O-M-G. Every. Ten. Minutes.
If your baby keeps waking up crying every 10 minutes like it’s their job, you’re probably ready to pull your hair out. This can not only be annoying, but it can also wreak havoc on your life because when you’re not sleeping, everything is out of whack.
You’re probably going crazy not only trying to figure out why this is happening, but also what you can do to make it stop, or at least ease up so you’re not awake during the night more than you’re sleeping.
As always, I’m here to help you sort it all out, ready to get started? Let’s goooo…
Yikes! Why Does My Baby Wake Up Crying All the Time?
Before we start getting into what to do if your baby wakes up crying every 10 minutes, you need to understand why this may be happening. There are so many reasons, but here are five to think about:
Hunger
Think about when you’re lying in bed and your stomach just won’t stop growling. Not a fun time, right? There’s no way you’re going to fall asleep and stay asleep all night without a little snack. Your baby is no different. When they’re hungry in their crib, they’re going to let you know about it by crying.
Be sure they’ve gotten their fill before bedtime so that you can check that off the list of possibilities for the wake-up fest that occurs every night.
Uncomfortable
There are so many things that can make it uncomfortable for a baby to sleep. They may be too hot, or too cold, or their PJs may not be fitting right. Dirty diapers also rank high on the uncomfortable scale. Although you put them to bed with a clean diaper doesn’t mean they’re going to stay that way for long!
If they’re teething or have an earache, this can also keep them up a lot at night. The good thing about these situations is that they are temporary, although the teething process can linger for longer than you may like.
Gas Pains
Your baby may like to eat, but their digestive system is not yet fully developed. This means that they may be still working on breaking down breast milk or formula. This can cause gassiness, which is painful.
If your baby is gassy all the time, you may want to chat with the pediatrician to make sure there isn’t an intolerance to ingredients in formula or something else they’re eating. Something as simple as adjusting their diet could be the golden ticket to a better night’s rest.
Sleep Regression
Sleep regression is the worst! Your baby may have been sleeping just fine, then out of nowhere they’re just not having it. Sleep regression can include frequently waking up at night as well as having trouble falling asleep and crying. It typically syncs up during developmental stages. This can be at the 4,6, 8, 12, 18, and 24-month mark. Developmental stages can include things like learning how to sit up, crawl, and walk.
Overstimulation
If your baby is overstimulated before bed, they’re not only going to have a tough time falling asleep but don’t expect them to stay that way when they finally do. While you may have some playtime before bed to try to tire them out, too much is going to get them confused, thinking that it’s time to party. Help your baby wind down so that they know when it’s time to sleep.
If you think that your baby is experiencing one or more of these, then you may have found the missing piece to the sleep puzzle. If not, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician to make sure that there’s not a medical reason why your baby can’t sleep.
What to Do If Your Baby Keeps Waking Up Crying Every 10 Minutes
While the secret sauce to helping your baby sleep is going to differ from crib to crib, these are some things you can do to try to keep the crying to a minimum:
Make Sure All Needs Are Met
Make a mental checklist of your baby’s needs:
- Have they been fed enough?
- Do they have a clean diaper?
- Is the room too hot or cold?
If you can check all the boxes, then there shouldn’t be anything that they need before they go to bed and hopefully stay asleep.
Try a Swaddle
Swaddling is a technique that many parents use to help their babies feel comfy and fall asleep. It can make your baby feel like they’re back in the womb, nice and warm and snug. But, once your baby shows signs that they can roll over, you’re going to have to squash the swaddle because it can be dangerous. They may struggle trying to get back on their backs, which can lead to an increased risk of SIDS.
Use White Noise
Some parents try using a white noise machine to mimic sounds that babies hear in the womb. This can drown out distracting sounds that can make it hard for babies to stay asleep. If you have older kids in the house who go to bed later, using a white noise machine can make it easier for your little one to rest.
Have a Good Bedtime Routine in Place
Having a good bedtime routine for your baby can be a game-changer. Including things like a bath, a story, and a lullaby can help get your baby off to dreamland. Being consistent with your routine as well as having a regular bedtime can help your baby (and the rest of your house) get some much-needed sleep.
Let Your Baby Learn How to Self-Soothe
If your baby relies on you to fall asleep or get back to sleep when they wake up, you’re going to have to break that bad habit. Babies need to learn to self-soothe so that when they wake up, they know how to go back to sleep. A pacifier works for some babies, while others just need to find the sweet spot in their crib that helps them fall asleep.
If you’ve tried all of this and the crying still won’t stop…now what?
It’s time to call the professionals.
As a newborn sleep specialist, registered nurse, and Director of one of the world’s top sleep consultant certification programs, I’ve helped thousands of families get the rest they need and cope when their baby keeps waking up crying every 10 minutes.
I use methods that are backed by science and have worked for so many families who think getting a full night’s sleep is just a dream. Reach out to me so that we can find the missing piece to your family’s sleep puzzle.
