What causes a child to cry at night?
Apr 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
A child's crying at night may be caused by physiological factors or pathological factors, such as indigestion, rickets, coughing, and other conditions. Appropriate management can be selected according to the specific cause. If the infant consumes too little breast milk and is in a state of hunger, or if the diaper is wet, the clothing or bedding is too cold or too hot, or the child is suddenly exposed to loud noises or startled during sleep, these factors may also lead to nighttime crying in infants.
Generally, a child crying at night may be caused by factors such as hunger, a wet diaper, changes in the sleep environment, colic, or indigestion. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Hunger
A child's stomach capacity is small, and their intake per feeding is limited; thus, they may wake up crying due to hunger during the night. This is especially true for breastfed infants, as breast milk is digested and absorbed relatively quickly, making them more prone to hunger at night. Maintaining regular meal times, eating small frequent meals, can help improve symptoms.
2. Wet Diaper
A wet diaper can cause discomfort for the child, as the skin may be irritated by urine or feces, potentially leading to crying. This is more common in younger infants who cannot express their discomfort verbally and can only communicate through crying. It is recommended to change the diaper promptly to help alleviate symptoms.
3. Changes in Sleep Environment
If the child's sleeping environment changes, such as moving from a crib to a larger bed or entering a new room where surrounding factors like smell, noise, and lighting have changed, it may affect sleep quality and cause the child to cry during the night. Creating a suitable sleep environment is recommended to help improve symptoms.
4. Colic
This is common in infants under three months old and often occurs at night. As the infant's intestines are not yet fully developed and peristalsis is irregular, it can easily lead to colic. During an episode, the infant may suddenly cry intensely and may also exhibit symptoms such as facial flushing, drawing up the knees, and abdominal tension.
5. Indigestion
If the child eats too much before bedtime or consumes indigestible food, it may lead to indigestion, causing bloating or abdominal pain. These uncomfortable symptoms may worsen during nighttime sleep, resulting in crying. Gently massaging the infant's abdomen may help promote digestion and relieve discomfort.
Normally, it is important to observe the infant's condition closely. If the crying persists or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, prompt medical attention is advised.
