Crying and Colic

Crying is one of the first ways your baby communicates with you. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s your baby’s way of saying, "something’s not quite right — please help me." As the days go by, you’ll start to recognize patterns and learn what each cry means.

Why Babies Cry

In the early weeks, hunger is the most common reason for tears. Breastfed babies usually eat every 2 to 3 hours, while formula-fed babies feed every 2.5 to 4 hours. Babies also cry when they need to suck, need a clean diaper or need help getting rid of gas. Sometimes they’re overtired and need a quiet space to unwind. And of course, crying can also signal illness. If you’re worried that your baby’s crying is unusual or excessive, call your healthcare provider.

Soothing Your Baby

You can’t spoil a newborn, so hold, cuddle and comfort your baby as much as you’d like. With time, you’ll discover what works best. Here are a few ideas parents often find helpful:

• Rock gently or take a stroller or car ride
• Swaddle in a soft blanket
• Hold your baby close to your chest so they can hear your heartbeat
• Sing or talk softly, or try white noise like a washing machine or vacuum
• Offer a warm bath or gentle massage
• Step outside together for fresh air

Sometimes your baby may just want to look around or play. Try showing them your face, using a crib mobile, playing music, or putting them in a safe infant seat nearby while you go about your day.

When You Feel Overwhelmed

No matter how much you love your baby, endless crying can be exhausting. It’s normal to feel frustrated. If your baby won’t settle, it’s okay to place them safely in the crib and step into another room for a short break. Take some deep breaths, call a friend or ask for help if you can. What’s never safe is shaking a baby — even for a moment. Shaking can cause serious, permanent injury. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, place baby in the crib and call 988 right away. You can also reach out to Postpartum Support International.

What About Colic?

It's normal for babies to cry for up to three hours a day. But some babies cry intensely in the evenings, often between 6:00 pm and midnight, even when they’re fed, dry and otherwise healthy. This pattern is called colic. Colicky babies may pull up their knees, pass gas and look uncomfortable. The cause isn’t fully understood, but the good news is colic usually goes away by about 4 months. 

While there’s no cure, some parents find relief with:

• Holding or rocking the baby
• Placing them across your knees and rubbing their back
• Using a warm (not hot) compress on the tummy
• Keeping your baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding
• Playing soft music, singing or using background sounds

Colic can be incredibly hard on parents, but it’s temporary. And remember — your baby’s healthcare provider can help rule out any other causes of crying.

When to Call the Doctor

Most crying is normal, but there are times when it’s important to reach out for help. Call your baby’s healthcare provider if:

• Crying sounds unusually high-pitched, weak or different than usual
• Your baby is crying nonstop and nothing soothes them
• Feeding patterns suddenly change or your baby refuses to eat
• There are fewer wet diapers than usual
• Your baby has a fever, persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• You notice difficulty breathing, a bluish color around the lips, or extreme sleepiness

Crying is how babies adjust to life outside the womb and learn to trust that their needs will be met. With patience, comfort and lots of love, you’ll not only help your little one through the tears but also build the deep bond that lasts a lifetime.