Why Is My Newborn So Noisy at Night?

You finally get your newborn to sleep, and just when you think you might get some rest too, grunts, squeaks, snorts, and sudden cries fill the room. If you've ever stared wide-eyed at your baby wondering, "Are they okay?" you're not alone. Newborns are famously noisy sleepers, and while it can sound alarming, it’s usually completely normal.

Let’s break down why newborns are so loud at night, what’s typical, and when to check in with your pediatrician.

What’s Causing All the Noise?

1. Active (REM) Sleep

Newborns spend about half of their sleep in active sleep, also known as REM sleep. During this stage, their brains are busy developing and their bodies show it. You'll hear grunts, sighs, sucking motions, whimpers, and even cries.

This is normal. They’re not fully awake, it’s just a noisy stage of sleep.

2. Immature Digestive System

Your baby’s digestive system is still learning how to process milk. That means extra gas, reflux, and tummy gurgles are common, especially when lying on their back after a feed.

Gentle tummy massage or bicycle legs during the day can help ease gas.

3. Shallow Breathing

Newborns breathe faster and more irregularly than adults. You might notice periods of rapid breathing, followed by slow breaths, or even short pauses. This is called periodic breathing, and it's completely normal in healthy newborns.

Unless your baby is struggling to breathe or turning blue, this isn’t a cause for concern.

4. Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex)

Sudden jerks or flailing arms can jolt your baby awake—or make them grunt or cry out in their sleep. This reflex is a normal part of development and usually fades by 3 to 4 months.

Swaddling (if baby is under 3 months and not rolling yet) can help reduce this noise and movement.

5. Dreaming or Processing Stimuli

Even young babies dream! They process new experiences through sleep, which can lead to twitching, facial expressions, smiling, and sounds.

Yes, those squeaks and grimaces are part of their busy little brain doing its job.

🚩 When to Call the Pediatrician

While most nighttime noises are harmless, here are a few signs that might need a check-in:

• Persistent coughing or choking sounds

• Struggling to breathe (flaring nostrils, chest retractions)

• Loud snoring with pauses in breathing

• Blue lips or skin

• Feeding difficulties or vomiting with sleep disturbances

🩺 If you’re ever unsure, it’s always okay to ask your pediatrician. Trust your instincts

💛 A Final Word for Tired Parents

Your baby isn’t broken—they’re just brand new. Those grunts, squeaks, and snorts are part of their growing brain, body, and belly. In time, the noises will settle. Until then, know that you’re not the only parent listening in at 3 a.m., wondering if that last squeal meant something. (It probably didn’t.)

You’ve got this. And we’re here to help make it just a little bit easier.