Constant Baby Crying: 10 Common Causes and Safe, Effective Ways to Soothe Your Baby
Why babies cry and how to soothe them safely: 10 common causes, colic signs, crying by age, what to do when nothing works and when crying needs a doctor.
Start by checking for hunger, the diaper, tiredness and your baby's temperature, then try gentle holding and a calm setting. Crying may increase in the first weeks, but crying that sounds different or cannot be soothed needs checking. If there is difficulty breathing, unusual floppiness or sleepiness, or your baby is under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more, get urgent medical help. Never shake a baby.
In the middle of the night, while the world tries to sleep, you hear your little one cry for the fifth time. You pick them up, feed them, change the diaper and rock them in your arms… but they are still crying.
You look at their tiny face and wish they could tell you what is bothering them.
Are they hungry? Is it colic? Do they want to sleep? Or is it something else you cannot figure out?
Constant baby crying is one of the things that worries moms most, especially in the first months after birth. But crying is not always a sign of illness; it is the main way your baby communicates their needs.
In this Wamory guide we look at why newborns cry, ways to soothe a baby, how to tell colic from hunger and tiredness, and the signs that mean you should talk to a doctor.
Because understanding your baby's cry is the first step to helping them feel comfortable.
Why does a baby cry constantly?
Babies cry for many reasons, most commonly hunger, a wet diaper, tiredness, gas, feeling too hot or cold, needing a cuddle, or too much going on around them. Frequent crying may be linked to infant colic, and sometimes it points to a health problem that needs checking.
According to the UK's NHS, crying usually increases in the first weeks and may gradually ease after three months of age.
Quick table: why your baby is crying and what to do
| Possible cause | Signs you may notice | What you can try |
|---|---|---|
| Hunger | Looking for the breast or sucking on hands | Offer a suitable feed |
| Wet diaper | Fussiness or irritated skin | Check and change the diaper |
| Tiredness | Yawning, looking away, lots of fussing | Lower the lights and stimulation |
| Gas | Discomfort around feeds | Burping and gentle holding |
| Too hot or cold | Body feels hot or cold to the touch | Adjust clothes and the room |
| Needing a cuddle | Calms down when held | Closeness and gentle holding |
| Overstimulation | Bothered by noise and light | Move to a quiet place |
| Reflux | Crying around feeds with spitting up | Review feeding and talk to the doctor |
| Colic | Long, repeated bouts of crying | Soothing, and a doctor's check to rule out other causes |
| Illness or pain | A different cry or other symptoms | A suitable medical assessment |
These signs help you understand the possibilities, but on their own they are not a way to diagnose why your baby is crying.
Source: NHS: understanding crying and ways to soothe.
10 common reasons babies cry
1. Hunger: does your baby want more milk?
Hunger is one of the first things to think about, especially in newborns.
Babies do not always wait for a set feeding time. Your baby may want milk sooner than you are used to, especially during cluster feeding.
Early hunger cues include opening the mouth, looking for the breast, turning the head and sucking on hands.
If you see these cues, offer a feed and watch how your baby responds.
Not every cry means hunger; continuing to offer milk despite signs of fullness can make some babies more uncomfortable.
Read more: see Wamory's guide to breastfeeding a newborn, which covers how often to feed and signs of enough milk.
2. A wet diaper or irritated skin
Some babies are very sensitive to a wet diaper or to it rubbing their skin.
If your baby suddenly starts crying, checking the diaper is a simple, helpful step.
Also look for redness or a rash in the diaper area, and clean and dry the skin gently with a suitable care routine.
To make changes easier, keep clean diapers, wipes and spare clothes nearby.
Wamory's picks include the cotton rope baby supplies organizer basket, in two sizes and different designs for organizing care essentials.
The basket is only for organizing; keep it outside the crib and out of your baby's reach.
3. Tiredness and wanting to sleep
A baby may cry because they are tired, not because they need more play.
Signs of tiredness include yawning, avoiding eye contact, fussing and finding it hard to settle.
Fussiness can grow when a baby stays awake longer than they can comfortably manage.
Try reducing noise and light, soothing them with gentle movements, then putting them down to sleep in a safe space on their back.
4. Gas and discomfort after feeding
A baby may swallow some air while feeding, which can make them uncomfortable.
If you notice crying after a feed, hold your baby gently and try to help them burp.
Also review the breastfeeding position and latch, or how the bottle is used.
Not every cry with leg movements means gas; babies move their legs for different reasons.
5. Needing a cuddle and to be close to you
Sometimes your little one does not need food or a diaper change; they just want to feel close to you.
Holding them, talking in a calm voice or skin-to-skin contact may help soothe them.
Responding to a newborn's crying does not teach them bad habits. Meeting their needs is part of caring for them and building their sense of safety.
6. Feeling too hot or too cold
A baby may be uncomfortable if their clothes do not suit the room temperature.
Do not rely on cold hands and feet alone; feel their chest or the back of their neck to judge whether they are comfortable.
If they are sweating or feel hot, they may need a layer removed. If their chest feels cold, they may need different clothes or a warmer room.
7. Too much noise, light and visitors
Surroundings can become overwhelming for some babies, especially after a day full of visitors, noise or travel.
If you notice your baby gets more upset in crowded places, try moving to a quiet room.
Dim the lights, turn off noisy toys and try your calm voice instead of playing several sounds.
8. Reflux or a feeding-related problem
Some babies cry during or after feeds because of reflux, latching difficulties or other causes.
Mild spitting up is common in babies and does not on its own mean illness.
But if crying keeps happening with refusing feeds, poor weight gain or forceful vomiting, see a doctor.
Do not raise your baby's mattress or use wedge pillows to treat reflux. Even babies with reflux should sleep on their back on a firm, flat surface, unless a doctor advises otherwise for a specific medical condition.
9. Infant colic
If your baby seems healthy but cries for long, repeated periods, especially in the evening, they may have what is called infant colic.
Colic may start in the first weeks and often improves by 3 or 4 months of age.
We look at its signs in detail below.
10. Pain or a health problem
Not all crying is normal.
A baby may cry because of illness or pain, and sometimes because of something small but painful, such as a hair wrapped around a finger or toe (a hair tourniquet).
If the crying is new, intense or different from usual, check your baby gently and watch for worrying signs.
Do not hesitate to get medical help if you are worried about them.
To check the right clothes for the weather, read our guide to dressing your baby in winter layers.
How do I soothe a baby who keeps crying? 8 things you can try
Once you are sure there are no worrying signs of illness, try these methods calmly, one step at a time.
Way 1: Hold them close to you
Holding your baby against your chest, supporting the head and neck, may help them feel comfortable.
You can walk slowly or change how you hold them, avoiding rough shaking or fast movements.
Way 2: Try gentle rocking
Some babies respond to light, rhythmic movement.
Rock your little one in your arms or while sitting, keeping their head and neck supported.
Never shake a baby roughly; it can cause serious brain injuries.
Way 3: Dim the lights
A calm setting can help a tired baby feel less overwhelmed.
Use soft lighting during night feeds instead of turning on the bright room light.
Wamory products include the rechargeable silicone pumpkin night light, with a warm, dimmable glow and a 30-minute timer.
The lamp is for lighting the room, not a treatment for crying; keep the lamp and charging cable out of your baby's reach and away from the crib.
Way 4: Try a calm sound
Some babies respond to their mother's voice, soft singing or low-volume white noise.
But do not raise the volume to try to stop the crying.
If you use a white noise machine, choose the lowest suitable volume, place it away from your baby's head and limit how long it runs.
Way 5: Help them burp
If the crying is linked to feeding time, try gentle burping.
Hold your baby with their head supported, and gently pat or rub their back.
Do not press hard on their tummy.
Way 6: Try safe swaddling if it suits their age
Some babies feel comforted when wrapped in a light, suitable swaddle.
Wamory options include a muslin newborn swaddle, 32 × 65 cm, in various colors and prints.
But swaddling must be done correctly:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Leave room for the hips and legs to move.
- Avoid covering the head or overheating.
- Stop wrapping the arms as soon as your baby shows any attempt to roll.
- Avoid weighted swaddles and extra blankets.
Swaddling is not a treatment for colic or a substitute for checking ongoing crying.
Way 7: A warm bath when needed
Some babies enjoy a warm, calm bath, while others find it upsetting.
If your baby likes baths, try one at a comfortable temperature, checking the water before putting them in.
Never leave a baby alone in water, even for a moment.
After the bath you can use a 6-layer cotton muslin bath towel, 110 × 110 cm, to dry them gently.
The towel is an everyday care item, not a treatment for crying, and should not be left in the crib.
Way 8: Watch the rhythm of play and rest
Some babies respond to singing, watching mom's face or short periods of quiet play.
Wamory carries the remote-controlled patting plush toy, with a bear character and musical versions.
It can be seen as a product for play and interaction while awake, under adult supervision and after checking it suits your baby's age, not as a proven treatment for colic or crying.
Important warning: do not put the patting toy, any soft toy or electrical device in your baby's crib, or leave it beside them during sleep. Follow the instructions on parts, batteries and suitable age.
For sleep and swaddling: American Academy of Pediatrics: a firm, flat surface, back sleeping, no toys, and stopping swaddling once baby tries to roll.
What is infant colic, and how do I tell it from normal crying?
Infant colic describes long bouts of crying that are hard to soothe in a baby who seems healthy on examination and is growing well, after other causes have been ruled out.
The NHS describes it as crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 or more days a week, for at least a week, in an otherwise healthy baby. This is a guide description, not a home diagnosis.
But parents do not need to wait for that many hours or days to ask for medical advice.
What are the signs of colic?
They may include:
- Intense, repeated crying, especially in the evening.
- Difficulty soothing despite meeting basic needs.
- A red face while crying.
- Clenched fists.
- Drawing the legs up toward the tummy or arching the back.
- Calm periods between bouts of crying.
These signs do not prove colic on their own and can also appear with other causes.
When does colic start and end?
It may start in the first weeks of life, and crying is most intense in some babies around 6 weeks.
Colic usually eases gradually by the third or fourth month, but it may last longer in some babies.
If intense bouts continue or your baby is not growing well, see a doctor.
Do colic drops and herbs work?
There is no strong evidence supporting many common colic drops and herbal products for routine treatment of infant colic.
Do not give your baby herbs, medicines or supplements without professional advice.
Also, do not keep switching formula, or follow a strict diet while breastfeeding, on your own.
If the doctor suspects an allergy or feeding problem, they will guide you to the right steps.
Source: NHS: colic and when to get advice.
Why does my baby cry a lot at night and stay calm during the day?
You may notice your little one spends some daytime hours calmly, then cries more often in the evening.
This is a known pattern in some babies during the first months.
It may be linked to tiredness and the build-up of stimulation through the day, the need for cluster feeds, or bouts of colic.
Lowering lights and noise, offering feeds at hunger cues and keeping a calm routine may help.
But sudden, intense crying that differs from your baby's usual pattern should not be dismissed as just "evening crying".
Baby crying by age: what to expect
| Age | What may happen |
|---|---|
| First two weeks | Crying to express hunger, comfort and care needs |
| Two to 6 weeks | Periods of crying and fussiness may increase |
| 6–8 weeks | Crying may peak in some babies |
| 3–4 months | Excessive crying and colic usually start to ease |
| After 4 months | Reasons for crying may change with growth and development |
The table describes general patterns, not a rule for every baby.
If new intense crying appears or comes with signs of illness, do not explain it by your baby's age alone.
When is baby crying serious and needs a doctor?
Get a prompt medical assessment if your baby is crying constantly and you cannot soothe them, or if their cry is clearly different from usual, especially with signs of illness.
The following need urgent care:
- A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more in a baby under 3 months.
- Difficulty breathing, or lips or skin turning blue or gray.
- Unusual floppiness or being hard to wake.
- Seizures or not responding.
- A very high-pitched or unusually weak cry with signs of illness.
- Repeated, forceful vomiting, or green vomit.
- A very swollen tummy with pain or vomiting.
- Signs of dehydration, such as clearly fewer wet diapers.
- A rash that does not fade when pressed.
If there are severe danger signs, go to the emergency department or call your local emergency number right away.
And if you feel something is not right even without a clear sign on this list, it is appropriate to contact your pediatrician.
What do I do if my baby won't stop crying no matter what?
If you have checked your baby, made sure about feeding, the diaper and comfort, and tried soothing methods, but they are still crying, do not keep trying for hours without an assessment if the crying is unusual or constant.
Contact your pediatrician, and note when the crying started, how long it lasts, how it relates to feeds and sleep, and any other symptoms.
Keeping notes can help reveal a repeating pattern and help the doctor assess the situation.
What if I am exhausted by the crying?
Dealing with long, constant crying can be mentally and physically exhausting.
If you feel you are losing your ability to stay calm, put your baby on their back in their safe crib with no toys or pillows, step away for a few minutes to calm down, and ask a trusted adult for help.
Never shake a baby.
If you fear you might hurt your baby or yourself, get urgent support from someone you trust or an emergency service.
Taking care of yourself in these moments is part of keeping you and your baby safe.
| Write down | Example of useful information |
|---|---|
| When the crying started | The time, and whether it started suddenly or follows the usual pattern |
| Feeds | The last feed and how interested your baby was |
| Diapers | Are there fewer wet diapers than usual? |
| Symptoms | Measured temperature, vomiting or changes in breathing |
| Response | What you tried, and whether they calmed between bouts |
On parent exhaustion and the danger of shaking: NHS: take a short break after putting your baby down safely, and get support.
How do you set up a calm corner for caring for your baby?
The idea is not a space full of gadgets and toys, but an arrangement that helps you meet your baby's needs without searching for everything while they cry.
It can help to have ready:
- A safe, suitable place to sleep.
- Soft lighting for night feeds.
- Clean diapers and spare clothes.
- Suitable feeding supplies.
- A light swaddle, if your baby's age allows safe use.
- Toys for awake time, used under supervision.
You do not need to buy all of these; choose what you really need.
At Wamory, explore the sleep and comfort section, with products such as swaddles and night lights, or the care and hygiene section for everyday essentials.
Remember that products are tools to help organize routine and comfort; they are not a substitute for a parent's response or medical care.
FAQ about constant baby crying
Why does a baby cry for no obvious reason?
It may be hunger, tiredness, needing a cuddle, too much stimulation or colic. Sometimes no clear reason appears even though the baby is well. If the crying is intense, different or comes with illness, get a medical assessment.
Why is my baby crying even though they fed and I changed the diaper?
They may need to burp, rest or be held, or they may be tired. There may also be another reason unrelated to feeding and diapers, so pay attention to how they are overall.
How can I quickly calm a baby at night?
Start by checking hunger, the diaper and their temperature, then try calm holding, dim lights and burping if needed. There is no guaranteed method that works instantly for every baby.
Why does my baby cry when put down in the crib?
They may be tired, need closeness and holding, or not have settled yet. Make sure their sleep space is safe, and put them on their back on a firm, flat surface with no toys or pillows.
When is baby crying normal?
Crying can be expected in the first weeks, especially if the baby is feeding and growing well, calms between bouts and shows no signs of illness. But constant or different crying deserves a check.
Is it normal for a baby to cry for two hours?
Some babies cry for long periods during the normal peak of crying, but duration alone is not enough to judge. Consider age, general condition, the pattern of crying and whether your baby can calm down.
Can colic make a baby cry all night?
Colic can cause long bouts, especially in the evening, but it does not automatically explain every constant crying through the night. Talk to the doctor if the crying is unusual or hard to soothe.
Can gas make a baby cry?
Yes, some babies feel uncomfortable with gas, especially around feeds. But drawing up the legs or passing gas does not confirm that gas is the cause of crying.
Can teething make a 2-month-old cry?
Babies may put their hands in their mouth early, but that does not prove teething. Intense crying or fever should not be explained by teething without an assessment.
Does white noise stop a baby crying?
It may help some babies calm down, but not all. Use it at a low volume, from a safe distance and for a limited time.
Does swaddling help soothe a baby?
It may help some newborns feel comfortable when done correctly. Stop wrapping the arms as soon as your baby starts trying to roll, and follow safe sleep rules.
Does a patting toy treat colic?
There is not enough evidence that a patting toy treats colic or medical causes of crying. Age-appropriate toys can be used for interaction while awake under supervision, kept out of the crib during sleep.
When does newborn crying ease?
Crying usually increases in the first weeks, then starts to decrease gradually for many babies around three to four months.
Does letting a baby cry affect them?
It is important to respond to a newborn's needs and not ignore signs of illness or hunger. If the caregiver needs a few minutes to calm down because of exhaustion, the baby can be placed temporarily in a safe sleep space while getting help.
Can I give my baby herbs to stop the crying?
Do not give your baby herbs, colic remedies or medicines without a doctor's advice; their safety and effectiveness vary and they may not suit your baby's age.
Behind every little tear… a message that needs understanding
In the first days you may wish there was a guide that told you instantly why your baby is crying.
But little by little you will learn their way of expressing themselves, their hunger and tiredness cues, and the things that make them feel comfortable.
Some nights may be long, and you may need support from your family or a professional. Most important is not to ignore anything that worries you about their health.
No mom can explain every cry every time, and no tool can replace care, cuddles and medical help when needed.
At Wamory, we believe every small beginning deserves lots of love and care.
From organizing your baby's essentials to choosing simple things that help you arrange moments of care and rest, we love being part of your day.
Discover Wamory sleep and comfort products, and choose what suits your little one's age and your needs.
Because between every tear and every smile, there is a story of motherhood written with love.
By: Wamory Mom & Baby Guide
Last editorial review: November 2, 2026
Health note: this article is for general education and does not replace a pediatrician's assessment. See a doctor if crying is constant or different from usual, and get urgent care when danger signs appear.
Medical sources and references
- NHS: Soothing a crying baby
- NHS: Colic
- NHS: When to get urgent medical help for babies
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Responding to Your Baby's Cries
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Colic Relief Tips
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Safe Sleep
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Preventing Excessive Noise Exposure
