Newborn Crying in Sleep: Normal Sounds and Warning Signs

Newborn crying in sleep can make you sit up fast in the middle of the night.

Your baby may let out a short cry, move the arms, make a face, grunt, or even open the eyes for a moment and then become quiet again.

In many cases, this is part of normal newborn sleep.

Newborn sleep is much more active than adult sleep. Babies can twitch, move their faces, make small sounds, and briefly cry while they are still asleep.

But not every cry should be ignored. A baby who keeps crying, wakes fully, feeds poorly, has a fever, looks unwell, or has trouble breathing needs a different response.

As a father and grandfather, I know how hard it is to stay calm when a tiny baby suddenly cries at night. What helps most is knowing the difference between normal active sleep and signs that your baby really needs you.

This guide explains why newborns cry during sleep, which sounds can be normal, when to wait and watch for a moment, when to comfort your baby, and which warning signs need medical care.

Quick Answer: Is Newborn Crying in Sleep Normal?

Yes, brief crying sounds can be normal during newborn sleep.

Newborns spend a lot of time in active sleep. During this stage, you may notice:

• Fluttering eyelids
• Small smiles
• Facial movements
• Arm or leg twitches
• Sucking movements
• Grunts
• Whimpers
• Short crying sounds
• Irregular breathing

If the cry is brief, your baby's eyes stay closed, breathing looks comfortable, skin colour stays normal, and your baby settles again, you may simply be seeing normal light sleep.

If crying becomes stronger, your baby wakes, shows hunger cues, appears uncomfortable, or seems unwell, respond to your baby.

Why Do Newborns Make So Much Noise While Sleeping?

Newborn sleep is different from adult sleep.

Babies move between different sleep states.

During light sleep in newborns, the brain and body can look surprisingly busy.

Your baby may:

• Move the mouth
• Make sucking motions
• Smile briefly
• Move the arms and legs
• Flutter the eyelids
• Make soft cries

These sounds do not always mean your baby is awake.

For a broad look at sleep during the first year, read our Baby Sleep Guide.

What Is Active Sleep in Newborns?

Active sleep in newborns is similar to rapid eye movement sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics describes active sleep as a stage where the baby's eyes may move beneath closed eyelids and the arms or legs may twitch or jerk.

Breathing can also be less regular than during deep sleep.

This can look strange if you expect a sleeping baby to lie completely still.

Active sleep is normal.

What Does Normal Sleep Crying Look Like?

Normal brief sleep crying may look like this:

• Eyes remain closed
• The cry is short
• The face moves or grimaces
• Baby may twitch or squirm
• Breathing remains comfortable
• Skin colour remains normal
• Baby becomes quiet again without fully waking

You may hear one cry and then silence.

You may hear several little sounds as your baby moves through light sleep.

This is different from a baby who fully wakes and continues crying.

Should I Pick My Baby Up Every Time They Cry in Sleep?

Not always.

If your baby makes one brief cry but remains asleep, you can watch quietly for a moment.

You do not need to wake a comfortable sleeping baby automatically.

But there is no need to follow a strict timer.

Respond sooner if:

• The crying gets stronger
• Your baby opens the eyes and wakes
• You see hunger cues
• Your baby seems uncomfortable
• Breathing looks different
• Your instincts tell you something is wrong

A newborn is not being spoiled by comfort.

Do Newborns Need to Learn to Self-Soothe?

No.

A newborn does not need to be trained to handle distress alone.

Newborns need responsive feeding, comfort, warmth, care, and safe sleep.

A brief sleep sound that ends on its own does not require intervention.

That is different from deliberately leaving a newborn who is fully awake and crying.

Why Does My Newborn Cry With Eyes Closed?

Your baby may still be asleep.

During newborn light sleep, babies can cry briefly without fully waking.

Look at the whole picture.

If your baby has closed or fluttering eyes, relaxed colour, comfortable breathing, and quickly becomes quiet, this often fits active sleep.

If the crying builds, the eyes open, and your baby becomes more active, your baby is probably waking.

How Can I Tell Active Sleep From Waking?

What Causes Newborn Crying in Sleep?

There can be several reasons.

1. Active sleep

This is one of the most common explanations for a short cry while a baby remains asleep.

Your baby's brain and body are active during this stage.

Small cries and movements can happen naturally.

2. Moving between sleep states

A baby may become noisier while moving from deeper sleep into lighter sleep.

Your baby may grunt, move, whimper, or briefly cry.

Sometimes the baby wakes.

Sometimes the baby moves into another sleep stage.

3. Hunger

A newborn may begin showing hunger cues before fully waking.

Early newborn hunger cues can include:

• Sucking motions
• Moving the mouth
• Turning the head
• Bringing hands toward the mouth
• Increasing restlessness

Crying is often a later hunger cue.

If your baby is due for a feed and is waking, feed according to your baby's needs and healthcare plan.

For more information, see our Newborn Hunger Cues Guide.

4. Gas

Babies can grunt and squirm as the digestive system works.

Gas may also make a baby uncomfortable.

If your baby wakes and seems uncomfortable, you can try:

• Gentle burping
• Holding your baby upright while awake
• Gentle leg movement while awake

Do not place your baby to sleep on the stomach because of gas.

For more help, read our Baby Gas Relief Guide.

5. Reflux

Some babies with reflux may seem uncomfortable around feeding and sleep.

You may notice:

• Spitting up
• Coughing around feeds
• Arching
• Fussiness after feeding

Do not raise the crib mattress for reflux.

Babies with reflux should normally still sleep flat on the back.

Read our Newborn Reflux Guide.

6. A wet or dirty diaper

A baby may wake because the diaper is uncomfortable.

If your baby fully wakes and cries, check the diaper.

Keep nighttime changes calm and quiet.

7. Being too warm or too cold

Babies can become unsettled when uncomfortable.

Avoid overheating.

Do not use loose blankets to warm a newborn during sleep.

Use suitable sleep clothing instead.

8. Congestion

A blocked nose may make sleep noisy.

You may hear snorting, snuffling, or small cries.

Plain saline and gentle nasal suction can help when nasal mucus is blocking the nose.

Read our Newborn Congestion Guide.

9. Illness

Crying can also be a sign that a baby feels unwell.

Look for other changes such as:

• Poor feeding
• Fever
• Breathing trouble
• Vomiting
• Unusual sleepiness
• Fewer wet diapers

A newborn with a clear change in behaviour should be taken seriously.

Can the Startle Reflex Make a Baby Cry in Sleep?

Yes.

The normal newborn startle reflex can cause sudden arm or leg movements.

A noise or movement may startle your baby during light sleep.

Your baby may make a brief cry and then settle again.

For more about normal early reflexes, read our Newborn Reflexes Guide.

Does Newborn Crying in Sleep Mean a Nightmare?

Do not assume a newborn is having a nightmare.

We cannot know exactly what a newborn experiences during dreaming.

Brief cries are more easily explained by normal active sleep, movement between sleep states, hunger, startle responses, or physical discomfort.

A short sleep cry is not proof that your baby is scared.

Are Night Terrors Common in Newborns?

No.

Night terrors are not a normal explanation for brief newborn sleep sounds.

They are mainly seen in older children.

Newborn sleep crying should be understood in the context of newborn sleep states, feeding, comfort, and health.

Is Grunting During Newborn Sleep Normal?

Small grunts can happen during active sleep.

Babies can also grunt while passing stool or gas.

But there is an important difference between an occasional sleep grunt and grunting with breathing.

Call for urgent medical advice if your baby grunts with most breaths or also has:

• Ribs pulling in
• Fast breathing
• Nostrils opening wide
• Blue or gray colour
• Poor feeding

Is Irregular Breathing During Sleep Normal?

Newborn breathing can look less regular during active sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics describes brief periods of irregular breathing during newborn sleep.

However, colour should remain normal and your baby should not look distressed.

Do not try to diagnose normal breathing pauses yourself if you are worried.

Get urgent help if:

• Breathing stops for a concerning length of time
• Your baby's colour turns blue or gray
• Your baby becomes limp
• Your baby is difficult to wake
• Breathing looks hard

What Is Apnea?

Apnea in babies means a concerning pause in breathing.

This is different from the brief irregular pattern that can happen in normal newborn sleep.

If you believe your newborn has stopped breathing, especially with colour change, limpness, or poor responsiveness, seek emergency care.

Should I Wake My Newborn When They Cry in Sleep?

Not for every brief sound.

If your baby makes a short cry while remaining asleep and looks comfortable, you can observe quietly.

If your baby wakes or crying continues, check what your baby needs.

Possible needs include:

• Feeding
• A diaper change
• Comfort
• Burping
• Help with congestion

There is no benefit in following one fixed number of seconds before responding.

How Can I Safely Soothe My Baby at Night?

If your newborn wakes and needs you, keep things simple.

You can:

• Pick your baby up
• Hold your baby close
• Feed if hungry
• Burp if needed
• Rock gently
• Speak quietly
• Sing softly
• Check the diaper

Our Best Ways to Soothe a Newborn Guide has more calming ideas.

Can I Put My Baby on the Side to Calm Them?

You may hold your baby in different comfortable positions while the baby is awake and supervised.

For sleep, always put your baby on the back.

Do not leave a newborn sleeping on the side or stomach.

What Is the Safest Sleep Position?

Place your newborn on the back for every sleep.

The sleep surface should be:

• Firm
• Flat
• Level
• Covered only with a fitted sheet

Keep the sleep space free from:

• Pillows
• Loose blankets
• Stuffed toys
• Crib bumpers
• Sleep positioners
• Wedges
• Weighted sleep products

Read our complete Safe Sleep for Newborns Guide.

Can I Swaddle a Newborn Who Cries in Sleep?

Swaddling may help some newborns feel calm.

It is optional.

If you swaddle:

• Place your baby on the back
• Do not wrap too tightly
• Allow healthy hip movement
• Do not use weighted swaddles
• Stop when your baby shows signs of trying to roll

Swaddling should never be used to keep a baby sleeping on the side or stomach.

Can White Noise Stop Sleep Crying?

Some families use gentle white noise as part of sleep time.

It may help create a steady background sound.

It does not treat hunger, pain, reflux, illness, or breathing problems.

Keep any sound machine away from your baby's head and use a comfortable low volume.

Does a Bedtime Routine Help?

A short calming routine can help the evening feel familiar.

It might include:

• Dim lights
• A diaper change
• Feeding
• Quiet cuddles
• A short song
• Safe placement in the bassinet

For a simple routine, read our Bedtime Routine for Newborns.

Does My Newborn Need a Strict Sleep Schedule?

No.

Newborn sleep is naturally irregular.

Feeding and sleep are closely linked during the first weeks.

Do not keep a sleepy newborn awake just to follow an online schedule.

For normal newborn sleep patterns, see our Newborn Sleep Schedule Guide.

What If My Newborn Only Sleeps When Held?

This is common.

Your body feels warm and familiar.

The danger comes when an exhausted adult falls asleep while holding the baby on an unsafe surface.

Do not sleep with your newborn on a couch or armchair.

For practical ideas, read our Newborn Won't Sleep Unless Held Guide.

Can Overtiredness Cause Crying?

A tired newborn can become fussy.

But avoid relying on exact internet wake window rules.

There is no single minute target that fits every newborn.

Look for your baby's cues.

Possible tired signs include:

• Yawning
• Looking away
• Becoming quieter
• Fussiness
• Reduced interest in interaction

What If My Newborn Cries for a Long Time?

Persistent crying is different from a brief cry during light sleep.

When your baby is awake and crying, check basic needs.

Think about:

• Hunger
• Diaper needs
• Gas
• Temperature
• Overstimulation
• Wanting comfort
• Illness

The NHS notes that crying tends to increase from around 2 weeks and generally begins to decrease again by about 3 months.

If crying seems very different from your baby's normal cry, is persistent, or you are concerned, call your healthcare provider.

Could It Be Colic?

Colic describes repeated periods of crying in an otherwise healthy young baby.

It mainly describes crying while the baby is awake.

A few brief cries during active sleep do not mean your baby has colic.

For persistent crying, see our Baby Colic Guide.

When Is Crying a Sign of Illness?

A baby's behaviour can change when they are sick.

Call your pediatrician if your newborn:

• Is much less active than normal
• Feeds poorly
• Is difficult to wake for feeds
• Has a very different cry
• Seems weak
• Has repeated vomiting
• Has fewer wet diapers
• Has breathing changes

For more warning signs, read our When to Call a Pediatrician Guide.

What Fever Is Serious in a Newborn?

A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C or higher is a fever.

If your baby is 3 months old or younger and has this temperature, call your pediatrician immediately.

This is important even if your baby has no other obvious signs of illness.

A rectal measurement is the most accurate way to measure temperature in a young infant.

When Is Newborn Crying an Emergency?

Get emergency help if crying happens with:

• Severe breathing difficulty
• Blue or gray lips or skin
• A baby who is limp or unresponsive
• A concerning pause in breathing
• Seizure like activity
• Severe choking

Seek prompt medical care for other worrying signs such as very poor feeding, unusual lethargy, or green vomit.

What If My Baby Makes Jerking Movements During Sleep?

Small twitches and jerks can occur during normal active sleep.

They are often brief and irregular.

Talk to a healthcare professional if movements:

• Are repeated in a rhythmic pattern
• Continue for a concerning length of time
• Come with changes in colour or breathing
• Happen when your baby is awake too
• Are accompanied by unusual eye movements or poor responsiveness

If you think your baby is having a seizure, get urgent medical help.

Should I Record My Baby's Sleep Sounds?

If your baby is breathing normally and you want to show an unusual sound to your pediatrician, a short video can sometimes be helpful.

Do not delay medical care to make a recording.

If your baby has breathing trouble, colour change, or poor responsiveness, seek help first.

What Parents Should Remember

Conclusion

Newborn crying in sleep is often part of normal active sleep. Babies can make brief cries, grunts, facial movements, and little twitches without fully waking.

Watch before automatically waking a comfortable baby, but do not follow a rigid waiting rule. If your baby wakes, cries more strongly, shows hunger, or needs comfort, respond.

Most importantly, look beyond the sound. Breathing, feeding, colour, temperature, wet diapers, alertness, and your baby's usual behaviour tell you much more.

If crying comes with fever, breathing difficulty, blue or gray colour, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, or another worrying change, contact your baby's healthcare provider. Get emergency help for severe breathing trouble, unresponsiveness, or concerning pauses in breathing.

Medical and Sleep References

These open sources were used to update this guide.

1. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org.
   Stages of Newborn Sleep
2. NHS, Best Start in Life.
   Understanding Your Baby
3. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
   Behavior Changes to Watch For in a Newborn
4. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org.
   Fever and Your Baby
5. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Safe to Sleep.
   Safe Sleep Environment for Baby

Related Parnthub Guides

• Baby Care Guide
• Child Health and Safety Guide
• Baby Sleep Guide
• Newborn Sleep Schedule
• Bedtime Routine for Newborns
• Safe Sleep for Newborns
• Why Your Newborn Won't Sleep
• Newborn Won't Sleep Unless Held
• Best Ways to Soothe a Newborn
• Baby Gas Relief Guide
• Newborn Reflux
• When to Call a Pediatrician

Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Crying in Sleep

Is it normal for a newborn to cry while sleeping?

Yes. Brief crying sounds can happen during active or light newborn sleep. Babies may also twitch, move their faces, suck, or make other sounds while still asleep.

Why does my newborn cry in sleep but not wake up?

Your baby may be in active sleep. Brief cries and movements can occur without a full awakening. If your baby looks comfortable and quickly settles again, you may simply observe quietly.

Should I wake my baby when they cry in sleep?

Not for every brief sound. If your baby remains asleep and looks comfortable, you can observe for a moment. Respond if crying builds, your baby wakes, or you see hunger, discomfort, or signs of illness.

Should I wait 60 seconds before responding?

No fixed waiting time is required. A brief pause can help you see whether your baby is still asleep, but respond whenever your baby appears awake, hungry, uncomfortable, or distressed.

Does newborn crying in sleep mean nightmares?

Not necessarily. Brief sleep cries are more commonly explained by normal active sleep, sleep transitions, hunger, startle responses, or physical discomfort.

Can gas make a newborn cry during sleep?

Gas and digestive movement can make babies grunt or squirm. If your baby wakes and seems uncomfortable, gentle burping or upright holding while awake may help.

Is grunting during newborn sleep normal?

Occasional grunts can happen during active sleep. Grunting with every breath, especially with rib pulling, fast breathing, or colour change, needs urgent medical assessment.

Can newborn breathing be irregular during sleep?

Newborn breathing can be somewhat irregular during active sleep. Get medical help if pauses seem concerning or occur with blue or gray colour, limpness, poor responsiveness, or breathing difficulty.

What temperature is a fever in a newborn?

A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C or higher is a fever. A baby 3 months old or younger with this temperature needs immediate medical advice.

When should I worry about newborn crying in sleep?

Call your healthcare provider if crying comes with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, fever, vomiting, fewer wet diapers, breathing changes, or a major change in your baby's normal behaviour.

When is newborn crying an emergency?

Get emergency help for severe breathing trouble, blue or gray colour, unresponsiveness, concerning pauses in breathing, severe choking, or seizure-like movements.