Crying Baby: A Guide for Parents

Why Do Newborns Cry?

Crying is your baby's main way of communicating. All newborns cry - it is completely normal. Most babies cry the most around 6 to 8 weeks of age, and it usually gets better by 3 to 4 months. On average, healthy newborns cry for about 2 hours a day.

Most of the time, crying is caused by everyday needs like hunger, a wet diaper, tiredness, or just wanting to be held. Only a small number of crying babies (about 5 out of 100) have a medical problem causing their distress.


Common Reasons for Crying

- Colic: Some babies cry for long stretches (3 or more hours a day), often in the evening, even though they are healthy and growing well. This is called colic. It usually starts around 2 to 3 weeks of age, peaks at 6 weeks, and goes away on its own by 3 to 4 months. Your baby may pull up their legs, clench their fists, and turn red in the face.

- Reflux: Some babies cry during or after feeding because stomach contents come back up. You may notice spitting up, back arching, or your baby refusing to feed. Most babies with reflux grow out of it and do not need medicine.

- Milk sensitivity: A small number of babies react to proteins in cow's milk (from formula or through breast milk). Signs can include fussiness with feeds, mucus or blood in the stool, skin rashes, or diarrhea. If you suspect this, talk to your baby's doctor before making any diet changes.


How to Soothe a Crying Baby

Try these proven calming techniques — they work best when used together:

- Swaddle your baby snugly in a blanket (stop swaddling once your baby starts trying to roll over)

- Hold your baby on their side or tummy against your body (always place them on their back for sleep)

- Make a gentle "shushing" sound or use white noise

- Gently rock or sway your baby

- Offer a pacifier for sucking

- Skin-to-skin contact — hold your baby against your bare chest

These are sometimes called the "5 S's": Swaddle, Side, Shush, Swing, and Suck.


When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your baby's doctor if your baby:

- Has a fever (temperature of 100.4°F / 38°C or higher)

- Is not feeding well or is refusing to eat

- Is not gaining weight

- Is vomiting (especially green or yellow vomit)

- Has blood or mucus in their stool

- Seems unusually sleepy, floppy, or hard to wake up

- Has a change in skin color (pale, bluish, or blotchy)

- Has a swollen or bulging soft spot on the head

- Has any bruising


When to Go to the Emergency Room Right Away

Go to the emergency room immediately if your baby:

- Is struggling to breathe

- Will not stop crying and seems to be in severe pain

- Has a seizure (shaking or jerking movements)

- Becomes limp or unresponsive

- Has green (bile-colored) vomit

One Important Check You Can Do at Home

If your baby is crying and you cannot figure out why, undress your baby completely and check every finger and toe carefully. Sometimes a strand of hair or thread can wrap tightly around a tiny finger, toe, or other body part, cutting off blood flow. This is more common than many people realize and is easy to miss.


Taking Care of Yourself

A crying baby can be very stressful. Remember:

- It is okay to put your baby down in a safe place (like their crib, on their back) and step away for a few minutes to take a breath.

- Never shake your baby. Shaking can cause serious brain injury.

- Ask for help from your partner, family, or friends when you feel overwhelmed.

- If you are feeling frustrated or unable to cope, call your doctor or a helpline for support.

You are not a bad parent if your baby cries a lot. Some babies just cry more than others, and it almost always gets better with time.