Can anyone explain why my baby cries in his sleep?

Question

Once or twice per week (roughly) my little boy (5 mnths next week) will cry in his sleep. He'll let out 3 loud wails and continues to sleep straight through. The first times my heart nearly stopped and I would race to him to see if he's ok. Now I know that by the time I get up, he'll have already stopped as it's over in a few seconds. Of course I do go and quietly check on him to make sure he's ok.

Does anyone have any idea what this might be?

It happens very random and I can't imagine he'll be having so many 'bad dreams'.

Answer 1

My 7 month old does this all the time, and has for a while.  I don't think it's anything to be alarmed about.  Honestly, I found that sometimes it's just because he had to p**p in his sleep - that's no fun!

Who knows what goes on in their little baby brains, but I just listen with that "ready to move" mom stance, and just let him be if it stops after a couple cries - it usually doesn't even wake him up.

Answer 2

Honestly, it is dreams - as sad as it is. My 6 month old daughter used to do it, and I used to feel bad for her, but then it got kinda cute. Almost like what a dog does when he is dreaming, and he starts making his feet run! Now, my daughter cries because she can roll over.. It's kinda scary being on your stomach sleeping and not being able to roll back over! =[ LOL

Answer 3

The only idea I have is sometimes my daughter will do it, what I believe it is, is that she kinda wakes up from sleeping and doesnt like it at all. You know how babies cry when they are cranky, thats how she "cries" when she does that at night. Sorry if I couldnt be much help.  

Answer 4

I had massive problems with getting my 3 month old son to sleep.  He would just lie awake and cry for hours, then when he finally went to sleep he would wake every hour or two hours through the night and cry again!  Talk about pulling our hair out .... we were absolutely desperate for sleep!

It was a baby sleep audio program recommended by a friend that finally saved us. We followed the advice and began by creating a baby sleep routine which included bathtime, dimming of the lights, putting Paul into his crib, final nappy change and then lullabies. We also made recommended changes to his naps during the day and used some of the other recommended techniques. Within two weeks he was sleeping through the night most nights with just the odd night where he would just wake once!

Definitely start by creating a good baby sleep routine though and you could find that solves most of your baby sleep problems.

Good luck!

If you want to take a look, the audio program is at http://www.babysleepsolution.com

Answer 5

This has happened a few times with my son too. I thought maybe bad dreams...but what could they possibly dream about that is bad?? Yes, it was scary the first few times! lol

Answer 6

He may have a dream that scares him. My son did the same thing. Everything is fine I'm sure. Maybe at his next check up bring it up to the pediatrician.  

Answer 7

Probably a bad dream. My little one just did this a few minutes ago while napping in his swing. I just go up to him and quietly say, "it's okay, mommy's here." I doubt he hears me, but it can't hurt.