Most babies cry at night for simple reasons: hunger, teething, tummy discomfort, overtiredness, sleep regressions, separation anxiety, temperature, noise/light, or a need for comfort. Keep nights calm and dim, feed and burp well, use white noise, and follow a consistent bedtime routine. If something feels unusual, trust your instincts and speak to a paediatric professional.
Why Your Baby Cry at Night
If your baby cries most nights, you’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong. Crying is how babies communicate. Once you understand what the cry might mean, you can respond with calm, simple steps that help everyone sleep better.
What you’ll find in this guide
- Fast cues to watch and gentle fixes that work for many families
- A short soothing checklist for 2 a.m. wake-ups
- Clear FAQs and a reassuring final note
1. Hunger in the Middle of the Night
What it looks like: Rooting, sucking on hands, shorter gaps between wakes especially under 6 months or during growth spurts.
Gentle ways to help: Offer a dream feed before your bedtime, prioritise full daytime feeds, and keep night feeds quiet and low-light. Always burp before laying your baby back in the cot/crib.
2. Teething Discomfort
What it looks like: Drooling, chewing, flushed cheeks, pulling at ears, restless nights.
Gentle ways to help: Massage gums with a clean finger, use a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, and speak to a paediatric professional about infant-safe pain options if needed (no dosing advice here).
3. Gas or Tummy Troubles
What it looks like: Pulling legs up, grunting, fussing soon after feeds.
Gentle ways to help: Burp after every feed (try upright holds), do a clockwise tummy massage and bicycle legs, and if formula-fed, ask a professional about gentler options. Breastfeeding parents can note whether certain foods line up with fussy nights.
4. Overtiredness
What it looks like: Second wind at bedtime, crying at put-down, frequent wakes in the first half of the night.
Gentle ways to help: Watch for sleepy signs (yawns, eye-rubbing, glazed look), keep nap and bedtime consistent, and try an earlier bedtime for a few days to reset.
5. Sleep Regressions (4, 6, 8, 12 months)
What it looks like: Sudden changes in sleep during big developmental leaps (rolling, crawling, standing).
Gentle ways to help: Keep the routine steady, offer reassurance, and avoid starting habits you don’t want long-term. Regressions are temporary.
6. Need for Comfort or Emotional Reassurance
What it looks like: Fussing that settles when you pick your baby up, busy days followed by unsettled nights.
Gentle ways to help: A calm cuddle, a soft voice, or a hand on the chest can be enough. Responsive care builds trust and often reduces crying over time.
7. Separation Anxiety (often 6–10 months)
What it looks like: Upset when you leave the room, clinging at bedtime.
Gentle ways to help: Add a quiet wind-down before bed, consider a comfort object that’s safe for age, and keep goodnights consistent. If very upset, return briefly and calmly.
8. Temperature Discomfort
What it looks like: Sweaty back/neck, cold hands with fussiness, frequent restlessness.
Gentle ways to help: Aim for 20–22°C (68–72°F), choose breathable sleepwear, and use a wearable blanket rather than loose bedding especially for younger babies.
9. Noise or Light Disturbance
What it looks like: Waking after doors slam, TV noise, or hallway lights.
Gentle ways to help: Blackout curtains for light control and white noise to mask sudden sounds. Keep the house quiet after bedtime.
10. Illness or Physical Discomfort
What it looks like: Unusual crying pattern, fever, ear-pulling, cough, refusing feeds.
Gentle ways to help: Trust your instincts. Keep the environment calm and comfortable and contact a paediatric professional for personalised advice.
Universal Soothing Checklist (use at 2 a.m.)
- Keep lights low and your voice soft to protect “sleep mode”.
- Feed calmly if due, then burp thoroughly.
- Offer white noise (fan/sound machine) to mimic the womb.
- Try contact comfort: a brief cuddle or hand on the chest.
- If still unsettled, pause for a minute—some babies settle on their own.
- Note the wake in a simple sleep journal (naps, feeds, cry times) to spot patterns.
Quick Troubleshooting
- Wakes every 2–3 hours and feeds lightly → Hunger or habit → Focus on full daytime feeds + optional dream feed.
- Crying right at bedtime → Overtiredness → Earlier bedtime for a few nights.
- Fussy after feeds → Gas → Burp + tummy massage + bicycle legs.
- Lots of chewing/drool → Teething → Gum massage + chilled teether.
- Upset when you leave → Separation anxiety → Calm check-ins + consistent routine.
- Sweaty or cold to touch → Temperature → Adjust layers; aim for 20–22°C.
FAQs
Why does my baby cry every night even when fed?
Hunger is only one reason. Many babies wake from teething discomfort, gas, overtiredness, or needing reassurance. A calm, predictable routine plus good burping and white noise helps a lot.
How can I calm my baby fast at night?
Keep it dim and quiet, offer a calm cuddle, use white noise, and feed/burp if it’s time. Avoid playful interaction so your baby stays in “night mode”.
Is it okay to let a baby cry at night?
It depends on age and the cause. Always rule out hunger, discomfort, or illness first. Gentle, consistent responses help babies feel secure.
Do babies cry more during sleep regressions?
Yes around 4, 6, 8, and 12 months, sleep can wobble as the brain and body develop. Keep the routine steady; it usually passes.
What room temperature is best for baby sleep?
Around 20–22°C (68–72°F) with breathable sleepwear and a wearable blanket that suits the season.
Final Thoughts
Night-time crying is hard, and it can test any parent’s patience. You’re already doing something powerful: showing up with calm and consistency. Keep nights simple and predictable, watch your baby’s cues, and lean on gentle fixes. This phase won’t last forever and small tweaks often make a big difference.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace guidance from a qualified paediatric professional. If you’re worried about your child’s health or crying pattern, seek professional advice.