Baby Wakes Up Crying
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NSF, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed baby wakes up crying, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Waking up crying is common in babies and toddlers. In young babies, it usually signals hunger or discomfort. In older babies and toddlers, it often means they woke from a deep sleep stage, are still tired (nap was too short), or are experiencing sleep inertia - the groggy, disoriented feeling that occurs when waking from deep sleep.
Key takeaways
- Waking up crying is common in babies and toddlers. In young babies, it usually signals hunger or discomfort. In older babies and toddlers, it often means they woke from a deep sleep stage, are still tired (nap was too short), or are experiencing sleep inertia - the groggy, disoriented feeling that occurs when waking from deep sleep.
- Usually normal when: Baby wakes crying occasionally - not every time
- Call your doctor if: Baby wakes with a high-pitched or unusual cry that could indicate pain
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NSF guidelines, waking up crying is common in babies and toddlers. In young babies, it usually signals hunger or discomfort. In older babies and toddlers, it often means they woke from a deep sleep stage, are still tired (nap was too short), or are experiencing sleep inertia - the groggy, disoriented feeling that occurs when waking from deep sleep. At 0-6 months, young babies commonly cry upon waking because they are hungry, have a wet diaper, or transitioned out of a sleep cycle and cannot resettle. If baby wakes crying after a short nap, they may still be tired. Give them a few minutes to see if they resettle before intervening. It is generally considered normal when baby wakes crying occasionally - not every time. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby wakes with a high-pitched or unusual cry that could indicate pain.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Young babies commonly cry upon waking because they are hungry, have a wet diaper, or transitioned out of a sleep cycle and cannot resettle. If baby wakes crying after a short nap, they may still be tired. Give them a few minutes to see if they resettle before intervening.
6-12 months
Waking happy vs. crying often depends on which sleep stage your baby wakes from. Waking from deep sleep can cause grogginess and crying. If baby consistently wakes crying, check if naps are long enough and wake windows are appropriate.
12-24 months
Toddlers who wake from naps crying are often still tired or woke from deep sleep. Give them a few minutes of quiet comfort before expecting them to be ready for activity. Some toddlers need 10-15 minutes to fully wake up.
2-5 years
Waking from naps or nighttime sleep crying can be related to nightmares, confusional arousals, or simply being woken during deep sleep. If your child wakes confused, crying, and inconsolable for 5-15 minutes, this may be a confusional arousal and they are not fully awake.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby wakes up crying and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby wakes screaming inconsolably from every sleep period.
- Mention if waking crying is accompanied by pain behaviors like pulling at ears or arching.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby wakes crying occasionally - not every time
- Crying resolves quickly with feeding, comfort, or a few minutes to fully wake
- Baby is happy and content once fully awake
- Waking crying after a short nap - baby was likely still tired
- Baby wakes screaming inconsolably from every sleep period
- Waking crying is accompanied by pain behaviors like pulling at ears or arching
- Your baby never wakes happy and always seems distressed upon waking
- Baby wakes with a high-pitched or unusual cry that could indicate pain
- Baby wakes inconsolable with signs of illness like fever or vomiting
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby wakes up crying — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby wakes crying occasionally - not every time — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if baby wakes with a high-pitched or unusual cry that could indicate pain.
Related Conditions
My Baby Wakes Up Confused and Crying
Confusional arousals happen when your baby partially wakes during a transition between sleep stages but isn't fully conscious. They may cry, seem upset, push you away, or not recognize you for several minutes before either fully waking or returning to sleep. This is a type of parasomnia that's developmentally normal and not harmful.
My Baby Screams in Their Sleep
Babies commonly cry out, scream, or shriek during sleep without fully waking. This usually happens during transitions between sleep cycles or during active REM sleep, when the brain is highly active. It sounds alarming, but in most cases your baby is not in distress and will settle back into deeper sleep within seconds to minutes.
Baby Only Taking Short Naps
Short naps of 30-45 minutes are the biological norm for babies under about 5-6 months of age. A baby sleep cycle is roughly 40 minutes, and it takes time for the brain to develop the ability to link cycles together during daytime sleep. Most babies naturally begin taking longer naps around 5-7 months.
My Baby Seems Overtired but Won't Sleep
When a baby becomes overtired, their body produces cortisol and adrenaline as a stress response, which paradoxically makes it harder for them to fall asleep. This creates a frustrating cycle: the more tired your baby gets, the harder it is for them to settle. Recognizing your baby's early sleepy cues and catching the right sleep window is the most effective prevention strategy.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is baby wakes up crying normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby wakes up crying?
When is baby wakes up crying normal?
What causes baby wakes up crying?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby wakes up crying?
Is baby wakes up crying normal at 0-6 months?
Is baby wakes up crying normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby wakes up crying?
Does baby wakes up crying go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Wakes Up Crying.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby wakes up crying and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby wakes screaming inconsolably from every sleep period.
- Mention if waking crying is accompanied by pain behaviors like pulling at ears or arching.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Baby wakes screaming inconsolably from every sleep period
- Waking crying is accompanied by pain behaviors like pulling at ears or arching
- Your baby never wakes happy and always seems distressed upon waking
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby wakes with a high-pitched or unusual cry that could indicate pain
- Baby wakes inconsolable with signs of illness like fever or vomiting
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby wakes up crying are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby wakes with a high-pitched or unusual cry that could indicate pain.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Behavior Concerns
My Baby Wakes Up Confused and Crying
Confusional arousals happen when your baby partially wakes during a transition between sleep stages but isn't fully conscious. They may cry, seem upset, push you away, or not recognize you for several minutes before either fully waking or returning to sleep. This is a type of parasomnia that's developmentally normal and not harmful.
My Baby Screams in Their Sleep
Babies commonly cry out, scream, or shriek during sleep without fully waking. This usually happens during transitions between sleep cycles or during active REM sleep, when the brain is highly active. It sounds alarming, but in most cases your baby is not in distress and will settle back into deeper sleep within seconds to minutes.
Baby Only Taking Short Naps
Short naps of 30-45 minutes are the biological norm for babies under about 5-6 months of age. A baby sleep cycle is roughly 40 minutes, and it takes time for the brain to develop the ability to link cycles together during daytime sleep. Most babies naturally begin taking longer naps around 5-7 months.
My Baby Seems Overtired but Won't Sleep
When a baby becomes overtired, their body produces cortisol and adrenaline as a stress response, which paradoxically makes it harder for them to fall asleep. This creates a frustrating cycle: the more tired your baby gets, the harder it is for them to settle. Recognizing your baby's early sleepy cues and catching the right sleep window is the most effective prevention strategy.
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Aggressive Play vs Normal Play
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