Child is 2 years old, crying non-stop at night

Patient's question:

Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: Crying suddenly at midnight
Duration of this episode: 1 hour

Doctor's answer:

Hello: The central nervous system development of newborns is not yet mature, and the conditioned reflex of day/night sleep patterns has not been established. If they sleep too long during the day, they may resist falling asleep at night and cry incessantly without being comforted or carried by adults. Additionally, adults, tired after a long day, may be less sensitive to their child's hunger or the need for urination and defecation, leading to delayed responses that can cause crying. Children with rickets, due to calcium deficiency, are prone to being easily startled and may cry or wake up at the slightest noise during the night. Children suffering from chronic conditions like tuberculosis or malnutrition also frequently cry at night.
When a child cries at night, the first step is to analyze the cause and consciously train them to adjust their day/night cycle. Try to concentrate activities like drinking, changing diapers, taking fish oil and calcium supplements during the day. Avoid overfeeding them in the evening; instead, opt for smaller, more frequent meals to ensure they wake up due to hunger. During the day, gently tap or stroke their soles or engage them with playful interactions to make them laugh or take deep breaths, disrupting their sleep. This can help reduce daytime naps and gradually establish a routine of being awake during the day and asleep at night.
If the child has conditions like rickets, tuberculosis, or malnutrition, prompt treatment is necessary. Once these illnesses are cured, the nighttime crying should improve accordingly.