It can be incredibly overwhelming to hear your baby crying and not know how to help. If you find yourself constantly asking, “Why is my baby crying so much?”, you’re not alone. Many new parents struggle to determine why their newborn seems so fussy, especially in the early months.
While crying is a normal part of a baby’s communication, persistent crying can leave parents feeling helpless, exhausted, and worried that something might be wrong. This article explores common reasons for excessive crying in infants, including colic, gas pain, and other discomforts, and provides actionable tips to help soothe your little one.
How Much Crying Is Normal for a Newborn?
First, it’s essential to know that crying is a normal and healthy part of infant development. Babies typically cry two to three hours a day in the first few months of life. Crying is how they communicate hunger, sleepiness, discomfort, or a need for attention.
However, it’s natural to worry when your baby won’t stop crying, and you’ve ruled out the usual causes like hunger and a dirty diaper. Sometimes, intense and prolonged crying might indicate colic, gas pain, or another source of discomfort.
Top Reasons Why Babies Cry Excessively
1. Colic in Babies
Colic is a common condition that affects many newborns. It’s defined as crying for over 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks, often without an apparent reason.
Babies with colic usually:
• Cry in the late afternoon or evening
• Clench their fists and draw their knees to their chest
• Appear to be in pain or uncomfortable
Though colic can be very stressful, it’s not harmful and usually resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months of age.
What Helps?
• Holding and rocking your baby in a calm, dark room
• Using white noise or soft music
• Trying infant massage
• Offering a pacifier for sucking comfort
If you think your baby might have colic, talk to your paediatrician to confirm and rule out other issues.
2. Baby Gas Pain
Another frequent reason babies cry is gas pain. Babies have immature digestive systems; swallowing air while feeding or crying can lead to painful trapped gas.
Signs of gas pain include:
• Crying during or after feeding
• Squirming and arching the back
• Hard, distended belly
• Passing gas or having difficulty doing so
How to Relieve Gas Pain:
• Burp your baby during and after feeds
• Try bicycle legs (gently moving your baby’s legs in a pedaling motion)
• Give tummy time to help move gas
• Use gas drops or probiotics if recommended by your pediatrician
3. Hunger or Overfeeding
It’s easy to overlook hunger or overfeeding as a cause for crying. Babies have small stomachs and often feed every 2 to 3 hours, but overfeeding can also cause discomfort and spitting up.
Signs your baby may be hungry:
• Rooting (turning head and opening mouth)
• Sucking on hands or fingers
• Smacking lips
Signs of overfeeding:
• Spitting up often
• Fussiness after feeding
• Gassiness
Talk to a healthcare provider for guidance if you’re unsure how much and how often to feed.
4. Sleep Issues
Newborns need a lot of sleep — up to 16 to 17 hours a day, but if overtired, they may cry uncontrollably. Recognizing sleep cues like yawning, fussiness, or rubbing eyes can help you catch their sleep window.
Tips for Better Sleep:
• Keep a consistent sleep routine
• Use calming techniques like rocking or gentle swaying
• Offer a swaddle if age-appropriate and safe
5. Discomfort and Sensory Overload
Sometimes, babies cry because of discomfort from a wet diaper, tight clothing, or being too hot or cold. They may also cry due to sensory overload — too much noise, light, or activity around them.
How to Help:
• Check for basic needs: clean diaper, comfortable temperature
• Create a calm, quiet environment
• Offer skin-to-skin contact for comfort
When to Worry About Excessive Crying
Although most crying is normal, seek medical attention if:
• Your baby has a fever (especially under 3 months old)
• Crying is high-pitched or sounds like a painful shriek
• Baby isn’t eating, gaining weight, or producing wet diapers
• Vomiting, rash, or other unusual symptoms accompany the crying
It’s always better to trust your instincts — if something feels off, contact your healthcare provider.
Caring for Yourself as You Care for Your Baby
Listening to a baby who won’t stop crying can take a toll on parents. It’s crucial to take breaks, ask for help from family or friends, and never hesitate to lay your baby down safely in a crib and step away for a few minutes to regroup.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone and that there are resources to help you.
Where to Find Help and More Information
For more guidance on infant crying, colic in babies, and baby gas pain, visit Bright Futures Health — a trusted resource for parents offering expert advice on newborn care and development.
Bright Futures Health also provides tools to help you track your baby’s health, connect with pediatric experts, and get support when needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re worried because your baby is crying a lot, know that this is one of the most common concerns for parents. While it can be exhausting and emotional, most causes of newborn crying are temporary and manageable with the proper techniques and support.
Always remember: You’re doing a great job, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
To learn more and connect with experts, visit Bright Futures Health today.
