Crying is one of the only ways a newborn can communicate—but that doesn’t make it any easier when you’re exhausted and unsure how to help.
If your baby seems to cry all the time, refuses to be soothed, or wakes up screaming, you’re not alone! This guide will help you understand:
✔️ Why newborns cry
✔️ What’s normal vs. what’s concerning
✔️ The best techniques to calm a fussy baby
Why Do Newborns Cry So Much?
Newborns cry because it’s their primary way to communicate. In the first few months, they rely on crying to tell you they’re hungry, uncomfortable, tired, or overstimulated.
Common Reasons for Crying:
🍼 Hunger – One of the most common reasons! Look for early hunger cues like rooting or sucking on hands.
💩 Dirty diaper – Some babies hate sitting in a wet diaper, while others aren’t bothered.
😴 Overtiredness – Many newborns get cranky when they miss their ideal sleep window.
🥱 Overstimulation – Loud noises, too many visitors, or bright lights can overwhelm a baby.
💨 Gas or tummy discomfort – Trapped air, reflux, or digestion issues can lead to fussiness.
💛 Wanting to be held – Some babies cry simply because they need comfort and closeness.
📌 Pro Tip: Sometimes babies cry for no clear reason—this is normal! The key is trying different soothing techniques until you find what works.
💡 Related Post: Newborn Sleep 101: What to Expect & How to Get More Rest
How to Tell If Your Baby’s Crying Is Normal
Most newborns cry for 1-3 hours per day, often in short bursts throughout the day and night. Some babies are naturally fussier than others, especially in the evenings.
What’s Normal?
✔️ Crying in short bursts but calming down when needs are met
✔️ Periods of fussiness, especially in the evening (“witching hour”)
✔️ Crying that is soothed by feeding, rocking, swaddling, or skin-to-skin
When to Be Concerned:
🚩 Crying for 3+ hours straight daily, even after being fed and comforted (could be colic)
🚩 High-pitched, piercing screams that sound different than normal cries
🚩 Weak cries or baby seems lethargic and unresponsive
🚩 Signs of illness (fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing, rash)
📌 Pro Tip: If something feels off, trust your gut and check with your pediatrician!
💡 Related Post: Newborn Gas & Colic: Why It Happens & How to Help
How to Soothe a Crying Baby
If your baby is crying and you don’t know why, try these expert-approved soothing methods.
1. The 5 S’s Method (Dr. Harvey Karp’s Soothing System)
✔️ Swaddle – Wrapping baby snugly mimics the womb and provides security.
✔️ Side or stomach position – Hold baby on their side or tummy (only when awake).
✔️ Shushing sounds – Use white noise, a fan, or a gentle “shhh” sound to calm them.
✔️ Swinging/Rocking – Try bouncing or gentle movement to mimic the womb’s motion.
✔️ Sucking – A pacifier, breastfeeding, or sucking on a clean finger can help self-soothe.
2. Try Skin-to-Skin Contact
👶 Holding baby against your chest regulates their heart rate, breathing, and stress levels.
3. Check for Discomfort
🍼 Offer a feed (even if they just ate—newborns often “snack”).
💩 Check diaper (some babies cry over even a slightly wet diaper).
💨 Try burping (even breastfed babies swallow air).
4. Go for a Walk or Car Ride
🚗 Many babies calm down in motion, like a stroller or a drive around the block.
5. Use White Noise or Gentle Sounds
🎵 A white noise machine, heartbeat sounds, or soft singing mimics the womb environment.
📌 Pro Tip: Not every trick works for every baby—try different ones until you find what works best for yours!
💡 Related Post: Tummy Time for Newborns: Why It’s Important & How to Do It Right
When Crying Turns Into Colic
If your baby is crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or more, they may have colic.
📌 Signs of Colic:
❌ Intense, inconsolable crying for hours
❌ Crying at the same time every evening
❌ Arching back, clenching fists, turning red
👉 Good news: Colic peaks at 6 weeks and usually improves by 3-4 months!
💡 Related Post: Newborn Gas & Colic: Why It Happens & How to Help
Birthify’s Expert Support for New Parents
💛 Feeling overwhelmed with your baby’s crying? Not sure if it’s normal? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Birthify’s newborn care experts provide personalized support to help you understand your baby’s needs and feel confident in your parenting.
👉 Join Birthify today and get expert-led newborn support! Sign up here