Why is my baby crying? Causes, colic and how to soothe them
Why babies cry, how much crying is normal, the 6 week peak, colic and the rule of threes, a soothing checklist, coping tips and red flags to act on.
Educational content only, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or health visitor about your child.
In this article
Babies cry because it is the only way they can tell you they need something. The most common reasons are hunger, wind, a wet or dirty nappy (diaper), tiredness, being too hot or too cold, overstimulation, or simply wanting to be held. Crying usually increases from around 2 weeks, peaks at around 6 weeks, and eases by 3 to 4 months. A healthy baby who cries for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for at least a week may have colic.
This guide is educational, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby's crying, or it sounds different from usual, talk to your doctor, health visitor or paediatrician. Trust your instincts.
Why is my baby crying so much?
The NHS lists the most common reasons a baby cries. Running through them in order is often the quickest way to find the cause:
- Hunger. The most common reason in the early weeks. Crying is a late hunger sign, so watch for rooting and sucking on fists. Our guide on how much a newborn should eat covers feeding cues.
- Wind. Swallowed air can make babies uncomfortable during or after a feed. See burping and spit-up for winding positions.
- A wet or dirty nappy. Some babies protest loudly, others barely notice.
- Tiredness. Overtired babies often find it harder, not easier, to settle.
- Too hot or too cold. Feel the back of your baby's neck or their chest. Sweaty means too warm. Hands and feet often feel cool, which is normal.
- Wanting closeness. Being held, hearing your voice and feeling your warmth are real needs, not bad habits.
- Overstimulation or boredom. Too much noise and handling can upset a baby, and so can too little.
How much crying is normal for a newborn?
More than most parents expect. The AAP says normal fussiness usually peaks at about 3 hours a day by 6 weeks, then drops to 1 to 2 hours a day by 3 to 4 months. The CDC describes 4 to 20 weeks as the period when crying tends to be at its highest. Crying is often worse in the late afternoon and evening, and the AAP notes it often clusters between 6 p.m. and midnight.
If your baby cries most evenings but is feeding, gaining weight and having plenty of wet nappies, that is very likely normal. Our newborn first weeks guide covers what else is typical.
What is colic, and what is the rule of threes?
Colic means a lot of crying with no obvious cause in a baby who is otherwise healthy. The NHS uses the "rule of threes": crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for at least 1 week.
What colic often looks like:
- Intense crying that is hard to soothe, often in the afternoon and evening
- A red face, clenched fists, knees drawn up or an arched back
- A rumbling tummy or lots of wind
Colic usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old. The NHS says it usually stops by 3 to 4 months. The AAP says it generally stops by 3 to 4 months but can last until 6 months. The AAP estimates about one in five babies develops colic.
The cause is not known. The NHS does not recommend anti-colic drops or herbal or probiotic supplements, as there is no evidence they help, and advises against spinal manipulation or cranial osteopathy for babies. If you are breastfeeding, the NHS says you can carry on as normal without changing your diet. If you are thinking of changing formula or cutting foods from your own diet, talk to your doctor first.
How can I soothe a crying baby?
Try one thing at a time and give each a few minutes:
- Check the basics. Hunger, wind, nappy, temperature, clothing tags or anything pinching.
- Offer a feed. If you are breastfeeding, letting your baby suckle can calm them even if they are not very hungry.
- Hold them close. Skin to skin, a gentle sway, or walking around while you hum or talk.
- Try gentle rhythm. Rocking, a walk in the pram or a slow drive. If your baby falls asleep in the car seat, move them to a firm, flat surface when you can.
- Add steady background sound. The NHS and AAP both mention white noise as something that can help.
- Stroke their back or try a warm bath. Some babies love a bath, others find it upsetting.
- Reduce stimulation. A dim, quiet room can help an overtired or overstimulated baby.
White noise machine
Steady shushing sound that masks the doorbell and the dog.
The AAP also mentions a dummy (pacifier) and swaddling in a large, thin blanket. If you swaddle, keep it loose at the hips, always put your baby on their back, and stop as soon as they show signs of trying to roll. Our safe sleep basics guide explains why.
Soft baby carrier
Keeps baby close and your hands free. Check the hip-healthy position.
A carrier keeps your baby close while freeing your hands. Keep their face visible and chin off their chest.
What should I do when I cannot cope with the crying?
Every parent hits this point. It does not mean you are doing anything wrong.
If you feel your frustration rising:
- Put your baby down safely on their back in their cot or pram.
- Leave the room and give yourself a short, set break. The NHS suggests something like 10 minutes. The CDC suggests checking on your baby every 5 to 10 minutes.
- Calm yourself first. Breathe slowly, drink some water, step outside for air.
- Call someone. A partner, friend, relative, your health visitor or doctor. In the UK, the charity Cry-sis runs a helpline on 0800 448 0737, open 9am to 10pm, 7 days a week. In the US, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is open 24/7 on 1-833-852-6262.
Never shake a baby. No matter how frustrated or exhausted you feel, shaking can cause serious brain injury, blindness or death. A crying baby left safely in their cot for a few minutes is far safer than a baby held by a parent at breaking point.
If you often feel low, anxious or unable to cope, tell your doctor or health visitor. Support for parents is part of their job.
When is crying a sign that something is wrong?
Call your emergency number (999 in the UK, 911 in the US) if your baby:
- Has a fit (seizure)
- Has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- Is floppy, unresponsive or not waking as easily as usual
- Has difficulty breathing
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- Is being violently sick again and again (projectile vomiting)
- Has not had a wet nappy in the past 8 hours
The NHS also lists a weak or high-pitched cry, or a cry that does not sound like your baby's normal cry, as reasons to get urgent help.
Contact your doctor or call NHS 111 urgently if your baby:
- Has a high temperature. For a baby under 3 months, 38°C (100.4°F) or more needs medical advice straight away. See baby fever: when to call the doctor.
- Is feeding much less than usual, or has fewer wet nappies than normal
- Seems unwell in a way you cannot explain
See your doctor or health visitor (not urgent) if:
- Nothing seems to help, or you are finding it hard to cope
- Your baby is not gaining weight as expected. Our guide to baby weight gain in the first year explains what is typical.
- Colic-type crying continues after 4 months
Does tracking crying help?
The NHS suggests keeping a record of when and how often your baby cries. Noting it alongside feeds, sleep and nappies can reveal patterns and gives your doctor or health visitor something concrete to look at.
Baby Growth Tracker Pro logs feeds, sleep, nappies, growth and milestones in a tap, and works offline. You can find more care guides in our baby care hub.
Frequently asked questions
When does newborn crying peak?
Crying usually increases from around 2 weeks and peaks at around 6 weeks, at about 3 hours a day according to the AAP. It then drops to 1 to 2 hours a day by 3 to 4 months for most babies.
How do I know if my baby has colic?
The NHS uses the rule of threes: a healthy baby crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for at least 1 week. Your doctor or health visitor can check for other causes before calling it colic.
Can I spoil my baby by picking them up when they cry?
No. Young babies cannot be spoiled. Responding to crying helps them feel safe, and holding them close is one of the most effective ways to soothe them.
Is it OK to leave my baby to cry for a few minutes?
Yes, if you are at the end of your rope. Put your baby down on their back in a safe cot, leave the room, calm yourself and check on them every 5 to 10 minutes. This is always safer than carrying on when you feel overwhelmed.
What does a high-pitched cry mean?
A weak, high-pitched or unusual cry can be a sign of illness. The NHS advises getting urgent medical help if your baby's cry sounds very different from normal.
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