Ayurveda’s View on Why Babies Cry at Night (Other Than Hunger)

July 10, 2025

As a new parent, hearing your baby cry at night can stir a thousand emotions of worry, confusion, even helplessness. You've fed your baby, changed the diaper, and made sure they’re warm yet the crying continues. If you're wondering why babies cry at night even when they’re not hungry, you're not alone.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, night-time crying is not just a physical issue it often involves an energetic imbalance. Let’s explore the Ayurvedic reasons for baby crying at night, the common causes other than hunger, and natural remedies to soothe your little one with love, care, and time-tested wisdom.

Understanding Baby Crying Through Ayurveda

Keyword: Ayurvedic reasons for baby crying at night

In Ayurveda, every baby is born with a unique combination of the three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which govern all bodily and emotional functions. Babies are naturally Vata-dominant, which means they are more sensitive, unpredictable, and prone to discomfort caused by dryness, air, and movement.

Vata Imbalance may lead to sudden crying, restlessness, gas, or colic.
Pitta Imbalance may show as irritability, teething discomfort, or heat-related issues.
Kapha Imbalance is rarer in infants but may cause sluggish digestion or congestion.

When these energies go out of balance due to weather changes, poor digestion, overstimulation, or emotional upset crying becomes a natural outlet for babies to express their unease.

Common Causes of Baby Crying at Night Other Than Hunger

While hunger is a frequent reason for a baby’s cry, it’s certainly not the only one. Here are other Ayurveda-backed causes of baby crying at night that new parents should know:

1. Gas and Digestive Discomfort

The most common culprit is gas or colic, especially in newborns with developing digestive systems. Ayurveda links this to Vata imbalance in the abdomen.

Signs: Pulling legs to the tummy, tight belly, excessive burping or farting.
Tip: A gentle clockwise belly massage using warm oil can help release trapped air.

2. Teething Pain

Teething typically begins around 6 months and can disturb the baby’s sleep. The Pitta dosha, related to heat and inflammation, flares during this stage.

Signs: Drooling, chewing fingers, inflamed gums, frequent night waking.
Tip: Offer cold teething rings or gently rub the gums with clean fingers.

3. Fear or Separation Anxiety

Babies, especially around 8–10 months, may cry when they wake up and don’t see their mother. This fear is tied to Vata-induced mental restlessness.

Signs: Sudden crying, looking for mom, refusing to sleep alone.
Tip: Skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, and soft lullabies offer security.

4. Overstimulation

Too much noise, light, or activity before bedtime can overwhelm a baby’s sensitive nervous system.

Signs: Trouble settling down, twitchy limbs, arching back, crankiness.
Tip: Keep bedtime routines calm, dim, and consistent.

5. Cold or Temperature Discomfort

Babies have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Feeling too cold (especially hands or feet) may make them cry.

Signs: Cold hands/feet, fussiness despite being fed.
Tip: Keep the room comfortably warm and dress the baby in breathable layers.

6. Mild Illness or Immunity-Related Imbalance

If your baby is unwell even slightly it can trigger night-time crying. Ayurveda sees this as a weak Agni (digestive fire) and low Ojas (immunity).

Signs: Runny nose, cough, mild fever, or general uneasiness.
Tip: Boost immunity with natural, gentle support like Abhay Kawach Immuno Booster Syrup from Organic Dew.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies and Soothing Tips for Night Crying

Now that you know the possible causes, here are some gentle Ayurvedic solutions to soothe your baby naturally:

1. Daily Abhyanga (Massage)

A loving, warm oil massage calms Vata, supports digestion, strengthens muscles, and builds emotional bonding.

Use Organic Dew’s Matresneh Baby Massage Oil, a nourishing blend of Ayurvedic herbs that relaxes muscles and promotes deep sleep.
How to Use: Warm the oil slightly, and gently massage the baby’s body in a downward motion before a warm bath or bedtime.

2. Warm Herbal Baths

A light bath with lukewarm water infused with calming herbs like neem, tulsi, or rose petals can help soothe your baby’s nerves and ease colic.

3. Swaddling and Rocking

Swaddling creates a womb-like warmth, while gentle rocking mimics the movements your baby felt in the womb reassuring and comforting.

4. Breast Milk Timing and Mother’s Diet

In Ayurveda, the mother's food affects breast milk, which in turn affects the baby. Foods that increase gas in mothers (like rajma, chole, cold drinks) can affect the baby too.

Eat light, warm, and nourishing foods. Favor jeera water, moong dal khichdi, and ghee. Avoid raw or cold foods.

5. Immunity Support with Ayurvedic Syrup

If your baby seems to get frequent colds or mild fevers at night, support their system with Abhay Kawach Immuno Booster Syrup from Organic Dew.

This Ayurvedic immunity booster is suitable for babies aged 6 months and above and helps build Ojas (immunity), protecting from seasonal illnesses using herbal ingredients—without chemicals or preservatives.

Note: Always consult your pediatrician before introducing any syrup—even natural or Ayurvedic ones.

When to Consult a Doctor?

While Ayurveda offers powerful natural tools, always be cautious. Consult your doctor if:

Crying is nonstop for over 3 hours
Your baby has a high fever
Vomiting or diarrhea is present
You feel your baby is in pain or discomfort beyond the usual

Your instincts matter. When in doubt, seek help.

Conclusion: Let Ayurveda Help You Understand and Soothe Your Baby

Understanding why babies cry at night goes beyond just feeding and changing diapers. Ayurveda teaches us that every cry has a cause and every cause has a gentle, natural solution.

With love, warmth, and time-tested remedies, you can navigate these precious but challenging nights confidently.

Explore Organic Dew’s Ayurvedic baby care range especially: