Why Do Babies Cry When They Wake Up?

 

 

Table of Contents

- Introduction

-  Normal Reasons Babies Cry When Waking Up

    -  Hunger

    -  Wet or Soiled Diaper

    -  Discomfort

    -  Change in Sleep Cycle

    -  Need for Connection

-  When Crying May Indicate a Problem

    -  Illness

    -  Teething

    -  Ear Infection

-  Tips for Soothing a Crying Baby Upon Waking

    -  Check for Basic Needs First

    -  Try Gentle Motion

    -  Offer a Pacifier

    -  Play Soft Music

    -  Modify the Environment

-  Transitioning from Night Waking to Sleeping Through the Night

    -  Establish a Bedtime Routine

    -  Put Baby to Bed While Awake

    -  Use Positive Sleep Associations

    -  Adjust Night Feedings Gradually

-  When to Seek Medical Advice

- Conclusion

- FAQs

 

Introduction

 

It's normal for babies to wake up crying, especially in the first few months of life. As frustrating as it can be for parents, there are several common reasons why babies cry upon waking up.🚼 Understanding the potential causes and responding with care and patience is key.🚼🚼 This article will cover the typical reasons babies cry when they wake up, signs it could indicate a problem, tips to soothe a crying waking baby, how to transition to sleeping through the night, and when to seek medical advice. Whether it's hunger, wet diaper, discomfort, a sleep cycle shift, or simply needing connection, crying upon waking is very common for babies. With time, sleep training consistency, addressing underlying issues, and showing affection, waking up happy becomes more likely.🚼🚼 But some crying upon waking should be expected with most infants in the early months.

 

Normal Reasons Babies Cry When Waking Up

 

It's perfectly normal for babies to wake up crying, especially in the first few months of life before sleep training begins.

 

Here are some of the most common reasons babies cry when they wake up:

 

  Hunger

 

One of the top reasons babies cry upon waking is hunger.🚼 Infants have small stomachs and quick digestion, meaning they need frequent feedings day and night in the early months. Waking up with an empty tummy is uncomfortable. Crying from hunger when waking up is most common in very young babies under 3 months old who need night feedings. Offering the breast or bottle when your baby cries from hunger is key.

 

  Wet or Soiled Diaper

 

A wet or dirty diaper upon waking up can be very upsetting for a baby.🚼 Babies have sensitive skin, so laying in a soiled diaper causes discomfort. And the sensation of a full, heavy wet diaper is unfamiliar and unwanted. Always check the diaper first if your baby wakes up crying. A quick diaper change when waking up crying may be all your baby needs to drift happily back to sleep.

 

  Discomfort

 

Babies have little control over their bodies and environment.🚼 Physical discomfort from a bothersome position, temperature that's too hot or cold, clothes twisting or pinching their skin, or an overfull belly can all cause a baby to wake up in tears. Try remedying any irritants and seeing if a position change helps baby settle. Offering comfort through touch and your voice can also calm tears from discomfort.

 

  Change in Sleep Cycle

 

Newborns and young infants have short, immature sleep cycles.🚼 They often partially arouse or wake fully when transitioning between sleep stages. Even a baby who previously slept well can start waking with tears when going through a period of rapid development. The good news is, sleep cycles mature as baby gets older. Remaining consistent with sleep training helps encourage longer sleep periods.

 

  Need for Connection

 

Sometimes a baby just needs comfort upon waking up.🚼 Your affection, close physical contact, soothing voice, rocking, and assurance can help meet your waking baby's need for connection. This crying is temporary if you respond lovingly. Building trust through prompt response to cries ultimately leads to more secure, independent sleep.

 

When Crying May Indicate a Problem

 

While waking up crying is usually normal for infants, sometimes it can signal an underlying problem that needs attention.

 

Here are some circumstances when waking up in tears may warrant a call to the pediatrician:

 

  Illness

 

If the crying persists for long periods, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, or labored breathing, illness could be the culprit.😷 Ear pulling, neck arching, and inconsolable crying can also indicate sickness. Check temperature and watch for other signs of illness.

 

  Teething

 

When teething, babies may wake up crying or extra fussy from the pain and inflammation of new teeth pushing through the gums.😬 Increased drooling, chewing, and swollen gums with bulging teeth buds under the surface also point to teething pain. Gently massaging the gums and using teething toys and medication can bring relief.

 

  Ear Infection

 

A middle ear infection disturbs sleep and causes painful crying when waking up.🚼🚼 Other clues are tugging or rubbing of the ear, loss of appetite, and cold symptoms. Treating the ear infection with medication prescribed by your pediatrician will help. Keeping the head elevated while sleeping brings additional relief.

 

Seek medical guidance if your baby has persistent crying plus other concerning symptoms, or if crying seems extreme and you're unable to console them. Prolonged intense crying can lead to dehydration in babies.

 

Tips for Soothing a Crying Baby Upon Waking

 

It's stressful when your baby wakes up crying.😭

 

Try these soothing techniques to help calm your baby and stop the tears:

 

  Check for Basic Needs First

 

If your baby wakes up crying, check for a wet diaper, hunger, or signs of illness. Meeting these basic needs is the number one way to stop tears upon waking. Having essentials like a fresh diaper, bottle or breast, and medication on hand makes it easier to remedy the situation.

 

  Try Gentle Motion

 

The motion of rocking, swaying, bouncing, or going for a walk or drive can calm and soothe a crying waking baby. The repetitive movement is regulating. You might try rocking or bouncing with your baby held against your chest or in a baby carrier to provide closeness.

 

  Offer a Pacifier

 

Sucking is comforting and distracting for many babies. Offering a clean pacifier when your baby wakes up crying can help self-soothe them back to a peaceful sleep. Once the pacifier soothes your baby, try slowly removing it once they are in a deep sleep.

 

  Play Soft Music

 

Music has calming properties that can relax your baby and stop the tears.🎵 Playing soft lullabies, nature sounds, or white noise creates a soothing environment. Hold your baby close and sway along to the beat. The distraction can halt crying.

 

  Modify the Environment

 

If your baby wakes up crying, try modifying the sleep environment to make them more comfortable. Adjust temperature, lighting, or noise levels in the room. Swaddle them or adjust clothing. Draw the curtains if the morning light is disturbing. A more restful setting can settle tears.

 

Remaining patient and consistent is key when applying these soothing techniques. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for your little one.

 

Transitioning from Night Waking to Sleeping Through the Night 

 

To help your baby begin sleeping through the night without waking up crying, try these tips:

 

  Establish a Bedtime Routine

 

Following the same series of activities before bed each night signals to your baby that it's time to sleep. This consistency soothes your baby and sets the stage for longer sleep periods. Aim for quiet, low-light activities.

 

  Put Baby to Bed While Awake

 

Putting your baby to bed while still awake, rather than rocking them to sleep, teaches them to self-soothe as they transition between sleep cycles overnight. This is a key sleep training method to minimize crying upon waking.

 

  Use Positive Sleep Associations

 

Encourage associations like a soft blanket, lullabies, and pacifiers that your baby finds calming. This helps them settle back to sleep with the same associations if they rouse between sleep cycles. Avoid negative associations like feeding to sleep.

 

  Adjust Night Feedings Gradually

 

Once your pediatrician gives the green light, slowly adjust night feedings to encourage longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep. Gradually increase time between feeds, shorten feed duration, or substitute one feeding for water.

 

Consistency and persistence with these sleep training techniques can help your baby begin sleeping soundly through the night. Celebrate restful nights and don’t lose heart with temporary backslides.

 

When to Seek Medical Advice

 

Consult your pediatrician if:

 

- Crying persists nonstop for over 20 minutes with no soothing 

- High fever, vomiting, labored breathing, or other concerning symptoms accompany crying

- Crying seems extreme, intense, and cannot be consoled

- Developmental or medical concerns could be causing disrupted sleep and crying

- Sleep difficulties persist beyond 6-8 months of age

 

Seeking medical guidance can help identify and address any underlying physical, behavioral, or environmental issues interfering with your baby’s sleep. Your pediatrician can tailor sleep training advice to your baby’s needs.

 

Conclusion

 

Waking up crying is common and developmentally normal for infants in the first few months, especially before sleep training begins. Hunger, wet diapers, physical discomfort, developing sleep cycles, or needing connection are typical culprits behind morning tears that are easily addressed. But if crying seems extreme, persists nonstop, or accompanies other symptoms, check with your pediatrician to rule out illness or other problems. Remaining patient, responding promptly, applying sleep training techniques, and showing your baby plenty of affection through this phase is key. Over time and with consistency, your baby will start waking up cooing and happy to greet each new day!😊🚼

 

FAQs

 

 FAQ 1

 

How long does the waking up crying phase usually last?

 

For most babies, frequent waking up crying typically lasts from 2-4 months of age. By 6 months, when sleep cycles mature and solid nutrition reduces night hunger, most babies are capable of sleeping through the night or waking just once for feeding. Consistent sleep training helps them achieve uninterrupted sleep.

 

 FAQ 2

 

What should I do if my baby keeps crying after I check diaper, hunger, etc?

 

Sometimes babies just need comfort and close contact from their caregiver to be soothed when waking up crying. Hold your baby closely, offer a pacifier, play soft music, gently sway or rock, and respond patiently and lovingly. Checking for illness and pain is also wise if crying remains nonstop.

 

 FAQ 3

 

Is it harmful to let my baby cry upon waking?

 

Leaving babies to cry nonstop for very long periods without responding to their needs can lead to feelings of insecurity and abandonment. However, allowing short bouts of fussing during sleep training teaches self-soothing skills. Respond promptly if cries escalate or seem distressed.

 

 FAQ 4

 

What sleep training methods work best for stopping wake up cries?

 

Consistency is key! Putting your baby to bed awake and allowing some fussing teaches them to settle independently without crying for your help. Allowing night wakings to self-resolve rather than immediately intervening also encourages longer sleep.

 

 FAQ 5

 

How many times a night should I expect my 3 month old to wake crying?

 

At 3 months, it's normal for babies to wake and cry 2-3 times a night, including for feeds. By 6 months, with sleep training, babies are often capable of sleeping through the night waking just once. Each baby is different, speak to your pediatrician about what's age appropriate.

 

 FAQ 6

 

Is it ok for my baby to use a pacifier to self-soothe when waking up crying?

 

Yes, pacifiers are fine for self-soothing if introduced after breastfeeding is well established, usually around 1 month. The sucking motion is calming. Just avoid pacifier use for all sleep associations. Check pacifier safety guidelines and wean off by 1 year old.

 

 FAQ 7

 

What should I do if my baby starts waking up crying again after previously sleeping well?

 

Regressions are common! Try to identify what changed in baby's routine or environment and remedy it. Could be entering a developmental leap, regressing after illness, separation anxiety, sleep association disruption, etc. Stay consistent with sleep training through regressions.

 

 FAQ 8

 

Is it ok to let my baby cry for a set amount of time when sleep training before responding?

 

Many pediatricians recommend allowing babies to fuss for 5-7 minutes before responding to teach self-soothing without distressing baby. Crying for 20-30+ minutes without responding is excessive and distressing. Follow your pediatrician's sleep training guidance.

 

 FAQ 9

 

Are sleep regressions normal when babies are teething?

 

Very normal! The pain and swelling from erupting teeth disrupts previously healthy sleep. Respond with extra soothing techniques and be patient. The regression should pass within a few days or weeks after the tooth breaks through.

 

 FAQ 10

 

When should I transition my baby from a night feed to soothing without feeding when waking crying?

 

Consult your pediatrician, but around 4-6 months old is often appropriate if baby is gaining weight well and eating solids during the day. Slowly substitute one feeding for soothing without feeding, then stretch time between feeds longer.

 

 Conclusion

 

Waking up crying is developmentally normal and expected with infants under 6 months old. With loving responsiveness, consistency, addressing underlying needs, and time for sleep to mature, babies can transition to sleeping through the night with minimal tears or fussing upon waking. Stay patient during temporary regressions. Work closely with your pediatrician if crying seems extreme or concerning. Most importantly, meet your baby's needs promptly day and night, and offer plenty of comfort and affection as you both adjust to the delightfully challenging infant days. The tears upon waking will be short-lived.