Baby crying in sleep: why it happens and what you can do

Many parents are familiar with this moment: your baby cries in their sleep but doesn’t seem fully awake. What’s going on? Here are some of the most common reasons.

1. Teething
   Teething can cause a lot of discomfort, especially at night. Sore or itchy gums may lead to crying or fussing in sleep. If your baby is crying in sleep with eyes closed, it often points to physical discomfort like teething pain.

2. A cold or mild viru
   If your baby is crying in sleep but doesn’t wake up, it could be due to feeling unwell, for instance, from a cold or tummy bug. Infant crying in sleep is sometimes the body’s way of processing discomfort.

3. Sleep regression or developmental leap
   At well-known milestones (like 4, 6, or 9 months), sleep patterns often shift. During a leap, your baby learns new skills and this stimulation can cause nighttime restlessness. A fussy baby at night who cries in their sleep may be going through a leap. The 4-month sleep regression is especially famous for causing intense night crying.

4. Sleep cycle transitions
   Babies sleep in cycles of about 40 to 60 minutes, moving between light sleep, deep sleep, and active REM sleep. During transitions, especially from deep to light sleep, a baby may fuss or cry out briefly. If your baby cries in their sleep and doesn’t wake up, it’s usually just their body adjusting between cycles. This often happens more during developmental leaps.

5. Physical discomfort
   A wet or full diaper, hunger, or growing pains can disturb your baby’s sleep. Sometimes your baby might seem restless or start crying in sleep without fully waking. This can be upsetting to see, especially if there’s no obvious cause. Often, it’s a small discomfort that your baby doesn’t yet know how to handle.

It’s heartbreaking to imagine your baby waking up in a sweat from a nightmare. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry. A young baby’s brain is still developing. Nightmares, as we know them, with stories, images, and memory, are linked to language skills, memory, and a certain level of awareness. That starts developing around age three. So when you see your baby crying in sleep, it’s not likely to be a nightmare.

Your baby is crying in their sleep but not waking up. What should you do? Here are five practical tips:

1. Wait a moment first
   It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the best thing to do when your baby cries in sleep is… nothing. Many babies fuss or cry briefly while shifting between sleep phases. They aren’t fully awake and will often settle back to sleep on their own. Wait 30 seconds to see if your baby calms without help.

2. Look for other signs, not just the crying
   Not every cry means your baby needs immediate attention. Observe their movements, whether their eyes are open, or if they look uncomfortable. If your baby cries in sleep with eyes closed, they’re likely still sleeping and may not need soothing.

3. Stick to a predictable bedtime routine
   Structure and familiarity help your baby feel safe and ready for sleep. A consistent bedtime routine, a bath, a lullaby, cuddles, helps your child wind down and may reduce night waking or restlessness.

4. Check for physical discomfort
   If your baby suddenly cries out in their sleep, check for anything that might be bothering them: a dirty diaper, cold toes, hunger, or teething. A fussy baby at night who cries while sleeping may be experiencing a mix of discomforts, especially during a leap.

5. Offer comfort when needed
   Sometimes your baby just needs you. Gentle touch, your voice, or placing a calm hand on their tummy can be enough to soothe them. And that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re spoiling your baby, you’re offering comfort and security. That helps them learn to self-soothe over time

If your baby often cries in their sleep, it can feel unsettling. But now you know it’s usually nothing to worry about. Your baby is growing, learning, teething, and moving through sleep cycles. Your loving presence makes all the difference.

Curious what leap your baby might be in? Want to know what other parents are experiencing? Download our app and discover helpful tips, track patterns, and connect with others who’ve also spent late nights by the crib.