Why Does My Newborn Get Fussy at Night?
It’s the middle of the night, and you finally thought you were going to be able to catch up on some sleep. Your baby has other plans though - as they seem to do every night. Why do they seem to get fussy in the evenings? If you’re a new parent, this is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of having a baby. The good news is, nighttime fussiness is incredibly common.
But you deserve some sleep and there’s no time to waste, so let’s jump into why this is happening and what you can do so you both catch some Z’s!
How Do We Define “Fussiness”?
This is important to determine, because every baby’s temperament is special to them and every parent’s interpretation is different. You know your baby better than anyone else, and if you feel they’re upset, it could mean “fussy”.
However, generally speaking, this word is used to refer to crying or irritability.
Why is My Baby Fussy at Night?
There are many reasons why your baby may be fussy at night. Let’s explore the most common reasons why:
Growth Spurt
Ah yes, the dreaded growth spurt phases. There are a few main spurts around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Growing so much requires a lot of energy, which means they’re going to be extra hungry and may need some more food.
Gas
It’s possible that your baby needs to let some gas out of their system, and may be dealing with stomach cramps and general discomfort because of it.
Overtiredness
While you don’t want your baby to have too much energy at bedtime, being overtired is also a thing that can make it difficult to fall asleep. This can happen if your baby has gone too long without a solid nap.
Overstimulated
Unlike adults who have grown accustomed to a world full of screens, noises, and bright lights, babies are extremely sensitive to any kind of changes to their environment. It could be something as small as your phone notifications going off or light from the hallway seeping into their dark bedroom.
Wet or Soiled Diaper
Absolutely no one wants to sleep in a wet environment - that includes babies! If they have a soiled diaper on, they’re going to wake up pretty quickly afterward.
Too Hot or Cold
Just like us, the temperature has to be just right for babies to fall asleep comfortably. Ideally, keep their room between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Dress your little one in clothing meant to be slept in. Keep the crib away from windows to avoid direct sunlight as well as drafts.
Illness
It’s normal for babies to cry, but if you feel they’re crying too often, it’s a good idea to call your pediatrician. They could be suffering from common ailments like a cold, earache, teething, or headaches.
Colic
If they’re crying at the same time every night, for more than 3 hours at a time, it could indication your baby has colic. You’ll likely have to just wait it out in this case, but it’s also smart to call their healthcare provider to make sure it’s not something else.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can happen when you’ve just made the transition from them sleeping in your bedroom to their own bedroom or nursery. If they start crying or becoming visibly stressed when you leave the room, they could be experiencing this emotion.
How to Calm a Fussy Baby
Now, onto the good stuff. This may seem like a crazy balancing act at times, but we promise you’ll find a technique that works for you both.
Wear Your Baby
Feeling your warmth and the beating of your heart against your baby can be immediately calming to them.
Take a Walk
When your baby is already wide awake, a change of scenery can actually have a soothing effect. When walking, you’re moving in a very rhythmic pattern that can lull your little one to sleep surprisingly fast.
Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
Routines are going to be a lifesaver for you. Set everyone up for success by creating a routine that mentally and physically prepares your baby for rest. Perhaps try a baby massage, relaxing bath, or a bedtime story to calm their minds.
Baby Massage
Touch is a wonderful way to bond with your little one. It lets them know that you are there, and combining it with oils and gentle touches can stimulate various senses to get them to fall asleep.
Read more: Simple Guide to Patting Your Baby to Sleep
Use Sound
Soft music, humming, lullabies, and white noise are all great tools to soothe your baby. Did you know some babies like to hum themselves to sleep?
Babies all have their own preferences with different types of sounds, volumes, music types, and voices. Don’t be afraid to experiment to see what they like best!
Reduce Stimulation
This is a big one. Turn the lights down low (if not completely off), make sure no light is coming through the windows, reduce noise (other than the ones just mentioned), and make sure they’re nice and comfortable in their crib or bassinet.
Feed and Change Before Bed
If you find your baby often wakes up hungry or with a soiled diaper not long after falling asleep, try to add in another feeding and diaper change into that bedtime routine.
Track Progress
No one expects you to memorize every single behavior your baby has exhibited at every moment of every day or night - much less when you’re going off 2 hours of sleep!
Using an app like Baby Connect is a serious game changer, as it tracks your baby’s sleep, fussy habits, diaper changes, and just about everything else you can imagine right from your smartphone. Try it for free today!
