Baby Is Restless and Tossing All Night
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published NSF, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Sleep concerns affect nearly every family at some point. When it comes to baby is restless and tossing all night, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Some degree of restless sleep is normal, especially as babies learn to roll and move. Babies cycle through light and deep sleep, and movement during light sleep phases is common. However, consistently very restless sleep with frequent arousals may be related to discomfort, sleep environment, or rarely, sleep-disordered breathing.
Key takeaways
- Some degree of restless sleep is normal, especially as babies learn to roll and move. Babies cycle through light and deep sleep, and movement during light sleep phases is common. However, consistently very restless sleep with frequent arousals may be related to discomfort, sleep environment, or rarely, sleep-disordered breathing.
- Usually normal when: Baby moves around the crib but stays asleep
- Call your doctor if: Baby has pauses in breathing during restless sleep
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, the AAP recommends that infants sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface, without any soft bedding.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to NSF, AAP, NIH guidelines, some degree of restless sleep is normal, especially as babies learn to roll and move. Babies cycle through light and deep sleep, and movement during light sleep phases is common. However, consistently very restless sleep with frequent arousals may be related to discomfort, sleep environment, or rarely, sleep-disordered breathing. At 0-4 months, newborns are naturally restless sleepers with grunting, squirming, and brief movements. This is called active sleep (REM) and makes up about 50% of their sleep. It does not mean they are uncomfortable. It is generally considered normal when baby moves around the crib but stays asleep. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby has pauses in breathing during restless sleep.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-4 months
Newborns are naturally restless sleepers with grunting, squirming, and brief movements. This is called active sleep (REM) and makes up about 50% of their sleep. It does not mean they are uncomfortable.
4-8 months
As babies learn to roll and move, they may move extensively during sleep. This is often worse during developmental leaps. Ensure the sleep space is safe with no loose items.
8-18 months
Movement during sleep is normal. Babies may end up in every corner of the crib. If restlessness is accompanied by snoring, mouth breathing, or sweating, mention it to your pediatrician.
18-36 months
Some children are naturally active sleepers. If your toddler seems restless but wakes refreshed, it is likely their normal pattern. Persistent restlessness with daytime sleepiness may warrant evaluation.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby is restless and tossing all night and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby is restless all night and wakes frequently seeming uncomfortable.
- Mention if restless sleep is accompanied by snoring or mouth breathing.
- 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 moves around the crib but stays asleep
- Restlessness during light sleep phases with periods of still deep sleep
- Baby wakes refreshed despite apparent restlessness
- Movement increases during developmental milestones
- Baby is restless all night and wakes frequently seeming uncomfortable
- Restless sleep is accompanied by snoring or mouth breathing
- Baby seems tired during the day despite sleeping adequate hours
- Baby has pauses in breathing during restless sleep
- Baby has rhythmic jerking movements that could indicate seizure activity
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby is restless and tossing all night — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby moves around the crib but stays asleep — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-4 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine. Keep the sleep environment cool, dark, and quiet.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if baby has pauses in breathing during restless sleep.
Related Conditions
Baby Rolling Over in Sleep
Once your baby can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back on their own, it is safe to let them sleep in whatever position they choose. You should always place your baby on their back to start sleep, but you do not need to reposition them if they roll over during the night.
Snoring in Babies and Toddlers
Occasional snoring during a cold or when congested is common and usually harmless. However, habitual snoring - snoring most nights when healthy - occurs in about 10-12% of children and may indicate a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can affect development, behavior, and health if untreated. Any child who snores regularly when not sick should be evaluated by their pediatrician.
My Baby Sweats a Lot During Sleep
Babies commonly sweat during sleep, especially on their heads, because they spend more time in deep sleep than adults and have developing temperature regulation systems. Most of the time, it's simply that the room is too warm or your baby is over-dressed. Occasional sweating is normal, but excessive or persistent sweating warrants a pediatrician check.
Related Resources
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Baby Sleep Guide
Age-by-age sleep needs, schedules, and evidence-based sleep strategies.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby is restless and tossing all night normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby is restless and tossing all night?
When is baby is restless and tossing all night normal?
What causes baby is restless and tossing all night?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby is restless and tossing all night?
Is baby is restless and tossing all night normal at 0-4 months?
Is baby is restless and tossing all night normal at 4-8 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby is restless and tossing all night?
Does baby is restless and tossing all night go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Is Restless and Tossing All Night.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby is restless and tossing all night and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby is restless all night and wakes frequently seeming uncomfortable.
- Mention if restless sleep is accompanied by snoring or mouth breathing.
- 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 is restless all night and wakes frequently seeming uncomfortable
- Restless sleep is accompanied by snoring or mouth breathing
- Baby seems tired during the day despite sleeping adequate hours
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby has pauses in breathing during restless sleep
- Baby has rhythmic jerking movements that could indicate seizure activity
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 is restless and tossing all night are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby has pauses in breathing during restless sleep.
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 Sleep Concerns
Baby Rolling Over in Sleep
Once your baby can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back on their own, it is safe to let them sleep in whatever position they choose. You should always place your baby on their back to start sleep, but you do not need to reposition them if they roll over during the night.
Snoring in Babies and Toddlers
Occasional snoring during a cold or when congested is common and usually harmless. However, habitual snoring - snoring most nights when healthy - occurs in about 10-12% of children and may indicate a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can affect development, behavior, and health if untreated. Any child who snores regularly when not sick should be evaluated by their pediatrician.
My Baby Sweats a Lot During Sleep
Babies commonly sweat during sleep, especially on their heads, because they spend more time in deep sleep than adults and have developing temperature regulation systems. Most of the time, it's simply that the room is too warm or your baby is over-dressed. Occasional sweating is normal, but excessive or persistent sweating warrants a pediatrician check.
How Long Should Baby Be Awake Between Naps?
The ideal awake time between naps (called a "wake window") increases as your baby grows. Newborns may only handle 45-90 minutes awake, while toddlers can manage 4-6 hours. Getting wake windows right is one of the most effective ways to improve nap quality, because both too-short and too-long wake times lead to poor sleep.
Is a Bath Before Bed Really Necessary?
A nightly bath is not medically necessary and some babies with sensitive skin do better with less frequent bathing. However, a warm bath can be a powerful sleep cue because the subsequent body temperature drop triggers melatonin production. If you include a bath, keep it calm and warm rather than stimulating.
How Long Should the Bedtime Routine Be?
An ideal bedtime routine for babies and toddlers is 20-30 minutes. Shorter routines may not give enough time to wind down, while routines longer than 45 minutes can become a stalling tactic. Consistency in the routine order matters more than exact length.