Why Babies Cry: Common Reasons and How to Calm Your Baby
All babies cry. It is the main way they can tell you they need something. The good news is that babies usually cry less as they grow. KidsHealth says babies cry more in their first 3 months than at any other time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says a normal baby has 1 to 2 hours of crying each day with no clear reason. This crying is spread out during the day. So if your baby cries every day, it doesn't mean you are doing anything wrong.
Common reasons babies cry
If your baby could talk, here is what they might say:
- "I'm hungry." The AAP says hunger is the most common reason babies cry.
- "I'm tired." Needing sleep is the second most common reason. The AAP says babies who have been awake for 2 hours often need sleep.
- "My diaper is dirty." Poop can make your baby's skin hurt and burn if it isn't cleaned off.
- "I'm too hot" or "I'm too cold." Check your baby's clothes and the room.
- "My clothes are too tight." Tight clothes can make a baby cry. Check for scratchy tags too.
- "I ate too much." Some babies cry because their tummy feels too full after eating too much.
- "Hold me, please." Sometimes babies just want to be close to you. The AAP says to hold and calm your baby whenever they cry for no reason.
- "Something hurts." Pain from an ear infection, mouth sores or a bad diaper rash can cause crying. Older babies may also cry when they are teething.
What about gas?
Many parents think gas makes babies cry. The AAP says gas moving through a normal belly does not cause pain or crying, and calls this idea a myth. KidsHealth says some babies with colic have gas because they swallow air while crying, but the gas is not the cause of the colic.
What is colic?
KidsHealth says a doctor may call it colic when a healthy baby cries for 3 or more hours a day, 3 or more days a week. Colic most often starts when a baby is 2 to 5 weeks old. It gets better by 3 to 4 months. The AAP says colic peaks at 4 to 6 weeks.
During a colic spell, KidsHealth says a baby may:
- Cry with a high pitch or scream
- Be very hard to calm
- Have a red face or pale skin around the mouth
- Pull in their legs, stiffen their arms, arch their back or make fists
Babies with colic usually act happy between crying spells and are eating well. Doctors still don't know exactly what causes colic. If you think your baby has colic, call your doctor.
How to calm a crying baby
First, check the basics. Is your baby hungry, tired, wet, too hot or too cold? Then try these ideas from the AAP and KidsHealth:
- Swaddle. The AAP says swaddling is the most helpful way to calm crying babies. Don't cover your baby's head, and don't wrap too tight. Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling over.
- Use white noise. A fan or other steady sound can help, especially with swaddling. Don't make it too loud.
- Rock or walk. Rock your baby in a rocking chair or while standing. Many babies like small, fast movements.
- Sing or talk to your baby. Some babies calm down with sound and movement together.
- Offer a pacifier.
- Go for a ride. Try a stroller walk, or a car ride with your baby buckled in their car seat in the back seat.
- Burp more often. Burping during feedings can help your baby swallow less air.
- Try a warm bath or a gentle back rub.
- Keep it calm. Some babies need less going on around them. Try a quiet room with dim lights.
If you are breastfeeding, the AAP says caffeine can make babies cry more and sleep less. Limit coffee, tea and energy drinks to 2 cups a day.
Remember, some things work some of the time, but nothing works every time. That is normal.
It's OK to take a break
Hours of crying can make any parent feel tired and upset. That is normal too. If you feel frustrated:
- Put your baby on their back in a safe crib with no loose blankets or toys. Close the door and check on them in 10 minutes.
- Call a friend or family member to help.
- Take a break until you feel calm.
Never shake a baby. The AAP says shaking can cause bleeding in the brain, and serious brain damage can happen in a few seconds. Only leave your baby with people who are calm and grown up enough to care for a crying baby. To learn more, read about the Period of PURPLE Crying program.
When to call the doctor
The AAP says to call 911 if your baby is not moving or is very weak. Call your doctor or get care right away if your baby:
- Is younger than 12 weeks and has a fever. Don't give any fever medicine before your baby is seen.
- Is younger than 1 month and looks or acts different in any way
- Cries nonstop for more than 2 hours and nothing helps
- Cries when you touch, move or hold them
- Is vomiting
- Has a bulging soft spot on the head
- Drinks very little or nothing for more than 8 hours
- Looks or acts very sick
Also call right away if you are afraid someone might hurt or shake your baby. Call within 24 hours if your baby isn't gaining weight, or if you are worn out from all the crying. For more warning signs, read our post on when to call a doctor.
What about toddlers?
Toddlers cry for many of the same reasons as babies. They may be tired, hungry or hurt. They also cry when they have big feelings they can't put into words yet. Stay calm, name the feeling for them, and give them a hug. If the crying turns into a big meltdown, read our post on toddler tantrums.
Lullabies to help calm your baby
Soft music and your voice can help your baby relax. Our Honey Don't You Cry Lullaby shows a mommy penguin caring for her sick baby with warm, loving words: "Honey don't you cry, soon you'll feel alright." In Hush Little One Lullaby, a mother penguin reads to her two babies and tucks them in. And By Your Side Lullaby reminds your little one, "Everything is safe and right, I will be here by your side." You can find more songs for babies on our music page.
If your baby is fussy because of new teeth, read our teething baby guide. If your baby cries after shots, see our tips on how to comfort your baby during shots.
Questions Parents Ask About Crying Babies
How much crying is normal for a newborn?
The AAP says a normal baby has 1 to 2 hours of crying each day with no clear reason. Crying over 3 hours a day may be colic.
When does crying get better?
Colic usually peaks at 4 to 6 weeks and gets better by 3 to 4 months. Most babies cry less as they grow.
Will I spoil my baby if I pick them up every time they cry?
The AAP says to hold and calm your baby whenever they cry for no reason. Babies need to feel close to you.
Does gas cause crying?
The AAP says gas in a normal belly does not cause pain or crying. Burping during feedings can still help babies swallow less air.
What is the best way to calm a crying baby?
The AAP says swaddling is the most helpful way, especially with soft white noise. Rocking, walking, singing and a pacifier can help too.
When should I worry about my baby's crying?
Call your doctor right away if your baby cries nonstop for more than 2 hours, has a fever under 12 weeks old, is vomiting, or seems sick.
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed?
Put your baby safely on their back in the crib, close the door, and take a break. Call someone for help. Never shake a baby.
This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your child's health, please talk to your child's doctor.