If your little one wakes up crying or screaming in the middle of the night, it can be alarming and exhausting for everyone. Many parents try all their usual comforting tricks only to find that their baby or toddler remains upset and difficult to soothe. Understanding what may be happening is the first step to helping your child return to peaceful sleep.
Possible Causes for Babies
Babies wake up upset for different developmental and physical reasons. Common causes include:
Hunger
Young babies have tiny stomachs and need to eat often, even during the night.
Gas or tummy discomfort
Gas can be painful for little ones. If your baby is crying, squirming, or clenching their fists, it could be gas.
Teething
Teething can start as early as a few months old, and sore gums may wake babies from deep sleep.
Illness
Crying may be your baby’s way of communicating discomfort, fever, or pain. Changes in appetite, mood, or energy can also signal that something is wrong.
Sleep regression
Babies go through several sleep regressions during their first year due to developmental changes or changes in routine.
Separation anxiety
Around 9 months, babies often become more aware of being apart from their main caregiver, making nighttime separation especially difficult.
Why Toddlers Wake Up Crying
Toddlers can experience many of the same issues as babies, but also face additional sleep disruptions:
Nightmares
Bad dreams can cause fear and sudden crying.
Night terrors
Some toddlers may experience night terrors, which can involve screaming and restlessness, even though the child is not fully awake. Although upsetting to watch, they are harmless and usually brief.
Teething
Toddlers continue teething well into age two and three, which may cause nighttime discomfort.
Sleep regression
Changes in routine, growth, or new skills may impact sleeping patterns.
Separation anxiety
Even older toddlers may wake up and panic when they realize they’re alone.
Illness
Fevers, congestion, and common childhood illnesses may interrupt sleep and lead to nighttime crying.
How Parents Can Help
Supporting your little one during these phases may include:
- Keeping a calm and consistent bedtime routine
- Offering comfort without overstimulating
- Maintaining regular daytime naps and bedtime schedules
- Staying patient during phases of separation anxiety or developmental change
Most nighttime crying is temporary and part of normal growth. With reassurance, routine, and time, babies and toddlers usually return to more restful sleep again.
Reference:
Sauer, M. (2025, August 21). Why your baby or toddler wakes up screaming at night. BabyCenter. https://www.babycenter.com/toddler/sleep/why-is-my-toddler-suddenly-waking-up-hysterical-at-night_1292621
