Why Does My Toddler Wake Up Crying at Night?

toddler waking up crying at night illustration for Why Does My Toddler Wake Up Crying at Night?

If your toddler waking up crying at night has you wondering what’s wrong, you’re not alone—and it usually comes down to common toddler night waking causes like overtiredness, separation anxiety, or sleep-stage confusion. Here’s how to tell whether it’s a normal sleep hiccup, a night terror, or something worth calling your pediatrician about.