrors

As they get older, most babies brains start processing more complex emotions and experiences, which means they can start having nightmares and nighttime crying. These typically happen during REM sleep and might cause whimpering or sudden crying, but a fussy baby usually wakes up and can be soothed.

Night terrors, on the other hand, are a bit different. These occur in deeper sleep stages and can involve intense crying, screaming, or thrashing around, often without the baby fully waking up. Unlike nightmares, night terrors can be distressing to witness because the baby might seem inconsolable, even if you try to comfort them.

The good news? Night terrors are far more common in toddlers than young babies, and most kids grow out of them as their nervous system matures. If your little one does experience them, keeping a consistent bedtime routine and ensuring they get enough rest can help reduce their frequency, along with ensuring that they’re not overheating.

Sleep regression

Just when you think you’ve cracked the code on your baby’s sleep, they hit a sleep regression. These typically happen at predictable stages – around 4 months, 6 months, 8–10 months, and 12 months – and are linked to big developmental leaps.

During a sleep regression, babies may wake up more frequently, struggle to settle, or cry in their sleep more often. This can be frustrating, but it’s a sign that their brain is making important connections.

Sleep regressions are temporary (even if they feel endless), and sticking to a consistent routine can help your baby get through them with as little disruption as possible.

---

How to soothe a baby crying in sleep

---

Hearing your baby cry in their sleep can be heartbreaking, especially when they look like they should be resting peacefully. The good news is, in many cases, they don’t need to be fully woken up to be soothed. Here are a few gentle ways to help calm them without disrupting their sleep too much.

Observe before intervening

It’s natural to want to rush in at the first sound of distress, but sometimes, babies cry out in their sleep and settle themselves moments later. If your baby isn’t fully waking up, give them a few seconds to see if they drift back to sleep on their own.

Use Gentle Touch or Sound

If they seem unsettled but not fully awake, try patting their back softly, stroking their head, or offering a comforting “shhh” sound. Some babies find white noise or a familiar lullaby soothing without needing to be picked up. A sleep sack works well to provide a gentle pressure through the night.

Offer a dummy or breastfeed if needed

For babies who use a dummy, gently offering it can help them self-soothe. If your baby is stirring due to hunger, a quick feed may be what they need to settle back down.

Check for discomfort

If your baby continues crying, check for common discomforts like a wet nappy, teething pain, or feeling too hot or cold. Adjusting their sleep environment – like adding or removing a layer of clothing – might help them settle.

The goal is to comfort your baby while keeping them as sleepy as possible so they can drift back off peacefully.

The Australian Government’s Department of Health recommends developing healthy sleep hygiene patterns, including consistent bedtimes and calming bedtime routines, to assist in better sleep. ​

When to be concerned & when to call a doctor

---

While crying in sleep is usually harmless, there are times when it might signal something more serious. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always okay to check with your doctor. Here are some signs that may indicate a deeper issue.

Persistent, intense crying

If your baby’s crying is prolonged, high-pitched, or sounds like they’re in pain – even during the day – it could be a sign of discomfort from an illness, reflux, or an ear infection. Persistent crying that doesn’t settle with usual soothing methods is worth a chat with your doctor.

Sudden changes in sleep patterns

If your baby was sleeping well and suddenly starts waking up frequently and crying in their sleep with no obvious cause, it could be linked to pain, teething, or even an underlying medical issue. A pattern of disrupted sleep lasting multiple nights may need further investigation.

Other signs of illness

Crying combined with symptoms like fever, vomiting, difficulty feeding, or unusual breathing should be checked by a doctor. Sometimes, sleep disturbances can be the first sign of an underlying infection or health concern.

Sleep issues affecting daily functioning

If your baby is consistently unsettled at night and excessively irritable or lethargic during the day, it might indicate poor-quality sleep or an underlying condition. A paediatrician can help rule out any medical concerns.

While occasional crying in sleep is normal, persistent or unusual changes are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Normal sleep patterns by age

---

Babies’ sleep changes a lot in the first year, and what’s “normal” at one stage might look completely different a few months later. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect at each stage.

• Newborns (0–1 month)
  • Sleep 14–17 hours per day, often in short bursts.
  • Wake frequently for feeds, including overnight.
  • Have no clear difference between day and night.
• Older newborns (1–3 months)
  • Sleep 14–16 hours per day, with slightly longer stretches at night.
  • Begin developing a more predictable sleep pattern.
  • Can wake due to hunger, discomfort, or startle reflex.
• Infants (3–7 months)
  • Sleep 12–15 hours total, with longer night stretches.
  • May wake due to teething or sleep regressions.
  • Naps become more structured (2–3 per day).
• Infants (7–12 months)
  • Sleep 11–14 hours, usually with one or two naps.
  • Some sleep through the night, but others still wake occasionally.
  • Night wakings may be due to separation anxiety or learning new skills.
• Toddlers (12+ months)
  • Sleep 11–14 hours, often with one nap.
  • May start resisting bedtime or experiencing night terrors.
  • Need a consistent routine to support good sleep habits.

Every baby is different, but understanding these general patterns can help ease some of the worry around night-time crying.

Sources:

---

• Tresillian, 2025, Baby Sleep​ Tresillian
• Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2025, Understanding Baby Sleep​ Breastfeeding Association Australia
• Pregnancy Birth and Baby, 2025, Getting Your Baby to Sleep ​pregnancybirthbaby.org.au
• Red Nose Australia, 2025, Breastfeeding ​rednose.org.au
• Raising Children Network, 2025, Phasing Out Baby Sleep Habits​ raisingchildren.net.au
• First Five Years, 2025, Tresillian Baby Sleep and Settling ​firstfiveyears.org.au
• Pregnancy Birth and Baby, 2025, Night Feeding​ pregnancybirthbaby.org.au