Why do babies cry?

How much crying is normal for a baby?

All babies are different, but long stretches of crying often start when babies are around two weeks old (NCSBS, no date; Wolke et al, 2017).

It is common for them to cry for around two hours in a 24-hour period during the first six weeks. There is a large range however, with 5% of babies crying for more than 4 hours in 24 hours at 5-6 weeks. This gradually reduces to one hour a day by 10-12 weeks (NCSBS, no date; Wolke et al, 2017).

In general, crying peaks at about two months old. The developmental explanation for this peak of crying at two months suggests that this is due to infant brain development (St James-Roberts, 2013).

A baby may respond quickly and strongly to the impulse to cry at this age, and find it hard to stop when crying has started (St James-Roberts, 2013).

Why is my baby crying?

Some of the most common reasons for crying are (NHS, 2022):

• Hunger
• A dirty or wet nappy
• Tiredness
• Wanting a cuddle
• Wind
• Being too hot or too cold
• Boredom
• Overstimulation

What is PURPLE crying?

PURPLE crying is an educational tool to help parents understand crying.

Inconsolable crying that can last up to five hours a day can be called the period of PURPLE crying. It is a normal stage of development (NCSBS, no date).

Purple is not about the colour. It is short for (NCSBS, no date):

• Peak of crying – babies cry more each week, peaking in the second month
• Unexpected – you won’t always understand why your baby is crying
• Resists soothing – the baby won’t stop crying no matter what is tried
• Pain-like face – the baby may look like they’re in pain even if they’re not
• Long lasting – the crying can go on for up to five hours in a day or more
• Evening – the crying might be worst in the late afternoon or evening

Is there something wrong with my baby if they are PURPLE crying?

PURPLE crying is considered a developmental stage, rather than due to a medical condition.

Most babies that experience prolonged crying in the first few months are healthy and have no long-term issues. Research suggests that crying is part of normal development (St James-Roberts, 2013).

What is the difference between PURPLE crying and colic?

Colic is the traditionally used term in the UK to describe excessive crying, but essentially PURPLE crying and colic are the same thing. So when we talk about a baby with colic, it is a baby who experiences frequent periods of PURPLE crying.

Colic has been defined as a baby who cries for more than three hours a day, for at least three days in any week (Wolke et al, 2017).

It is much more likely in the first six weeks of a baby’s life and reduces significantly by 10-12 weeks (Wolke et al, 2017).

It is thought that between 10 and 20% of babies under three months old cry excessively (Hogg, 2015).

Typically, during a period of intense crying a baby might (Patient, 2023):

• Cry inconsolably
• Draw their legs up to their chest
• Go red in the face while crying, depending on their skin tone
• Arch their back
• Clench their fists

Importantly, there doesn’t seem to be anything else wrong with the baby (Patient, 2023).

Is reflux causing my baby to cry?

Stomach issues or reflux are not a cause for long periods of crying in newborns. This is the case even if the baby is arching their back and refusing to feed when crying (Douglas et al, 2011).

However, many parents still consider that their baby’s issues are due to digestive pain or discomfort. But drugs to stop acid reflux are not thought to help (Douglas et al, 2011; Hogg, 2015).

Does my baby have feeding issues?

If your baby is crying excessively, it’s important to make sure feeding difficulties aren’t behind it. Talk to a health visitor or GP if you think this is the reason your baby might be crying.

Our NCT Infant Feeding Line can provide a listening ear, no matter how you are feeding your baby. Call 0300 330 0700. It’s open every day, from 8am to midnight.

How to soothe a crying baby

It can help soothe a baby by (Cry-sis, 2024):

• Movement/rocking
• Going outside for a walk in a buggy or sling
• Singing or humming to the baby, or using a white noise app
• A warm bath
• Gentle, clockwise tummy massage

Although it can be hard, a parent or carer staying calm while looking after a crying baby can help them to feel reassured (Cry-sis, 2024).

Are there any remedies to stop a baby crying?

Some parents might decide to use pain-relieving agents, such as over the counter medicines, sugars or herbal remedies to reduce their baby’s crying. However, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of these treatments (Biagioli et al, 2016).

There is also limited research into the effectiveness of manipulative therapies, such as cranial osteopathy (Dobson et al, 2012).

How to cope and keep calm with a crying baby

A baby that cries excessively and is difficult to soothe can increase a parent or carer’s feelings of frustration or helplessness. It can be very hard to cope with a baby that seems unable to calm down.

Breathing techniques might help you relax.

If you can, ask family or friends for support and accept offers of help (Cry-sis, 2024). They may be able to look after the baby to give you a break.

If you’re worried about your baby’s crying, talk to a GP or health visitor.

The Cry-sis website has information and support for parents or caregivers who are finding it hard to cope with their baby’s crying.

Can I let them cry?

If your baby won’t stop crying, it’s okay to leave them in a safe place, like a cot, until you have calmed down and feel able to respond to your baby calmly again.