Why does a child cry and fuss at night?
Apr 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Weiling
Introduction
In addition to common external factors—such as an unsuitable sleep environment, excessive excitement before bedtime, or physical discomfort—internal factors in infants can also affect sleep. For example, younger infants are particularly prone to nighttime crying due to conditions such as intestinal gas, colic, or lactose intolerance.
When a child cries inexplicably during nighttime sleep, parents must pay close attention. Children rarely cry without cause; persistent crying usually indicates discomfort. Sudden, intense crying during sleep is often a sign of poor sleep quality in infants. In addition to common external factors that disrupt sleep—such as an unsuitable sleep environment, excessive excitement before bedtime, or physical discomfort—internal factors specific to the infant can also significantly affect sleep.
For example, younger infants—particularly those aged 2–3 months—often experience nighttime crying due to conditions such as intestinal gas, colic, or lactose intolerance. As infants grow older—typically after five months—teething or rapid brain development may trigger night awakenings and crying; in such cases, gentle soothing is usually sufficient. Establishing a consistent day–night circadian rhythm for the infant generally depends on the maturation of their physiological regulatory systems.
