What should I do if my newborn cries and refuses to sleep at night?
Jul 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Parents should help their baby wind down and calm down 0.5–1 hour before bedtime; avoid overly stimulating play or excessive teasing right before sleep, as overexcitement or anxiety may make it difficult for the baby to fall asleep. Additionally, for babies who are unwell and cry or refuse to sleep at night, common underlying causes include indigestion, abdominal bloating, or vitamin D deficiency. First, continue vitamin D supplementation.
Some newborns sleep restlessly and wake up easily after falling asleep. Their sleep quality is poor, and they frequently cry or fuss, often emitting soft whimpers or grunts, and may appear pale or unwell.
Parents should help their baby wind down 0.5–1 hour before bedtime—avoiding overly stimulating play or excessive teasing, which may cause overexcitement or tension and hinder sleep onset. Additionally, nighttime crying and insomnia in infants with suboptimal health are commonly associated with indigestion, abdominal distension, or vitamin D deficiency.
First, continue vitamin D supplementation. When weather permits, expose the baby to moderate sunlight. Appropriately supplement probiotics and digestive aids to regulate gut microbiota and improve digestion. Ensure a warm, comfortable sleeping environment and minimize exposure to noise. Feed small, frequent meals—avoid overfeeding—and maintain adequate warmth to prevent chilling.
If the infant exhibits vomiting or diarrhea alongside crying, gastroenteritis should be considered, and parents should promptly take the child to a reputable hospital for evaluation. Furthermore, overfeeding before bedtime can also trigger nighttime crying; in such cases, parents should gently massage the infant’s abdomen after feeding to aid digestion.
