Top Causes of Night Crying in Babies and How You Can Help

It’s a scenario most parents know all too well: the house is quiet, the lights are dimmed, and just as you begin to drift off—your baby starts crying. Again.

While some crying at night is completely normal for infants, understanding the causes of baby crying at night can make all the difference in helping your little one (and you) get better sleep.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons why newborns cry during sleep, what might be triggering baby discomfort at night, and offer gentle, practical ways on how to help baby sleep better.

1. Hunger

Yes, even if your baby just ate an hour ago, hunger could still be the reason for that midnight wake-up call. Babies have tiny tummies, and especially during growth spurts, they may need to feed more frequently.

Tip: Try a dream feed before you go to sleep yourself. This can help reduce early night wake-ups caused by hunger.

2. Wet or Dirty Diaper

A soiled diaper can cause baby discomfort at night, leading to sudden cries. Some babies are more sensitive to wetness than others, so keeping them dry can make a big difference.

Keep extra diapers and wipes near your baby’s sleep area to make nighttime changes quicker and less disruptive.

3. Gas or Digestion Issues

Trapped gas or digestion discomfort is a common culprit behind why newborns cry during sleep. Babies’ digestive systems are still developing, which can sometimes cause bloating, gas, or reflux.

A gentle tummy massage using Little Q PHYTO BABY MASSAGE OIL can soothe a gassy tummy and ease your baby into deeper sleep. The natural plant-based formula is lightweight, calming, and designed for tender skin.

4. Temperature Sensitivity

Babies are more sensitive to changes in temperature. Overdressing or underdressing can cause restlessness, sweating, or chills—often resulting in crying spells during the night.

Stick to one more layer than what you're wearing and check your baby’s neck or chest (not hands or feet) to see if they’re too hot or cold.

5. Overstimulation Before Bedtime

A busy evening full of lights, screens, and noise can leave your baby overstimulated and unable to relax. This leads to trouble falling asleep and frequent night waking.

Create a calming bedtime routine—dim the lights, keep noise low, and include quiet bonding time like a warm bath or a gentle massage.

6. Separation Anxiety or Need for Comfort

Around 6–8 months, babies may experience separation anxiety. They wake up and realize you’re not around, and their only way to ask for comfort is to cry.

Offer reassuring touches, or try placing a worn t-shirt with your scent near their crib (safely tucked away). White noise machines can also mimic the sounds of being close to you.

7. Sleep Cycle Transitions

Babies’ sleep cycles are shorter than adults. They often wake briefly between sleep stages. If they haven’t learned how to self-soothe yet, they may cry each time they stir.

Gentle sleep training methods, like spaced soothing or the pick-up-put-down technique, can help teach your baby to transition through sleep cycles independently.

8. Teething Discomfort

As teeth begin to push through the gums, babies may experience pain and discomfort, especially at night when there are fewer distractions.

Offer a cooled teether before bed, or try a calming bedtime routine with a soothing head and jawline massage using Little Q PHYTO BABY MASSAGE OIL to relieve tension and help them wind down.

How to Help Baby Sleep Better

Now that you understand the common baby sleep issues, here’s a summary of practical tips for how to help baby sleep better:

Stick to a consistent bedtime routine

Keep the sleep environment quiet, cool, and dark

Use swaddles or sleep sacks for younger babies

Avoid overstimulation close to bedtime

Try gentle massage to soothe and bond

Feed just before bedtime to reduce hunger wake-ups

Respond calmly, but avoid creating habits that interfere with independent sleep

Remember, every baby is unique. Some will sleep longer stretches early on, while others take time to adjust. What’s important is to stay calm, observant, and responsive.

Conclusion

Night crying is part of the parenting journey, but understanding the causes of baby crying at night helps take the guesswork out of those late-night wake-ups. From why newborns cry during sleep to managing baby discomfort at night, small adjustments can lead to big improvements in your baby’s sleep—and yours too.

Don’t forget, touch and routine go a long way. That’s why Little Q PHYTO BABY MASSAGE OIL is a favorite for nighttime rituals—nurturing skin while calming tiny nerves before bed.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is here to help and inform, but it is not a replacement for advice from a doctor or nutritionist. We try to share correct and useful information, but we always suggest talking to your child’s pediatrician or nutritionist for specific advice about their health and nutrition. These professionals know what’s best for your child’s unique needs.