10+ Reasons Why Babies Cry in the Middle of the Night and How to Handle It

Moms, you have probably felt panicked, exhausted, or even frustrated when your baby suddenly cries in the middle of the night. This situation is very common, especially in the early months of a baby’s life. Crying is a baby’s main form of communication, their way of telling you that something feels uncomfortable or that they need something.

Understanding why babies cry in the middle of the night is very important so you can respond calmly. This way, your baby’s needs are met, while you are not overwhelmed by emotional exhaustion. This article will cover the most common causes of nighttime fussiness and how to soothe it.

Why Babies Cry in the Middle of the Night

Nighttime crying is your baby’s way of communicating with you. Many things can trigger it, from physical and biological factors to psychological and environmental conditions. Here is the full explanation:

Physical and Biological Factors

1. Hunger: Babies under 4 months usually need to feed every 2–3 hours, including at night. If several hours have passed since the last feed, nighttime crying is often a sign of hunger. As your baby grows, nighttime feeding needs will decrease.

2. Gas or bloating: A baby’s digestive system is still immature, so air swallowed while feeding can build up and cause stomach pain. Your baby may grimace, squirm, or pull their legs toward their belly. This discomfort makes them fussy and unable to sleep soundly.

3. Teething: This typically begins around 4–6 months. Your baby’s gums may feel itchy or sore, shown by excess drooling, frequent chewing on objects, or swollen gums. This discomfort often wakes babies at night.

4. Illness: Fever, colds, or ear infections can make babies wake up crying. If your baby looks weak, often rubs their ears or nose, or has a high fever, they may be unwell.

Psychological and Environmental Factors

Source: Freepik

5. Startle reflex (Moro reflex): At 0–4 months, babies often startle at their own movements. This reflex can wake them suddenly and cause crying.

6. Dreams or active REM sleep: Babies 3–9 months experience more intense REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. During this phase, babies move more, sometimes cry because of dreams, or wake up between sleep cycles.

7. Growth spurt: During rapid growth phases, babies are hungrier, even at night. This usually lasts only 2–3 days and then returns to normal.

8. Sleep regression: Babies go through sleep disruptions during developmental milestones, such as at 4, 6, 8, or 12 months. If they rely on sleep aids (rocking, pacifiers, or feeding), they may cry when waking and not finding them.

9. Separation anxiety: Usually appears between 9–12 months. Babies may wake, realize you are not nearby, and cry loudly. Once held or comforted, they often stop crying.

10. Discomfort: A wet diaper, damp sheets, feeding too quickly, or a room that is too hot or cold can disturb a baby’s sleep. Since they cannot fix it themselves, they signal discomfort through crying.

11. Overstimulation before sleep: Too much activity, loud noises, bright lights, or screen exposure can overstimulate your baby. This makes it harder to settle and easier to cry when waking up.

Read also: Reasons Why Babies Refuse to Breastfeed Directly from Mom

Simple Steps to Calm a Baby Crying in the Middle of the Night

Handling nighttime crying requires patience. Here are some simple steps you can try:

• Do not rush into the room: Sometimes brief crying is just part of unsettled sleep, especially during REM cycles. Wait a few minutes, your baby might settle without intervention.

• Check sleep position: If your baby is stuck in a corner of the crib or their legs are caught, reposition them safely. Place your baby in the center of the mattress, lying on their back.

• Gently rub your baby’s tummy or back: A soft touch and calm voice can make your baby feel secure. Keep it brief so your baby knows it is time to sleep, not play.

• Use swaddling safely: For babies 0–2 months, light and snug swaddling can help them feel secure and sleep more soundly. Make sure it is not too tight and allows hip movement.

• Choose a sleep sack for older babies: If your baby dislikes swaddling or moves more actively, a sleep sack is practical, warm, and safe without loose blankets.

• Check room temperature: Ensure the room is not too hot or cold. The ideal range is 20–22°C for more comfortable sleep.

The Importance of Feeding Comfortably at Night

Source: Freepik

Most babies under 6 months still need night feeds. This is normal because their stomachs are small, so they get hungry quickly. Feeding at night is not just about nutrition, it also provides comfort and helps babies fall back asleep.

One technique to try is dream feeding, where you feed your baby while they are half asleep. This prevents waking from hunger and allows for longer, quieter sleep stretches.

To make night feeding smoother:

• Avoid turning on bright lights so your baby does not fully wake.

• Choose a comfortable position and use a nursing pillow if needed.

• If bottle-feeding, make sure the bottle has an anti-colic feature to reduce swallowed air and bloating.

With these steps, night feeds can be calmer and less tiring for both you and your baby.

Hegen: The Ideal Bottle for Night Feeds

Moms want peaceful night feeds without fuss. Hegen offers solutions with its PPSU baby bottles:

• PCTO™ (Press-to-Close, Twist-to-Open) innovation: Easy to use even in the dark.

• Anti-colic technology with air-vent system: Maintains milk quality while reducing bloating.

• Elliptical silicone teat: Mimics the breast for a natural latch, with an angled design that supports upright feeding.

• Express-Store-Feed (ESF) system: Pump, store, and feed all in one bottle without transferring milk.

With its easy-to-clean design, Hegen makes night feeding more practical and modern.

When to Call the Doctor

It is normal for babies to cry at night, but some situations should not be ignored. If crying is prolonged, high-pitched, or accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a health issue.

Seek medical help if:

• Your baby cries continuously for more than 30 minutes and cannot be soothed.

• Crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness.

• Your baby refuses to feed at all, even when hungry.

• The cry sounds unusual, shrill, faint, or very different from normal.

Recognizing these warning signs is important so you do not assume your baby is just hungry or fussy. Prompt medical consultation ensures both comfort and safety.

Read also: Prevent Cracked Nipples with Proper Breastfeeding Latch

Hegen Helps You Through Calmer Nights

Nighttime crying is not always a danger sign. It is often your baby’s natural language to express needs. By understanding why babies cry in the middle of the night, you can respond more calmly. Patience and consistent routines will help your baby sleep more soundly and make you more comfortable too.

Looking for more practical and comfortable night feeds? Hegen breast pumps and BPA-free PPSU bottles are here to help. With the ESF (Express – Store – Feed) system, you can pump, store, and feed without extra containers.

The natural teat, ergonomic design, and anti-colic features make Hegen an ideal solution to support your baby’s daily nutrition, especially at night. Explore the full collection at Hegen.

References:

• Healthline. What to Do When Baby Wakes Up Crying Uncontrollably. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby-wakes-up-crying-hysterically

• NUROFEN. Why do babies cry at night? 7 ways to soothe night time crying. https://www.nurofen.co.uk/children/articles/why-do-babies-cry-at-night-7-ways-to-soothe-night-time-crying/

• what to expect. Here's What to Do if Your Baby Is Crying in Her Sleep. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/sleep/baby-crying-in-sleep/