What could be the reason for an 8-month-old baby crying in their sleep?

Sep 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, nighttime crying during sleep in an 8-month-old baby may be caused by environmental factors, dietary issues, vitamin deficiency, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or rickets. It is recommended that parents follow medical advice to treat the symptoms accordingly. If the baby appears uncomfortable, parents should promptly take the child to the hospital for proper diagnosis and targeted treatment to avoid delaying the condition.

Under normal circumstances, nighttime crying during sleep in an 8-month-old baby may be caused by environmental factors, dietary issues, vitamin D deficiency, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or rickets. Parents are advised to seek symptomatic treatment under medical guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Environmental Factors

If the indoor environment is poor—such as being too cold, too hot, having polluted air, or excessive noise—the baby may feel uncomfortable and cry. Parents should adjust the room temperature appropriately, maintain a quiet environment, and check for any foreign objects or dirt that might be causing physical discomfort.

2. Dietary Issues

If the baby eats too much, it may lead to abdominal bloating and discomfort; if the baby eats too little, hunger can cause crying during sleep. It is recommended to feed the baby an appropriate amount of food.

3. Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency in babies can increase cortical excitability in the brain, leading to frequent crying and restless sleep at night. Regular sun exposure can help promote vitamin D absorption.

4. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

This may result from irregular eating habits or gastrointestinal infections, manifesting as abdominal pain, persistent or intermittent diarrhea, or bloating, which can lead to crying and even difficulty falling asleep. Treatment may include medications such as Bifidobacterium quadruple live tablets or Bacillus subtilis biliary tract live granules, as directed by a physician.

5. Rickets

Caused by disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism due to various factors, babies with rickets may show irritability, restlessness, frequent crying, disturbed sleep, excessive sweating, and枕秃 (loss of hair at the back of the head). Treatment may include vitamin D3 or Longmu Zhaunggu Granules as prescribed by a doctor.

If the baby appears uncomfortable, parents should promptly take the child to the hospital for diagnosis and targeted treatment to avoid delays in care.

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Why does an 18-month-old baby have cold hands and feet when running a fever?

In general, a fever refers to an elevated body temperature. It is possible for a one-and-a-half-year-old child to experience cold hands and feet during a fever, which may be related to the body's temperature regulation mechanisms, heat dissipation responses, upper respiratory tract infections, acute gastroenteritis, pneumonia, or other causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Additionally, regular outdoor activities should be maintained to strengthen physical health and improve resistance.

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An 8-month-old baby is drooling excessively.

In general, excessive drooling in an eight-month-old infant may be related to teething, indigestion, spleen and stomach weakness, oral ulcers, or herpetic gingivostomatitis. It is recommended that the patient receive appropriate treatment as directed by a physician. Eight-month-old infants are typically in the teething stage, during which gum itching can stimulate increased saliva production in the mouth. The excess saliva may not be swallowed promptly, leading to noticeable drooling.