When babies are born, they typically sleep up to 20 hours a day. However, after a few weeks, they may stay awake and cry for several hours. It is very common for a 1-month-old baby to cry at night. Here are some insights and tips for dealing with nighttime crying.
1. Normal Sleep Patterns in Newborns (0-1 Month Old)
In the first month, a baby's sleep is unpredictable. They often experience short periods of wakefulness, followed by brief naps and longer sleep sessions. Some babies may confuse day and night, and crying during sleep is normal. Babies generally wake every 2-3 hours to feed.
It’s important to expose them to natural light during the day to help establish a sleep routine. However, don’t expect a regular sleep schedule or long nighttime sleeps at this age.
2. When Will The Baby Stop Crying at Night?
Parents might notice that nighttime crying typically begins around 2-3 weeks of age, peaking at about 6 weeks. This period often coincides with growth spurts and increased feeding. This condition may improve over time.
Although there is no set time frame for when the baby will outgrow this “witching hour,” it usually ends around 3-4 months of age.
3. What Causes The 1-Month-Old Baby to Cry at Night?
3.1. Incomplete Central Nervous System Development
An infant’s central nervous system is still developing, and they lack the conditioned reflex that helps them distinguish between night and day. They may easily be overstimulated by external stimuli like sounds and lights, which may lead to sudden crying. The fetus is in darkness 24 hours in the mother's womb, regardless of day or night. After about 15 days post-birth, their cerebral cortex begins to establish these reflexes. When babies sleep too much during the day, they will cry more at night.
3.2. Habits Developed from Parental Response
It's common for parents to comfort and hold their crying baby. Over time, the baby may learn to rely on this for comfort, leading to increased crying and longer episodes.
Parents always can not bear to hear their children cry loudly, finally have to compromise. For such babies, parents should train them to have the habit of stopping crying on their own.
3.3. Overstimulation
The baby may suddenly begin crying violently at night and remain inconsolable despite various soothing attempts. This crying is often accompanied by symptoms such as limp limbs, body arching, excessive sweating, and an intense, almost screaming or hysterical cry. Common causes of this condition include exposure to frightening TV programs, falling from a height, being threatened, scolded, or physically harmed, engaging in vigorous exercise before bedtime, or overstimulation…
3.4. Stomach Discomfort
If a baby consumes too much or improperly digests food before bedtime, they may experience stomach discomfort, leading to crying. Additionally, some babies may be sensitive to stimulation and unable to self-soothe. Although stressful for caregivers, colic may not cause any long-term harm or medical problems for the baby.
3.5. Pinworms
If a baby cries out suddenly after going to bed, arches their back, and scratches their anus, they may have pinworms. When the baby is sleeping, pinworms will lay eggs in the folds of the baby's anus or vulva, causing itching and crying. In this case, parents should check the baby’s anus or vulva.
3.6. Hunger
One of the primary reasons babies cry at night is hunger. Infants grow rapidly, and their small stomachs can't hold a lot of milk. Parents may need to wake their babies multiple times throughout the night to feed them. Typically, infants feed frequently, often with short intervals between feedings. By around 3 months of age, the time between feedings generally extends to 2 to 4 hours.
4. What to Do When a 1-Month-Old Baby Cries at Night
Each baby has different reasons for crying, and it's essential for parents to identify the cause to respond effectively. Here are some tips to help soothe a crying baby at night:
- Limit Daytime Naps: Ensure that the baby does not nap for longer than 3 hours at a time during the day. Maintain a dimly lit and quiet environment during nighttime feedings and diaper changes to encourage the baby to distinguish between day and night.
- Place the babies in the crib or gently rock them to mimic the comfort of the womb.
Use white noise. Consider using a white noise machine, a fan, or a recording of a heartbeat to create a calming environment reminiscent of the womb. - Avoid watching thrilling TV shows, scary stories, or anything that might startle the baby before bedtime.
- Avoid overfeeding the baby at dinner. Allow at least 2 to 2.5 hours between feeding sessions to prevent upsetting their small stomach.
- If the parents suspect the baby might have pinworms, apply pinworm cream to the anus after the child sleeps. However, seek advice from a doctor and follow their recommendations for treatment.
- Hold the baby in the arms on their left side or stomach. This position may aid digestion and provide comfort. If the baby falls asleep, remember to place them on their back in the crib afterward.
- Consult with the pediatrician if suspect the baby's crying is due to a cow's milk protein allergy.
Additionally, consider the baby's needs. Sometimes there isn't an obvious reason for crying. Check if the baby is:
- Hungry: Track feeding times and watch for early hunger cues, like thumb-sucking.
- Too Hot or Cold: Check their clothing and the room temperature.
- Dirty or Wet: Inspect the diaper to see if it needs changing.
- Vomiting: Frequent vomiting may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Overstimulated: Minimize noise and light in the environment.
- Diseases: Take the baby's temperature and watch for other illness signs. Contact the pediatrician if the baby is under 2 months old and has a high fever.
Lastly, parents should remember to take care of themself. Caring for a crying baby may be exhausting. If the parent is feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for help. If no one is available, place the baby safely in their crib, close the door, and take a short 10-minute break to do something relaxing.
5. When to See a Pediatrician for Nighttime Crying
Crying in infants is typically not indicative of a medical problem. However, parents should rule out any potential medical reasons for their baby's nighttime crying. Contact the pediatrician if the baby exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- A high fever above 38 degrees Celsius when measured rectally
- Reduced alertness or activity levels
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight
- Vomiting
- Loose or bloody stools
- Refusal to eat
- Poor feeding
- Constant crying, despite efforts to comfort them
Many factors may cause a 1-year-old to cry at night. If parents or caregivers notice persistent crying and have tried various comforting techniques without success, it is important to take the baby to a medical center for an examination. This will help determine the cause of the crying, and the doctor may provide specific advice and support.
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