Why is your baby crying?

Reasons why your baby cries

Crying is how babies tell you what they need. They cry when they are:

• hungry
• tired
• uncomfortable
• sick or in pain
• want to know you are there.

Try running through a checklist for reasons for the crying and look for signs they are hungry or tired. This can help you keep your head clear.

To help calm a crying baby, try:

• checking their nappy to see if they need changing
• feeding your baby
• putting baby down for a sleep
• holding your baby in a comfortable position and try not to change positions a lot.
• speaking softly to your baby and gently rocking them while playing soft music.
• listening to your baby and responding if they are trying to talk to you.
• using calming sounds like shushing, gentle words and quiet singing.
• making eye contact and showing love.
• laying your baby on your bare chest (skin to skin) can be helpful in the first few weeks.
• finding a quieter place indoors or outdoors for your baby.
• taking a bath or shower with your baby. They like the warm water and being close to you. If you are breastfeeding and having trouble, maybe your partner can try this instead.
• dimming the lights or finding a quiet, dark place for your baby. Too much noise and light can make them tired and overstimulated.

What about colic?

Colic is when a healthy baby cries for a very long time, for no clear reason.

A baby is thought to have colic when the crying lasts up to 3 hours a day and happens at least 3 days a week.

It usually starts at 2 weeks old and stops at around 3 to 4 months old. All babies go through this time, and it is normal.

Babies have different ways of how they get used to this world. Sometimes they can cry a lot, which can be tiring. 

Is your baby crying making you stressed or annoyed?

• Put your baby in the cot, walk away and take a few minutes to calm yourself.
• Try some deep breathing or have a drink of water.
• Use positive self-talk such as: “Babies cry – I do not like it, they can’t help it, I can do this.”
• Ask your partner, family, neighbour or friends to watch the baby if they are available.
• Call family, friends or a helpline if you are alone and not able to calm yourself.

Your priority is to keep your baby safe. Being stressed and feeling out of control is a warning sign. Act on the warning signs so your baby is being cared for by an in-control and caring adult.

Getting help

PANDA supports women who have just given birth (and their families) who are suffering from anxiety or depression:  1300 726 306

COPE provides support for the emotional challenges of becoming a parent. 

Some people refer to colic as the period of PURPLE crying. Learn what PURPLE means. 

More information

Find out more about soothing a crying baby (in pictures)