Why Is My Baby Crying? A Guide for Parents

The Big Picture

When a baby cries a lot and is hard to comfort, it can be very scary for parents. The good news is that 9 out of 10 times, there is no serious medical problem. Most babies who cry a lot are healthy - they are just going through a normal (but tough) phase. However, in a small number of cases (about 5 to 10 out of 100), there may be a medical reason that needs attention.

This guide will help you understand the most common reasons babies cry, and — most importantly — how to spot the warning signs that mean you should get medical help right away.


The Most Common Reasons Babies Cry a Lot

Colic

Some perfectly healthy babies cry for 3 or more hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for no clear reason. This is called colic. It usually:

- Starts around 2 to 3 weeks of age

- Is worst around 6 weeks

- Happens mostly in the evening

- Goes away on its own by 3 to 4 months

During a colic episode, your baby may pull their legs up, clench their fists, turn red in the face, and have a hard, bloated-looking tummy. Between episodes, your baby is happy, feeding well, and growing normally.

Reflux (Spit-Up Problems)

Some babies cry during or right after feeding because milk comes back up from the stomach. You might notice:

- Frequent spitting up or vomiting

- Arching of the back during feeds

- Refusing to eat or fussing at the breast or bottle

Most babies with reflux are growing well and do not need medicine or special tests. It usually gets better on its own.

Milk Sensitivity (Cow's Milk Protein Allergy)

A small number of babies react to the protein in cow's milk - either from formula or passed through breast milk. Signs include:

- Fussiness during or after feeds (similar to reflux)

- Blood or mucus in the stool

- Skin rashes or eczema

- Diarrhea

- Poor weight gain

If you think your baby might have a milk sensitivity, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your baby's diet or your own.

Normal Crying ("The PURPLE Crying Period")

All babies go through a phase where they cry more than usual. This peaks around 6 to 8 weeks of age. It is called the "PURPLE" crying period (an acronym that stands for: Peak of crying, Unexpected, Resists soothing, Pain-like face, Long-lasting, and Evening). If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and looks healthy between crying spells, this is most likely just a normal stage of development.

Warning Signs — When to Get Medical Help

While most crying is harmless, there are some situations where you should contact your doctor or go to the emergency room. These are rare, but important to know about.

Signs of Infection (Such as a Urinary Tract Infection, Meningitis, or Pneumonia)

- Fever (temperature of 100.4°F / 38°C or higher) — or a temperature that is unusually low

- Your baby seems unusually sleepy, floppy, or hard to wake up

- Poor feeding or refusing to eat

- Pale, blotchy, or bluish skin

- Breathing too fast, too slow, or pausing in breathing

- A soft spot on the head that looks swollen or is bulging outward

- Seizures (jerking or shaking movements)

A urinary tract infection is actually the most common serious cause of unexplained crying in babies under 4 months - even if your baby does not have a fever.

Hair or Thread Wrapped Around a Finger, Toe, or Other Body Part

This is more common than you might think. A single strand of hair or a loose thread can wrap tightly around your baby's tiny finger, toe, or even genitals, cutting off blood flow and causing severe pain.

What to do: If your baby is crying and you cannot figure out why, take off all their clothes and carefully check every finger and every toe. Look closely - the hair or thread can be very hard to see.

Eye Injury (Scratch on the Eye)

If your baby suddenly starts crying nonstop and you notice the following:

- Lots of tears from one or both eyes

- Rubbing at the eyes

- Sensitivity to light

There may be a small scratch on the surface of the eye. Your doctor can check for this with a simple, painless test using a special dye and light.

Bowel Blockage (Intussusception)

This is a rare but serious condition where part of the intestine folds into itself. Warning signs include:

- Episodes of sudden, severe crying where your baby draws their knees to their chest

- Vomiting — especially if it is green or yellow

- Stools that look like "red currant jelly" (dark red and mucus-like)

- A swollen or tender belly

This is a medical emergency — go to the emergency room right away if you see these signs.

Unexplained Bruising or Injury

Babies who are not yet crawling or walking should not have bruises. If you notice any unexplained bruising or swelling, or if your baby seems to be in pain when a certain body part is touched, seek medical attention immediately.

What Your Doctor Will Do

If you bring your baby in for excessive crying, the doctor will:

- Ask you detailed questions about the crying pattern, feeding, stool changes, vomiting, and any recent illness

- Completely undress your baby and do a thorough head-to-toe exam - checking the soft spot, eyes, belly, skin, hips, and every finger and toe

- May check a urine sample, especially in babies under 4 months

- May do additional tests only if something specific is found on the exam

In most cases, a careful history and physical exam is all that is needed to find the cause.

Remember

- Most babies who cry a lot are perfectly healthy.

- The crying almost always gets better with time.

- It is okay to put your baby down safely in their crib and take a short break if you feel overwhelmed.

- Never shake your baby. If you are struggling, ask for help or call your doctor.

- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it is always okay to call your doctor or go to the emergency room. You know your baby best.