Baby Crying All the Time? 10 Common Reasons and Soothing Tips for New Parents
Babies cry to communicate their needs, and most crying can be soothed with attention to basic care and comfort.
If you’re a parent, you’ve likely asked yourself this question: Why is my baby crying so much? Babies can’t talk yet, so crying is their main way of telling you that something is wrong or that they need something.
For new parents, it can be especially stressful when the crying doesn’t stop, and you’re left guessing what your baby wants. The good news is that, over time, you’ll start to notice patterns and understand your baby’s cues more easily.
In this article, we’ll go over the most common reasons babies cry and what you can do to help soothe them. From hunger to teething, or simply feeling overstimulated, knowing the possible causes can give you peace of mind and make caring for your baby a little less overwhelming.
Why Do Babies Cry?
Crying is a baby’s first language. Since newborns and infants can’t speak yet, crying is how they let you know they need something, whether it’s food or relief from discomfort.
While it can feel overwhelming when your baby cries a lot, it’s important to remember that crying is normal and expected. In fact, doctors often remind parents that crying is a healthy sign — it shows your baby is alert, responsive, and able to communicate their needs.
There are many reasons babies cry, and not every cry means something serious. Sometimes your little one may be hungry or sleepy. Other times, they may be overstimulated, teething, or simply wanting to be held close.
Even though it can sound the same at first, parents learn over time to recognize different “types” of cries, such as a fussy cry for boredom, a sharp cry for pain, or a whiny cry for tiredness.
Excessive Crying in Babies
If your baby seems fussy all the time or hard to console, it’s easy to worry that something is wrong.
The good news is that in many cases, excessive crying has a simple cause that can be solved once you figure out what your baby needs. Here are some common reasons:
Hunger or thirst
Since babies feed often — sometimes every 2 to 3 hours — it’s not unusual for them to fuss when their stomachs are empty. A hungry cry can sound rhythmic and intense, and your baby may show other signs like sucking on their hands or rooting (turning their head as if searching for the breast or bottle).
You may notice your newborn starts fussing in the evening, then quickly calms once you begin feeding.
Sleepiness
Babies need a lot of sleep, and newborns usually sleep around 14 to 17 hours a day, but they don’t always know how to fall asleep on their own. When they’re overtired, they may cry, rub their eyes, or arch their back. Ironically, the more tired a baby is, the harder it can be for them to settle down.
Wet or dirty diaper
A wet or soiled diaper can feel uncomfortable because it makes the skin damp, sticky, or even irritated. Babies have very sensitive skin, and sitting in moisture for too long can cause chafing or diaper rash, which adds to their fussiness.
Some babies tolerate a little wetness, while others dislike the feeling right away. If your baby has just been fed and seems tired but is still crying, checking the diaper is a good next step.
Baby gas
Trapped gas can cause bloating, tummy pain, and fussiness. Babies may cry during or after feeding if they swallow air. Burping your baby and holding them upright can help. Gas is very common in babies since their digestive systems are still developing, and most little ones pass gas many times a day.
Teething
Babies get fussy during teething because it can be uncomfortable and even painful. As new teeth push through the gums, the pressure and swelling create sensations of tenderness, soreness, or itching in the gums.
All infants go through teething, typically starting with the first tooth around six months. By about 30 months, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth (1).
Babies can’t explain this feeling, so they may cry, drool more, or try to soothe themselves by chewing on things.
Overstimulation
Babies are easily stimulated because their nervous systems are still developing. Too much noise, bright lights, or activity can overwhelm them.
For example, loud voices, TV, lots of people moving around, noisy toys, or being passed from one person to another may make it hard for your baby to relax. Instead of drifting off to sleep, they may cry, turn away, or become fussy.
Boredom or loneliness
Sometimes babies cry simply because they want interaction. Even very young babies benefit from attention, touch, and voice. They enjoy being held, talked to, or gently rocked. When left alone for too long, they may feel lonely or bored, which can make them fussy.
Illness
When a baby is sick or in pain, crying may be their only way to show it. Fevers, ear infections, or other illnesses can cause nonstop fussiness.
Especially if you’ve already checked that your baby is fed, has a clean diaper, and is otherwise comfortable, trust your instincts — if their cry sounds unusual or you notice other symptoms, contact your pediatrician.
Colic
Infantile colic is a common condition that causes excessive, inconsolable crying in otherwise healthy newborns. It typically begins during the second or third week of life, peaks around six weeks, and usually resolves by about 12 weeks of age (2).
The excessive crying associated with colic may be linked to a combination of biological, gastrointestinal, and psychosocial factors. Some parents notice that feeding issues — such as overfeeding, underfeeding, or inadequate burping — can make symptoms worse.
In breastfed babies, certain maternal dietary proteins, like cow’s milk, might contribute to discomfort.
General discomfort
Sometimes crying happens simply because your baby is uncomfortable. This can be caused by being too hot or too cold, wearing clothing that is itchy, tight, or layered incorrectly, or even having a diaper that feels damp or restrictive.
Babies are very sensitive to their surroundings, and small discomforts that adults might hardly notice can make them fussy.
Tips for Soothing a Crying Baby
When your baby cries, having a sense of what might be causing it can make it much easier to respond quickly.
Start by checking the basics — hunger, thirst, diaper needs, and sleepiness. Meeting these fundamental needs will calm a baby almost immediately. Offering a feeding, changing a soiled diaper, or helping your baby settle for a nap can prevent fussiness from escalating and give both of you a break.
If your baby continues to cry after the basics are covered, consider physical discomfort. Gently burping your baby after feeding or trying motions that relieve trapped gas can soothe a gassy tummy.
For teething, cold teething rings or a clean finger for chewing may ease gum pressure.
Adjusting clothing, blankets, or room temperature can help babies who are sensitive to being too hot, too cold, or restricted by tight clothing. Small environmental tweaks often make a big difference in their comfort level.
Crying can also signal emotional or sensory needs. Babies can be easily overstimulated, so moving them to a quiet, dimly lit space and holding your baby close can help them feel secure.
On the other hand, if your baby seems lonely or bored, gentle interaction like rocking, talking, singing, or skin-to-skin contact can provide reassurance and comfort.
For babies with colic, calming strategies like swaddling, white noise, gentle rocking, or carrying them in an upright position often help, even when the crying seems inconsolable. However, if they show unusual symptoms, contact your pediatrician immediately.
Above all, staying calm and patient is important. Babies respond to the caregiver’s mood, so taking deep breaths, asking for support from another caregiver, or taking a short break while your baby is safely in their crib can make the process more manageable.
This way, you can help your baby feel secure and supported, while reducing stress for yourself.
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
Crying is normal, but if your baby’s fussiness lasts more than a day and can’t be soothed despite checking hunger, sleep, and diaper needs, it’s wise to contact your pediatrician. Seek help sooner if your baby also shows symptoms like fever, vomiting, rash, or unusual lethargy (3).
A pediatrician can rule out medical issues, provide guidance for colic or discomfort, and suggest safe ways to soothe your baby. Trust your instincts. Getting professional advice is a helpful step in keeping your baby healthy and comfortable.
Takeaways
Crying is a normal part of a baby’s development, but the patterns and context matter. Paying attention to when, how, and why your baby cries can help you respond more effectively and reduce stress for both of you.
Simple soothing techniques, such as feeding, changing diapers, adjusting the environment, or gentle rocking, usually provide quick relief and comfort.
However, if crying persists, seems unusual, or accompanies other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies cry for no reason?
Babies don’t cry “for no reason,” but sometimes the cause isn’t obvious. Crying is their primary way of communicating needs or discomfort. If basic needs are met — hunger, sleep, cleanliness — but your baby still cries, it could be due to emotional needs, overstimulation, or minor discomfort that isn’t immediately apparent.
How many hours a day is normal for a baby to cry?
Newborns typically cry 1 to 3 hours per day on average, with some variation depending on age, temperament, and health. Crying often peaks around 6 weeks of age and usually decreases after 3 months. Persistent or unusually long periods of crying may warrant a closer look.
Is it okay to let the baby cry it out?
Cry it out method can be used in some sleep-training approaches, but they should be age-appropriate and done safely. Sleep training is usually started around 4 to 6 months of age, when babies are developmentally ready to learn self-soothing skills.
Newborns and younger infants should not be left to cry for extended periods because they rely on caregivers for feeding, comfort, and security. Always ensure basic needs are met before considering any sleep-training technique.
Sources:
- Wuni, A., Iddrisu, M., Angliengmene, A. A., Salia, S. M., Chanayireh, L., Mohammed, I. S., Musah, A., Ibrahim, M. M., Kpentey, A. A., Kwarteng, C., Nyarko, B. A., & Doat, A. R. (2024). Knowledge and management practices of infant teething symptoms among mothers in a tertiary facility in Ghana. The Pan African Medical Journal, 47, 65. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2024.47.65.40792
- Banks JB, Rouster AS, Chee J. Infantile Colic. [Updated 2023 Oct 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518962/
- Consolini, D. M. (2025, July 9). Fever in infants and children. MSD Manual Consumer Version. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/symptoms-in-infants-and-children/fever-in-infants-and-children