Waking up crying

For the last few months, my son has been waking up from naps and in the morning upset and crying and he used to wake up happy. I once read that your baby shouldn't wake up crying and if they do they need to sleep more. Is this true? or should I be concerned?

I agree, most of our children do wake up happy when young. If your toddler is waking up cranky and crying, you should try and settle him back down. Maybe lay him down and give him a pacifier.

Sometimes our children will call out (sounding upset) during the process of waking. Many times they will fall asleep on their own for another half hour or more. If your son is not “full on crying”, try leaving him alone. He may settle back down on his own.

If these suggestions fail, you do not necessarily need to be concerned. If he wakes up crying, but quickly transitions to typical behavior I would consider this normal. If your son is persistently fussy throughout the day have your doctor evaluate him.

Written November, 2010 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician