Newborn Crying – 10 Common Reasons and How to Calm a Baby

Newborn crying can feel overwhelming—especially at 2 a.m. when you’ve tried everything and your baby still seems upset. The good news: most newborn crying is normal, temporary, and meaningful. Crying is your baby’s main way to communicate needs, discomfort, or overstimulation.

This guide covers 10 common real‑world reasons newborns cry and practical, pediatrician‑recommended ways to soothe a baby, plus myths vs reality and clear “when to call the doctor” signs.

Important note: This article shares general, evidence‑based guidance commonly recommended by pediatricians. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you feel something is “not right,” trust your instincts and contact your baby’s doctor.

Why do newborns cry so much?

Newborns (0–3 months) are adjusting to life outside the womb. Their nervous system is still developing, and they can become hungry, tired, gassy, or overstimulated quickly. Many healthy babies also have a fussy window in the evening.

How much crying is normal?

A wide range is normal. Some babies cry 1–3 hours per day on average, and a smaller group cries more. Crying often peaks around 6–8 weeks and usually improves by 3–4 months.

Before you troubleshoot: a quick safety checklist

If your baby is crying and you’re unsure why, do this quick check first:

• Breathing: Is breathing normal? No grunting, blue lips, or struggling?
• Temperature: Baby isn’t too hot/cold (neck/chest feels comfortable, not sweaty)?
• Diaper: Not too tight; no rash or stool stuck in skin folds?
• Clothing: No hair tourniquet (hair wrapped around toe/finger/penis), no tags/pins?
• Position: Head/neck supported; baby on back for sleep.

If anything seems urgent (trouble breathing, limpness, bluish color, seizure-like movements), seek emergency care.

10 common reasons newborns cry (and what to do)

1) Hunger (the most common reason)

Clues: Rooting (turning head toward touch), sucking hands, lip smacking, fussing that escalates to crying.

How to calm:

• Offer feeding early—crying is a late hunger cue.
• If breastfeeding: try a calm latch, skin‑to‑skin, and check for effective milk transfer (swallowing, relaxed hands after).
• If formula feeding: ensure correct preparation, appropriate flow nipple, and paced bottle feeding.

Real‑world tip: Many newborns cluster feed in the evening. That can look like “always hungry,” but it’s often normal.

2) Sleepiness or overtiredness

Newborns have short wake windows. When they stay up too long, stress hormones rise and settling becomes harder.

Clues: Yawning, staring off, jerky movements, red eyebrows, rubbing face, “second wind” fussiness.

How to calm:

• Try soothing before full meltdown.
• Darken the room, reduce noise, swaddle (if safe and baby not rolling), and use white noise.
• Use gentle motion: rocking, stroller walk, or babywearing.

Longtail keyword: “Why does my newborn cry when sleepy?”
Because overtired babies struggle to transition into sleep. Earlier calming usually works better than waiting.

3) Wet/dirty diaper or skin irritation

Some babies don’t mind a wet diaper; others hate the sensation.

Clues: Crying improves after diaper change, redness, diaper rash, or stool irritating the skin.

How to calm:

• Change promptly after stool; use barrier cream if rash.
• Let the skin air‑dry for a minute.
• Ensure diaper tabs aren’t rubbing and clothing isn’t too tight.

4) Gas, burps, or digestive discomfort

Newborn digestion is immature. Swallowed air can cause pain.

Clues: Squirming, pulling legs up, grimacing, arching, crying during/after feeds.

How to calm:

• Burp during and after feeds.
• Use paced bottle feeding; ensure a good latch.
• Try gentle tummy massage (clockwise) and bicycle legs.
• Hold baby upright on your chest after feeds for 10–20 minutes.

What not to do: Avoid giving water, honey, or unproven remedies to a newborn.

5) Need to be held / need for comfort

Newborns are wired for closeness. Being held is not “spoiling.”

Clues: Baby settles when held, skin‑to‑skin helps, crying returns when placed down.

How to calm:

• Skin‑to‑skin (baby in diaper on your bare chest, covered with a blanket).
• Babywearing in a safe carrier.
• Calm voice + rhythmic shushing.

Longtail keyword: “Can you spoil a newborn by holding them too much?”
No. Responsive care helps babies feel secure and can reduce crying over time.

6) Overstimulation (too much light, noise, passing around)

Newborns can get overwhelmed easily.

Clues: Turning away, frantic movements, crying after visitors, difficulty settling in bright/noisy places.

How to calm:

• Step into a quiet, dim room.
• Swaddle (if appropriate), hold close, and use white noise.
• Reduce handling—one calm caregiver is best.

Real‑world tip: Evening fussiness can worsen if the day was busy.

7) Temperature discomfort (too hot or too cold)

Babies can’t regulate temperature well.

Clues: Sweaty neck/back, flushed face (too warm) or cool chest/hands, fussiness that improves with clothing adjustment.

How to calm:

• Dress baby in one more light layer than you’re wearing (general guideline).
• Feel the chest/neck—hands and feet can be cooler naturally.

8) Reflux or feeding-related discomfort

Some spit‑up is normal. Reflux becomes a concern when it causes pain, poor weight gain, or breathing issues.

Clues: Crying during/after feeds, arching, frequent spit‑ups, coughing/choking with feeds.

How to calm (pediatrician‑friendly basics):

• Keep baby upright after feeds.
• Smaller, more frequent feeds can help.
• Ensure latch/flow isn’t too fast.

Call your doctor if: poor weight gain, blood in spit‑up, severe distress, or breathing problems.

9) Illness, pain, or discomfort (the “something is wrong” category)

Most crying is normal, but some crying is a sign of illness.

Clues: Fever, lethargy, poor feeding, persistent inconsolable cry, vomiting (especially green), fewer wet diapers, rash, cough, ear pulling (older infants), or a high‑pitched cry.

How to respond:

• Check temperature as advised by your pediatrician.
• Contact your doctor promptly if you’re concerned.

10) “PURPLE crying” / normal developmental fussiness

Some babies cry more despite being healthy and cared for well. This is often described as PURPLE crying (a normal phase that peaks and passes).

Clues: Crying that comes and goes without a clear reason, often in late afternoon/evening, hard to soothe, but baby is otherwise feeding and growing well.

How to cope:

• Use a consistent soothing routine (see below).
• Share shifts with another caregiver.
• Use earplugs or noise‑canceling headphones while holding baby safely.
• Put baby down in a safe place and take 5–10 minutes if you feel overwhelmed.

Umbilical Cord Care : Healing Timeline and Warning Signs

A pediatrician-style soothing routine that works in real life

When you don’t know the reason, follow a simple sequence. Many parents find this reduces stress and improves success.

Step 1: Feed + burp

Offer a feed if it’s been a while or hunger cues are present. Burp halfway and at the end.

Step 2: Diaper + comfort check

Change diaper, check for rash, check clothing seams/tags, and do a quick hair‑tourniquet check.

Step 3: Calm the environment

Dim lights, reduce noise, and decrease stimulation.

Step 4: Use the “5 S’s” (commonly recommended for newborn soothing)

1. Swaddle (if safe and baby not rolling)
2. Side/Stomach hold (for calming only—not for sleep)
3. Shush (white noise or shushing near the ear)
4. Swing (gentle rhythmic motion)
5. Suck (pacifier after feeding is established, as advised)

Step 5: Try motion + fresh air

A short stroller walk or gentle bouncing can help. Some babies settle with a change of scene.

Myths vs reality about newborn crying

Myth 1: “Crying will make the lungs stronger.”

Reality: There’s no need to let a newborn cry for lung strength. Babies cry because they need something or are overwhelmed.

Myth 2: “If you pick baby up, they’ll get a bad habit.”

Reality: Newborns cannot manipulate. Responsive comforting supports emotional security.

Myth 3: “A crying baby always means low milk.”

Reality: Hunger is common, but crying can also mean tiredness, gas, overstimulation, or discomfort. Track wet diapers and weight gain and check feeding with a professional if concerned.

Myth 4: “Gripe water / home remedies are always safe for newborns.”

Reality: Not all over‑the‑counter remedies are appropriate for every baby. Always discuss supplements or medicines with your pediatrician.

Myth 5: “Honey or ghutti helps digestion.”

Reality: Honey is unsafe for infants under 12 months due to botulism risk. Many traditional remedies can be harmful—ask your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal if my newborn cries without tears?

Yes. Many newborns don’t produce visible tears consistently in the first weeks because tear ducts are still developing.

How long can a newborn cry before I worry?

If your baby cannot be soothed at all, cries in a new unusual way, or you notice other symptoms (fever, poor feeding, vomiting, lethargy), call your pediatrician. Trust your instincts.

What if my baby cries as soon as I put them down?

This is common. Try warming the sleep surface (not hot), using a consistent bedtime routine, placing baby down drowsy (when possible), and using white noise. If safe, swaddling can help early on.

Is it okay to use a pacifier to calm my newborn?

Often yes, especially after feeding is established. Pacifiers can soothe and may reduce SIDS risk during sleep. If breastfeeding, some pediatricians/lactation consultants suggest waiting until breastfeeding is well established (often a few weeks), but guidance varies.

When to call the doctor

Contact your pediatrician or seek urgent care if your newborn has:

• Fever (follow your pediatrician’s age-specific guidance—fever in very young infants can be urgent)
• Difficulty breathing, grunting, or bluish lips/face
• Persistent vomiting, green vomit, or blood in vomit/stool
• Refusing feeds or markedly decreased feeding
• Fewer wet diapers than expected for age
• Extreme sleepiness, limpness, or unusual behavior
• High‑pitched, inconsolable crying that feels different from usual

If you ever feel your baby might be seriously unwell, it’s always okay to get help.

Parent survival : what to do when the crying triggers you

Newborn crying is stressful on purpose—it’s designed to demand attention. That doesn’t mean you’re failing.

• Tag-team: Switch caregivers every 15–30 minutes if possible.
• Safe break: If you’re overwhelmed, place baby on their back in a safe crib/bassinet and step away for a few minutes.
• Never shake a baby: If you feel out of control, put baby down safely and get help immediately.

Quick reference: calming tools that often work

• Skin‑to‑skin
• Feeding + burping
• Swaddle (if appropriate)
• White noise
• Gentle rocking/swaying
• Pacifier (as advised)
• Babywearing
• Warm bath (if baby is stable and supervised)
• Stroller walk / fresh air

Final reassurance

Most newborn crying is a normal phase—and it gets easier. When you respond calmly, check the basics, and use consistent soothing strategies, you’ll learn your baby’s patterns. And when something feels off, reaching out to your pediatrician is always the right move.

References

Below are reputable, pediatric-focused resources used to inform the guidance in this article:

• Responding To Your Baby’s Cries (American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org)
• Tips for parents & caregivers to help console a crying baby (AAP News)
• Crying & Colic overview (American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org)
• Soothing a crying baby (NHS)
• Period of PURPLE Crying (National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome)
• PURPLE crying education (Seattle Children’s)
• Honey before 12 months: foods & drinks to avoid/limit (CDC)
• Botulism prevention: honey is not safe for infants under 1 year (CDC)
• How to keep your sleeping baby safe (AAP Policy explained – HealthyChildren.org)
• What Parents Should Know About Crying in Infants (JAMA Pediatrics)