Updated November 2025 by Gemma Coe, Sleep Specialist
It can be really unsettling to hear your baby crying in their sleep − especially when you’re exhausted, confused, and wondering whether you should go in or wait a moment. The truth is, babies make lots of noises at night. Crying, grizzling, squawking, wriggling, even shouting can all happen during normal sleep. What matters is understanding when it’s normal and when it’s a sign they need you.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the common reasons babies cry in their sleep, what to look for, and how to respond in a way that supports both healthy sleep and secure attachment.
Table of Contents
Why Do Babies Cry in Their Sleep?
Crying is one of the few ways babies communicate their needs to the world. Whether they are hungry, uncomfortable, or in need of comfort, a baby crying in their sleep is a natural signal to let us know something is wrong. “Hey Mama! Come help me!” During the day, it’s relatively easy to distinguish the cause of their crying, but at night, when we can also be tired and confused, it can often be more challenging. Babies wake frequently at night, especially in the early months, because they require a feed, a nappy change, or simply want reassurance and comfort. However, some babies also cry during sleep itself, which can be confusing and concerning for parents.
It’s important to understand that in the early months, waking and crying at night is perfectly normal. Babies have many needs during the night, and waking up to meet those needs is a healthy, normal part of their development. If your baby wakes up crying, it could be that they’re hungry or uncomfortable, and responding to those basic needs is essential. But what about when babies cry or call out without waking up?
Baby Crying In Sleep? Is it Normal?
It can be quite alarming when your baby cries in their sleep, especially if they seemed to be sleeping peacefully just moments before. Don’t panic; this is often a normal part of a baby’s sleep cycle. Babies, especially newborns, are still learning how to sleep, and their sleep stages are more fragmented than ours. Unlike adults who transition smoothly between different sleep stages, babies are prone to periods of light sleep during which they might stir, make noises, random movements, or even cry out.
One of the main reasons for a baby crying in sleep often comes down to a period called “active sleep.” During active sleep, you may notice your baby twitching, their face grimacing, and even making vocalisations like crying or whimpering. This is similar to what we adults might experience during a dream, but for babies, it’s a completely normal part of their development. They are still adjusting to the world outside the womb, processing new experiences and feelings.
Baby Crying in Sleep But Not Awake?
Some babies also cry in their sleep due to hunger or discomfort, even if they do not fully wake up. If your baby continues to cry after a brief period of you watching and waiting or seems distressed, checking their basic needs such as when they were last fed, if they have a dirty or very wet nappy, or checking the room temperature could help ease their discomfort.
In these instances, it’s often best to take a moment before rushing in to soothe them. Giving your baby a little time to see if they will calm themselves before you offer help can encourage them to learn how to transition between sleep cycles on their own, a key component in developing healthy sleep habits. You’ll also avoid waking them by accident if they’re actually still asleep!
For more insight into baby sleep cycles and how to manage night-time disruptions, take a look at my blog post on Understanding Baby Sleep Patterns.
The difference between fussing and real crying
Babies cries are all different and you know your baby best. However, you may find this a helpful guide.
gasping/shrieking = likely awake
rhythmic crying = often still asleep
escalating cry = needs comfort
“stop-start cry” = cycling through stages
Why Do Babies Cry at Night Suddenly?
One of the more perplexing behaviours parents encounter is when they see baby crying in sleep, only to stop just as suddenly. This is usually tied to the natural transition between sleep cycles. Babies’ sleep is very different from that of older children and adults. They spend a big portion of their sleep in what’s called REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a lighter stage of sleep where dreaming occurs, and their brains are processing a lot of new information and making important connections. During these transitions between REM and non-REM sleep, babies might make noises or cry out momentarily. However, they often settle back down into deeper sleep without needing to be soothed.
These sudden cries can also be tied to developmental milestones. When babies learn new skills, like rolling over or crawling, their brains are so busy that their sleep is often disturbed. If your baby is at the stage where they’re learning these skills, you may notice more unsettled sleep.
For more about how milestones affect sleep, check out my post on Sleep Regressions and How to Survive Them.
How You Can Help Your Baby (And Yourself!) During Sleep Transitions
Helping your baby crying in sleep is part of the bigger picture of establishing a strong sleep foundation. Strict sleep training methods aren’t suitable for newborns, but even small tweaks, like establishing a calming pre-sleep routine, making sure your baby has a conducive sleep environment, and responding appropriately to their cries during light sleep stages can make a big difference over time.
First, always make sure you’re up to date with safe sleep guidelines.
As your baby develops, their sleep patterns will continue to change, often with temporary regressions that can result in more crying at bedtime or waking during the night. These phases are usually temporary, so it’s important not to panic. Keeping a close eye on your baby’s sleep environment, ensuring it’s dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature, can help minimise disruptions. At the same time, using soothing methods like a gentle hand on their chest or soft shushing sounds can ease them through challenging sleep transitions.
As your baby becomes more alert and active, even small routines during the day can help support better sleep at night. Using a baby carrier during fussy periods or pre-nap wind-downs can provide comfort while keeping them close, which many parents find helpful during regressions.
Want to dive deeper into creating the perfect sleep space? Take a look at my post on Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment for Babies.
Baby Crying in Sleep FAQs
Why do babies cry in their sleep but don’t wake up?
This is usually a “partial arousal”. Their brain is shifting sleep cycles and they’re not fully awake yet. It’s completely normal.
Should I leave my baby to cry in their sleep?
If they’re fussing, grizzling, or crying with eyes shut, pause and watch briefly. If crying escalates or sounds distressed, respond and comfort.
When should I worry about my baby crying at night?
If crying is persistent, high-pitched, accompanied by fever, breathing changes, vomiting, diarrhoea, or if your gut instincts say something’s off, speak to your GP or 111.
Does teething cause crying in sleep?
Yes. Teething discomfort often shows up during light sleep, leading to grizzling or brief crying episodes.
What is the NHS guidance for a crying baby?
You can read the NHS guidance here.
The Ultimate Guide to Newborn Sleep
Understanding your baby’s sleep can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. My book, Newborn Sleep Foundations: A handy guide for the first 16 weeks, provides you with the practical advice you need to navigate those early weeks with confidence. If you’re looking for more in-depth support and solutions to common sleep challenges, my book is a great place to start. Grab your copy on Amazon here!
About Gemma
I’m Gemma Coe, an award-winning, certified baby and child sleep specialist with years of experience helping families across the world with their children’s sleep challenges. I use a holistic, evidence-based approach to support families in building healthy sleep foundations. My book, Newborn Sleep Foundations, is an essential guide for new parents, offering practical advice for the first 16 weeks of your baby’s life, and is designed to help you confidently navigate these early stages.
For more tips, guidance, and blog posts about your baby’s sleep, head over to my blog, or connect with me on social media @childsleepspecialist.
Get in touch!
If you are experiencing difficulties with sleep – whether a regression or something else, please get in touch, follow me on instagram, or read my other blogs.
