I’m Courtney Zentz, mom and founder of Tiny Transitions, where we help families like yours tackle the ups and downs of infant and child sleep. If you’re here, you’ve likely had your fair share of sleepless nights, rocking and soothing your little one through those early-morning wake-ups. I know how exhausting and emotional it can be because I’ve been there, too.
Babies cry to communicate—it’s their way of letting us know they need something, even if it’s 3 a.m.! You might be wondering, “Why does my baby keep waking up crying?” That’s actually where a little sleep science comes in. From sleep cycles to physical growth, there are reasons why your baby wakes crying and understanding them can help turn those nights around.
In this article, we’ll walk through what those tears might mean, how baby sleep works, and ways to bring calm to those restless nights. You’ll come away with insights and soothing techniques to support you and your baby, helping you get the sleep you need.
Let’s dive in, mom-to-mom, and get you closer to more peaceful nights.
The Science Behind Why Babies Wake Up Crying
- Sleep Cycles: Newborns don’t have the same sleep patterns as adults. They cycle through light and REM sleep more frequently, which means they wake up more often. This frequent waking is normal as their sleep architecture matures.
- Hunger: Babies have tiny stomachs and need to feed frequently. Night waking can often be due to hunger, especially if they’re going through a growth spurt. Infants need 24-32oz of breast milk or formula in a 24 hour period, for optimal growth.
- Discomfort: This could be anything from a wet diaper, too warm or cold environment, or physical issues like gas or teething.
- Startle Reflex: The Moro reflex causes babies to startle easily, which can wake them from sleep.
- Developmental Milestones: Babies might wake up more during times when they are learning new skills, like rolling over or crawling.
Understanding the Needs of a Crying Baby
When your baby cries, they’re signaling a need for support, as it’s their only form or communication.
- Physical Needs: Hunger, thirst, or needing a diaper change.
- Emotional Needs: Seeking comfort, feeling lonely, or needing reassurance.
- Environmental Needs: Too much noise, light, or the wrong temperature.
What are the Best Soothing Techniques for a Crying Baby
- Swaddling: This can help reduce the startle reflex.
- Gentle Rocking or Movement: Mimicking the womb environment can be soothing.
- White Noise: This can drown out other sounds that might startle them.
- Feeding: If it’s been a while since their last feed, they might be hungry.
- Comforting Touch: Sometimes, a gentle touch or holding can calm them down.
Creating a Calming Sleep Environment
- Temperature: Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, around 68-72°F (20-22°C).
- Darkness: Use blackout curtains, like those from Otter Space, to ensure there is so light from outside.
- Quiet: Minimize noise, or use a white noise machine, we love the Hatch & Dohm here.
- Establishing a Consistent Sleep Routine: A bath, then full feeding in a diaper, then burp, dress, read/pray and down into the crib or bassiinet to settle to sleep.
The Role of Nutrition in a Baby’s Sleep Patterns
The relationship between nutrition and sleep in infants is both intricate and vital for their development. Here’s how nutrition, particularly the requirement for 24-32 ounces of milk (breast milk or formula) in the first year, plays a role in baby sleep patterns.
Having regular feeding times can help regulate sleep. We reccomend as a baseline, 5 full feedings in the daytime, approximately every 3 hours. Newborns feed frequently due to their small stomach capacity. This frequent feeding pattern aligns with their sleep patterns, where they wake up to feed and then return to sleep. As they grow, the stomach capacity increases, allowing for longer intervals between feeds, which can lead to longer sleep stretches.
Remember, every baby is unique. What works for one might not work for another. Patience and understanding are key. By creating a nurturing environment and responding to your baby’s cries with empathy, you’re not only helping them sleep better but also building a secure attachment.
Understanding why your newborn wakes up crying isn’t just about getting more sleep; it’s about tuning into their world, learning their language of needs, and fostering a bond that will last a lifetime. Here’s to more peaceful nights for both you and your little one!
How To Select the Right Baby & Child Sleep Consultant and Trainer
Tiny Transitions is considered among the best in baby sleep consulting and training for the following, something as a new parent you will want to understand when speaking to other Sleep Consultants. Founded by Courtney Zentz, Tiny Transitions boasts over 1,400 families privately coached since 2015. This level of experience shows a deep understanding of sleep issues across different age groups and family dynamics.
Tiny Transitions emphasizes personalized solutions. Our comprehensive consultations, and follow-up support validate a commitment to customizing sleep training to fit each family’s unique needs, which is crucial given the variability in how babies respond to sleep training.
We offer not just initial consultations but ongoing support, which is vital for the often unpredictable nature of baby sleep. This includes follow-up calls and messages, ensuring parents feel supported throughout the process.
Every Professional on the Tiny Transitions Team is Certified and Courtney Zentz Certified in 2015 with Sleep Sense. It’s important to know that the space is NOT regulated by anyone, so anyone today can call themselves a Certified Baby Sleep Coach, which is worrysome. Ensure who you hire is legit.
Real-life success stories, like the ones on our sight are what paint the true story. Testimonials often highlight not just sleep improvement but also the confidence parents gain in handling sleep issues with Tiny Transitions.
Beyond solving immediate sleep problems, Tiny Transitions likes to educate parents on sleep patterns, which helps in long-term sleep management. This educational approach empowers parents, which is reflected in comments about gaining knowledge and confidence.
Different is Better, and we are Excited to Support You Too.
