Why is my baby crying? Understanding and soothing your infant's cries

Why do babies cry so much?

A newborn cries, on average, one to four hours a day. That’s a lot, and it’s completely normal. At birth, your baby leaves a warm, dark, and quiet environment for a world filled with lights, sounds, and new sensations. Crying is their way of responding to everything they can’t yet put into words.

The most common causes are:

• Hunger. This is often the first thing to check. A baby who wakes up crying is usually hungry. Offering the breast or bottle at the first signs of waking (lip movements, hand going to the mouth) prevents hunger from turning into a full-blown crying fit.
• Fatigue. A baby can sleep up to 16 hours a day. An infant who is overstimulated or kept awake for too long quickly becomes irritable.
• Physical discomfort. A soiled diaper, being too hot or too cold, or tight clothing—these are all minor discomforts that require only a simple adjustment.
• The need for physical contact. Being held in your arms, feeling the warmth of a body, hearing a familiar voice: your presence alone is the answer.
• Sensory overload. Too much noise, too many faces, too much commotion. A calmer environment is often enough to soothe them.
• Gas. Bloating can cause temporary discomfort, especially after feedings.

It’s helpful to note what time the crying occurs. Many babies have a predictable period of restlessness in the late afternoon or early evening. This isn’t a sign of a problem—it’s a pattern you’ll learn to anticipate.

How do you soothe a crying baby?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every baby reacts differently, and what works one night might not work the next. The idea is to try several approaches and figure out which ones work best for your child.

Here are a few strategies that have proven effective:

• Pick up the baby and hold them close to you, shoulder to shoulder. Physical contact is often the first thing that soothes them.
• Gently rock the baby, whether while walking, in a baby swing, or in a stroller. The rhythmic motion mimics the environment inside the womb.
• Offer something to suck on: a breast, a pacifier, or a finger. Sucking is naturally soothing for infants.
• Speak or sing softly; your voice is a familiar comfort for your baby.
• Reduce stimuli: take the baby to a quieter room, dim the lights, play white noise (a fan, the sound of rain).
• Give a lukewarm bath; some babies calm down immediately in warm water.
• Give a gentle massage; slow strokes on the back or stomach can help release tension.

If your baby has eaten, has a clean diaper, and is at a comfortable temperature but continues to cry: this is possible, and it’s normal. Sometimes, crying has no identifiable cause. This doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong.

What is the PURPLE period?

You may have heard of this period without knowing its name. The PURPLE period describes a normal developmental phase in infants, characterized by intense crying that is difficult to soothe. It usually begins around 2 weeks of age, intensifies between 6 and 8 weeks, and then gradually subsides between 3 and 5 months.

The acronym PURPLE sums up what many parents experience during this period: crying that reaches a peak (Peak) week after week, that arises unexpectedly (Unexpected), that resists (Resists soothing) all attempts at comfort, accompanied by a pain-like expression (Pain-like face) even without actual pain, prolonged (Long-lasting) for several hours, and often concentrated in the evening (Evening).

The PURPLE concept was designed to help parents get through this period without panicking: knowing that it’s a normal and temporary phase changes how you experience it. What some people call “colic” often corresponds to this same reality, a term that’s been rebranded to avoid the misconception that medical treatment is necessary.

Colic: What do you really need to know?

Colic is traditionally defined as crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for at least three weeks, in an otherwise healthy baby. It affects infants from all cultures and backgrounds. It generally resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months of age, without treatment.

The exact causes remain unclear. Some babies seem more sensitive to stimuli or have more difficulty regulating their nervous system. Digestive factors may play a role, but they do not explain everything.

Gas drops and lemon balm tea are often recommended by family and friends. Their effectiveness has not been convincingly demonstrated in clinical studies. Before trying anything, talk to your pediatrician.

When should you see a doctor?

Intense crying is a normal part of an infant’s development. However, certain signs should prompt you to seek medical attention promptly:

• Fever of 38 °C or higher
• Unusual crying tones: shrill, panicked, or different from the usual sound
• Refusal to feed or insufficient weight gain
• Unusual behavior: less responsive, limp, difficult to wake
• Severe and repeated vomiting
• No wet diaper for more than 8 hours

When in doubt, trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone else.

Take care of yourself, too

Spending hours trying to soothe an inconsolable baby is exhausting. What you’re feeling—fatigue, frustration, a sense of helplessness—is shared by the vast majority of parents of infants. It’s not a sign of failure.

If you feel like you’re reaching your limit, place your baby safely in their crib and give yourself a few minutes in another room. A calm parent is better at comforting a baby than one who’s at the end of their rope. And if this period is taking a long-term toll on you, talk to your doctor or midwife: support is available.

One important thing to keep in mind: never shake a baby, not even gently. Shaken baby syndrome can cause serious, even fatal, brain damage.

Key Takeaways

Your infant’s crying isn’t a cause for alarm—it’s their way of communicating. A newborn typically cries one to four hours a day, and this intensity may increase until around 2 months of age before gradually decreasing. The most common causes are simple: hunger, tiredness, discomfort, or a need for physical contact. When crying persists despite all your efforts, it is not a sign of parental failure; some babies go through a phase of intense crying (the “PURPLE” period) that naturally subsides before 4 to 5 months of age. Consult a doctor if your baby has a fever, refuses to feed, or if the tone of their crying changes in an unusual way.

FAQs About Baby Crying

My baby cries a lot in the evening—is this normal?

Yes. Many infants have a predictable period of fussiness in the late afternoon or evening. This is common between 2 weeks and 4 months of age. Anticipating this difficult time—by resting beforehand if possible and simplifying the environment—can help you get through it more easily.

How can I tell if my baby has colic or is simply hungry?

A hungry baby usually calms down after eating. Colic is characterized by prolonged crying (often lasting more than three hours), occurring at set times, and is difficult to soothe despite feeding and diaper changes. If you’re unsure, your pediatrician can help you tell the difference.

Can you “spoil” an infant by holding them too much?

No. Responding quickly to a baby’s cries in the first few months doesn’t make them dependent; it helps them develop a sense of security. Studies show that babies whose cries are answered generally cry less as the weeks go by.

Should I be worried if I can’t calm my baby?

Not necessarily. Sometimes crying doesn’t respond to any technique, and that’s normal during the PURPLE phase. If your baby is otherwise doing well (eating, gaining weight, having wet diapers), this is likely just a phase you’ll get through. If other signs concern you, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.