1.Introduction
Newborns often become fussy at night but remain calm during the day due to factors like hunger, overtiredness, gas, or day-night confusion. Their sleep patterns are still developing, making it harder for them to settle at night. Growth spurts, cluster feeding, and overstimulation can also contribute to nighttime fussiness. Creating a consistent bedtime routine, feeding frequently, and maintaining a soothing sleep environment can help. Understanding these reasons allows parents to respond effectively, ensuring their newborn fussy at night but not during the day gets the rest they need for healthy development.
2.Why Is My Newborn Fussy at Night?
New parents often wonder why their newborn is fussy at night but not during the day. It can be frustrating when your baby seems content and calm throughout the day but becomes restless, crying, and difficult to soothe once night falls. Understanding newborn sleep cycles and the differences between daytime and nighttime fussiness can help you manage this phase more effectively.
Understanding Newborn Sleep Cycles
Newborns have developing sleep patterns that are different from adults. Their sleep cycles are shorter, lasting around 50–60 minutes, and they spend more time in active sleep (REM sleep). This light sleep makes them more prone to waking up frequently, especially at night.
Additionally, newborns don’t yet have a fully developed circadian rhythm—the internal body clock that helps regulate sleep and wake times. Instead of distinguishing between day and night, they wake up whenever they feel hungry, uncomfortable, or overstimulated. This is why a newborn fussy at night but not during the day is a common concern among parents.
Differences Between Daytime and Nighttime Fussiness
Daytime Distractions Help Soothe Babies
During the day, babies are exposed to natural light, movement, and everyday household sounds. These distractions can make them feel engaged and comforted, reducing fussiness. However, nighttime is quieter and darker, making discomfort, hunger, or tiredness more noticeable.
Overstimulation Throughout the Day
Babies process many new experiences daily, which can lead to overstimulation. By nighttime, they may struggle to wind down, making a newborn fussy at night but not during the day and causing difficulty sleeping.
Cluster Feeding in the Evening
Many newborns feed more frequently in the evening hours, a behavior known as cluster feeding. This helps them prepare for a longer stretch of sleep but can also make them seem hungrier and fussier than during the day.
Tummy Discomfort is Worse at Night
Gas, colic, or reflux symptoms often peak in the evening. Since newborns spend more time lying flat at night, digestive discomfort becomes more noticeable, making them fussier. This can be a key reason why a newborn fussy at night but not during the day, as their discomfort increases when lying down for long periods.
Day-Night Confusion
Newborns are not born knowing the difference between day and night. If they sleep more during the day and are active at night, they may struggle to settle when it’s time for bed. Gradually exposing them to light during the day and keeping nights dark and quiet can help regulate their sleep cycle.
3.Common Causes of Nighttime Fussiness in Newborns
If your newborn fussy at night but not during the day, you’re not alone. Many parents experience this phase, and understanding the reasons behind nighttime fussiness can help you soothe your baby effectively. From overtiredness to digestive issues, multiple factors contribute to a baby’s restlessness after dark. Let’s explore the most common causes and how you can help your newborn settle at night.
Overtiredness – Signs and Prevention
Newborns need a lot of sleep, but they don’t always fall asleep easily. If your baby stays awake for too long, they can become overtired, making it harder for them to settle down.
Signs of an Overtired Baby:
- Rubbing eyes or pulling ears
- Yawning frequently
- Becoming extra fussy or crying for no reason
- Arching back or stiffening body when being held
How to Prevent Overtiredness:
- Follow age-appropriate wake windows (newborns should be awake for no longer than 45–60 minutes at a time).
- Establish a calming bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, gentle rocking, and dim lighting.
- Watch for early sleep cues (yawning, zoning out, or slight fussiness) and put the baby down before they become overtired.
Overtiredness is a key reason why a newborn fussy at night but not during the day, so ensuring timely naps and bedtime can make a significant difference.
Bathing a newborn without a tub is simple with the right approach. Using a sponge bath or a sink can keep your baby clean and comfortable. For a step-by-step guide, check out our article on how to bathe a newborn without a tub.
Hunger & Cluster Feeding – Why Newborns Eat More at Night
Newborns have tiny stomachs and need frequent feedings, especially in the early weeks. In the evening, many babies go through a period of cluster feeding, nursing or taking a bottle more often. This can make a newborn fussy at night but not during the day, as they seek more comfort and nourishment.
Why Does Cluster Feeding Happen at Night?
- Babies may be fueling up for a longer stretch of sleep.
- Breast milk production tends to be lower in the evening, so babies may need to feed more often to feel full.
- Growth spurts (which often happen at 2-3 weeks and again at 6 weeks) can increase hunger at night.
How to Manage Cluster Feeding:
- Feed on demand and allow extra nursing or bottle feeds in the evening.
- Keep nighttime feedings calm and quiet with minimal stimulation.
- If bottle-feeding, ensure your baby is getting enough during the day to reduce excessive hunger at night.
Gas & Digestive Discomfort – Colic and Reflux Concerns
Babies have immature digestive systems, leading to gas, bloating, and reflux, which can make nighttime especially difficult. This often causes a newborn fussy at night but not during the day, as lying down worsens discomfort.
Signs of Gas or Reflux:
- Pulling legs up to the chest while crying
- Spitting up frequently after feedings
- Arching back or appearing uncomfortable when lying flat
- Crying that worsens in the evening hours
How to Reduce Gas and Reflux:
- Burp your baby thoroughly after every feeding.
- Hold them upright for 15–20 minutes after feeding.
- Give a gentle tummy massage or bicycle their legs to help release trapped gas.
- Consider trying an anti-colic bottle or adjusting your breastfeeding position.
Gas and reflux discomfort often peak in the evening, making a newborn fussy at night but not during the day, as lying down can worsen their discomfort.
Day-Night Confusion – How Newborns Adjust to Circadian Rhythms
Newborns don’t naturally distinguish between day and night. Inside the womb, they were rocked to sleep during the day while the mother was active, and they were more alert at night. This can lead to day-night confusion in the early weeks.
How to Help Your Baby Adjust to a Day-Night Schedule:
- Morning sunlight helps regulate your baby’s sleep cycle naturally.
- Keep nighttime interactions minimal—use dim lighting, speak softly, and avoid eye contact during feeds.
- Create a bedtime routine to signal that night is for sleeping.
Within weeks, most newborns adjust to a predictable sleep cycle, reducing instances where a newborn is fussy at night but not during the day.
Growth Spurts & Developmental Changes – How They Affect Sleep
Growth spurts happen frequently in the first few months, typically around:
- 2-3 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
During these periods, babies may become fussier at night, wanting to feed more often and sleep less. Their bodies are rapidly growing, and their nervous systems are developing, which can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, making a newborn fussy at night but not during the day.
How to Handle Growth Spurts:
- Be patient—this phase is temporary.
- Offer extra feeds as needed.
- Stick to a bedtime routine to maintain consistency.
4.Effective Ways to Soothe a Fussy Baby at Night
Newborns often become fussy at night, which can be exhausting for parents. Many wonder why their newborn fussy at night but not during the day. This happens for various reasons, including hunger, discomfort, or difficulty settling down. Here are some effective ways to soothe a fussy baby and help them sleep better at night.
Establishing a Peaceful Bedtime Routine – The Power of Consistency
A consistent bedtime routine gently signals to your baby that it’s time to relax and sleep peacefully. When a newborn fussy at night but not during the day, a structured routine can make a big difference.
How to Create a Calming Bedtime Routine:
- Give your baby a warm bath to relax their muscles.
- Offer a gentle massage using baby-safe lotion.
- Dim the lights and create a quiet, soothing environment.
- Sing a lullaby or play soft music to calm them.
- Avoid overstimulating activities before bedtime.
Feeding Techniques – Ensuring Baby is Full and Comfortable
Hunger and cluster feeding often make a newborn fussy at night but not during the day, causing increased fussiness.
How to Ensure Your Baby is Comfortable After Feeding:
- Offer a full feeding before bedtime to keep them satisfied longer.
- If bottle-feeding, ensure the nipple flow is appropriate for their age.
- Hold your baby in an upright position during and after feeds to minimize reflux.
- Keep nighttime feedings quiet and calm to avoid overstimulation.
Burping & Gas Relief – Positions and Massages
Gas buildup can cause discomfort, making it harder for your baby to settle at night. If your newborn fussy at night but not during the day, trapped gas might be a contributing factor.
How to Relieve Gas and Burp Your Baby Effectively:
- Burp your baby after every feeding to release trapped air.
- Try different burping positions, such as over the shoulder or sitting upright on your lap.
- Gently rub your baby’s tummy in circular motions to ease discomfort.
- Use bicycle leg movements to help push out trapped gas.
- Hold your baby in a slightly upright position for 20-30 minutes after feeding to reduce reflux.
Swaddling & Comfort Measures – Making Baby Feel Secure
Newborns have a startle reflex that can wake them up suddenly, making them restless. This can contribute to a newborn fussy at night but not during the day. Swaddling helps them feel secure, mimicking the womb environment and promoting better sleep.
How to Comfort Your Baby with Swaddling:
- Use a lightweight, breathable swaddle blanket.
- Ensure the swaddle is snug but not too tight around the hips.
- Stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over.
- If your baby dislikes swaddling, try a sleep sack for similar comfort.
Other comfort measures include:
- Skin-to-skin contact, which provides warmth and reassurance.
- Using a pacifier if your baby finds it soothing.
- Rocking your baby gently until they become drowsy.
White Noise & Gentle Rocking – Techniques to Promote Sleep
Babies are used to constant noise in the womb, so complete silence can feel unsettling. White noise and gentle rocking can help them relax and sleep better.
How to Use White Noise and Gentle Rocking Effectively:
- Use a white noise machine, fan, or soft music to create a soothing background sound.
- Rock your baby in a rhythmic, gentle motion to mimic the womb experience.
- Try using a baby swing or rocking chair to help your baby drift off to sleep.
- Avoid excessive movement, as fast rocking may overstimulate rather than calm.
5.When to Worry & Seek Medical Help
While occasional fussiness is normal, some signs indicate that your baby may need medical attention. If your newborn fussy at night but not during the day, it could be due to minor discomfort or developmental changes. However, if the fussiness is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, consulting a pediatrician is essential.
Signs of Underlying Medical Conditions
Sometimes, excessive nighttime fussiness may be a symptom of an underlying issue. Here are some conditions that could be causing discomfort:
a) Acid Reflux (GERD)
- Frequent spit-ups or vomiting
- Arching back during or after feedings
- Excessive crying, especially after eating
- Difficulty lying flat due to discomfort
b) Food Allergies or Sensitivities
- Blood or mucus in stools
- Skin rashes or eczema
- Persistent gas or bloating
- Extreme fussiness after feeding
c) Colic
- Crying for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for over three weeks
- Intense, high-pitched crying that occurs in the evening
- Clenched fists and stiffened legs
d) Ear Infections
- Tugging at the ears
- Fever
- Difficulty sleeping, especially when lying down
If your newborn fussy at night but not during the day, and you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical advice.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
Trust your parental instincts—they guide you best. If you feel something is wrong, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor. Here are specific situations where medical help is necessary:
- Fussiness that doesn’t improve despite feeding, burping, and soothing techniques.
- High fever (100.4°F or higher in babies under three months).
- Signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry lips, sunken fontanelle).
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or persistent coughing.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- Baby appears lethargic or unresponsive.
Conclusion
If your newborn fussy at night but not during the day, it is usually due to common factors like hunger, gas, overtiredness, or day-night confusion. By creating a soothing bedtime routine, ensuring proper feeding, and keeping a calm sleep environment, you can help your baby settle more easily. Nighttime fussiness is a normal phase and improves as your baby grows. With patience and the right approach, both you and your newborn can enjoy more restful nights.
FAQS
Why is my newborn only unsettled at night?
Overtiredness, gas, hunger, and day-night confusion can make a baby unsettled at night but calm during the day. A soothing bedtime routine helps.
Why is my newborn only restless at night?
Digestive discomfort, overstimulation, and the startle reflex can cause restlessness. Swaddling and white noise may help a baby who is more fussy at night than during the day.
Why is my baby crying at the same time every night?
Evening fussiness, or witching hour, is often due to gas, colic, or cluster feeding. Burping and a feeding routine help soothe a baby who is more irritable at night than during the day.
What age does witching hour start?
It starts around 2-3 weeks, peaks at 6-8 weeks, and improves as babies settle into a sleep routine.