Newborn Crying:

Why Babies Cry, How to Comfort Them, Colic and When to Seek Medical Advice

Crying is your newborn baby’s main way of communicating. Your baby may cry because they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable or simply need closeness and reassurance.

It can take time to learn what your baby’s different cries and cues mean. Some babies cry more than others, and there may be times when you have checked everything but still cannot work out why your baby is unsettled.

Responding to your newborn’s crying will not spoil them. Holding, comforting and responding to your baby helps them feel safe and supports the bond between you.

Why Is My Newborn Crying?

There are many possible reasons why a newborn baby may cry.

Hunger

Hunger is one of the most common reasons for crying. Crying is usually a late hunger cue, so try to notice earlier signs that your baby is ready to feed, such as:

* Moving their head from side to side.
* Opening their mouth.
* Putting their hands towards their mouth.
* Making sucking movements.
* Becoming restless.

Newborn babies have small stomachs and need to feed frequently. Breastfed babies may feed up to 12 times or more in 24 hours, particularly during growth spurts or periods of cluster feeding.

A Wet or Dirty Nappy

Some babies are uncomfortable when their nappy is wet or soiled. Check your baby’s nappy and change it if necessary.

A sore bottom or nappy rash may also make your baby more unsettled.

Tiredness

Newborn babies can quickly become overtired. Signs that your baby may need sleep include:

* Yawning.
* Looking away.
* Closing their eyes.
* Becoming unusually quiet.
* Jerky arm or leg movements.
* Fussing or crying.

Try to respond to these early tiredness cues before your baby becomes very upset.

Being Too Hot or Too Cold

Check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck to see if they feel too hot or cold. Your baby’s hands and feet may normally feel cooler than the rest of their body.

Remove extra clothing or blankets if your baby feels hot or sweaty. Avoid allowing your baby to become overheated.

Needing Closeness

Newborn babies often cry because they want to be close to a parent or caregiver. Your voice, smell, touch and warmth can help your baby feel secure.

Skin-to-skin contact can be particularly calming and may also help regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing and heart rate.

Wind

Some babies swallow air during feeding and become uncomfortable.

Your baby may need winding if they:

* Become unsettled during or after a feed.
* Pull their legs towards their tummy.
* Clench their fists.
* Arch their back.
* Cry when laid down after feeding.

Try winding your baby during and after feeds. Keep them upright and gently rub or pat their back.

Many babies have an unsettled period in the late afternoon or evening. This commonly begins at around 2 to 4 weeks and may last for several weeks.

Overstimulation

Newborn babies can become overwhelmed by bright lights, loud sounds, being passed between people or too much activity.

Move your baby to a quieter room, dim the lights and speak softly. Holding your baby close may help them gradually settle.

Illness or Pain

Sometimes crying is a sign that a baby is unwell or in pain. Pay attention if your baby’s cry sounds different from normal or is weak, high-pitched or continuous.

Check whether your baby:

* Has a high temperature.
* Is feeding normally.
* Has their usual number of wet nappies.
* Is breathing comfortably.
* Is alert and responding normally.
* Has vomiting, diarrhoea or a rash.

Trust your instincts. You know your baby best.

How to Comfort a Crying Newborn

Not every method will work every time. You may need to try several approaches before finding what helps your baby.

Check Your Baby’s Basic Needs

Begin by checking whether your baby:

* Needs a feed.
* Needs their nappy changed.
* Is too hot or too cold.
* Needs winding.
* Is tired.
* Has clothing that is tight or uncomfortable.
* Has a hair or thread wrapped around a finger or toe.

Hold Your Baby Close

Pick your baby up and hold them securely against your chest. Gentle skin-to-skin contact can help soothe a newborn.

You can also try holding your baby upright against your shoulder or carrying them while slowly walking around the room.

Rock or Sway Gently

Gently rock your baby in your arms or slowly sway from side to side.

Keep all movements slow and controlled. Never shake your baby, even in play.

Speak or Sing Softly

Your baby may be reassured by the sound of your voice. Try speaking quietly, humming or singing a gentle song.

Soft, repetitive background noise may also help some babies settle.

Reduce Stimulation

Move to a quiet room, lower the lights and reduce noise. Some babies need a calm environment before they can relax.

Wind Your Baby

Hold your baby upright and gently rub or pat their back. You can try winding them during a feed as well as afterwards.

Offer a Feed

Newborn babies often feed little and frequently. Your baby may also want to suck for comfort.

Follow your baby’s feeding cues rather than trying to keep to a strict feeding schedule.

Try a Warm Bath

Some babies find a warm bath calming. Check the water carefully and never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment.

A bath may not help if your baby is already overtired or very hungry.

Go for a Walk

A gentle walk in the pram or baby carrier may help settle your baby. Make sure your baby is positioned safely and that their face and airway remain clear.

When to Contact Your GP or Public Health Nurse

Contact your GP or public health nurse if:

* Your baby is crying constantly.
* The cry sounds different from normal.
* Your baby only cries during or after feeding.
* Your baby seems to be in pain.
* Your baby is not feeding normally.
* Your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight.
* Your baby has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea.
* Your baby has fewer wet nappies.
* Your baby is unusually sleepy or difficult to settle.
* You are worried that your baby may be ill.
* You are finding the crying difficult to manage.
* The crying is making it difficult for you to bond with your baby.

It is important to seek help for your own wellbeing as well as your baby’s.

Fever in a Newborn

A temperature of 38°C or higher in a baby under 3 months requires urgent medical assessment.

Do not assume that a fever or unusual crying is caused by colic. Colic does not cause fever.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Bring your baby to an emergency department or seek urgent medical advice if your baby:

* Has a temperature of 38°C or higher.
* Is crying inconsolably.
* Has a weak, continuous or high-pitched cry.
* Is difficult to wake or unusually drowsy.
* Is floppy or unresponsive.
* Is refusing feeds.
* Has repeated or forceful vomiting.
* Has green, brown or blood-stained vomit.
* Has difficulty breathing, is grunting or is breathing very quickly.
* Has blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin.
* Has a rash that does not fade when pressed.
* Has a seizure.
* Has signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, a sunken soft spot or very few wet nappies.
* Feels unusually cold and appears unwell.

Call 112 or 999 if your baby stops breathing, cannot be woken, has blue lips or tongue, has a seizure or appears seriously unwell.

Coping When Your Baby Will Not Stop Crying

Listening to prolonged crying can be exhausting and overwhelming. This does not mean you are a bad parent.

When you feel frustrated:

1. Check that your baby is fed, dry and not unwell.
2. Place your baby safely on their back in their cot.
3. Leave the room briefly and take some slow breaths.
4. Ask your partner, family member or another trusted adult to help.
5. Return when you feel calmer.

It is safer to leave your baby crying in a secure cot for a few minutes than to continue holding them when you feel overwhelmed.

Never shake your baby.Shaking can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Speak to your GP or public health nurse if you feel unable to cope, are very anxious or low, or are worried that you may lose control.

Trust Your Instincts

Most newborn crying is normal and gradually improves as your baby grows. However, crying can sometimes be the first sign that a baby is unwell.

You do not need to wait until every warning sign appears. Contact your GP, public health nurse, maternity hospital or GP out-of-hours service whenever you are worried.

It is always appropriate to have a young baby checked if something does not feel right.

This article provides general information and does not replace advice or assessment from your GP, public health nurse, maternity hospital or other healthcare professional.