Baby Won't Stop Crying (0-3 Months)

🚨 Call Your Doctor Immediately

When to seek urgent professional provider help:

• Baby has a fever (temperature 100.4°F/38°C or higher in baby under 3 months)
• Crying is accompanied by difficulty breathing, blue lips, or choking
• Bulging fontanelle (soft spot), especially when baby is inconsolable
• Baby seems extremely weak, limp, or unresponsive
• Crying sounds abnormal (high-pitched, weak, or painful scream)
• Vomits forcefully (projectile vomiting)
• You notice anything else that seems seriously wrong
• You feel so frustrated that you might lose control or act unsafely

Remember: For babies under 3 months, fever always requires immediate medical attention. When in doubt, call your pediatrician.

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Quick Comfort Checklist

Try these in order—sometimes it takes running through the list multiple times:

Hungry? Newborns eat every 1.5-3 hours. Newborn stomachs empty quickly—offering a feed is always reasonable, even if recently fed

Diaper needs changing? Wet or soiled diaper can be uncomfortable

Needs burping? Try burping even if baby doesn't seem gassy

Too hot or cold? Feel baby's chest/back (not hands/feet). Most newborns are comfortable in 1 more layer than an adult in the same environment

Needs comfort/closeness? Skin-to-skin, holding, rocking, gentle bouncing

Overstimulated? Move to quiet, dimly lit space. Less stimulation, not more

Tired? Overtired babies struggle to settle. Create calm environment for sleep

Just needs to cry? Sometimes babies cry for no fixable reason. Holding them through it helps

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What's Happening

It's 2am. Your newborn has been crying for what feels like hours. You've fed, changed, burped, and rocked. Nothing helps. You're exhausted and worried something is seriously wrong.

Here's the truth all new parents need to hear: Newborn crying peaks between 2-6 weeks of age, with babies crying 2-3 hours per day on average. Some cry much more. Cry totals often increase week over week until about 6 weeks before gradually decreasing. This is normal, though it's absolutely exhausting.

As a pediatric NP, I want you to know: Most inconsolable crying in young babies has no underlying medical problem. Your baby isn't in pain (usually). You're not doing something wrong. This is normal newborn behavior, however challenging it feels.

That said, sometimes crying does indicate a problem that needs attention. This guide helps you differentiate normal (though distressing) crying from concerning patterns.

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Why Newborns Cry So Much

Crying is communication. Your baby can't tell you what they need, so crying is their universal signal. But interpreting the signal is hard, especially when:

• You're sleep-deprived and exhausted
• You're a new parent still learning your baby's cues
• Your baby's cries all sound the same at first
• Sometimes there's no clear reason for crying

Newborns' nervous systems are still immature, and crying is partly how they discharge tension from the day.

The "Period of PURPLE Crying": This term describes typical newborn crying patterns:

• Peak of crying: 2-6 weeks, then gradually improves
• Unpredictable: Crying and soothing happen for no clear reason
• Resistant to soothing: Sometimes nothing helps
• Pain-like face: Even when not in pain
• Long lasting: Can continue for hours
• Evening crying: Often worse in late afternoon/evening

Understanding this is normal helps, even when it doesn't make the crying stop.

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The Checklist: What Does My Baby Need?

1. Food

Most common reason for crying in newborns.

• Newborns typically eat every 1.5-3 hours (sometimes more frequently)
• Growth spurts (around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months) mean cluster feeding
• Hunger cues: rooting, sucking on hands, lip smacking
• Even if it "hasn't been long enough," try feeding

Breastfed babies:

• May need to nurse more frequently than every 3 hours
• Can't overfeed at the breast
• During growth spurts, may nurse almost constantly
• Parents often confuse comfort sucking with hunger—both are valid needs

Formula-fed babies:

• Typically consume 1-3 ounces every 2-4 hours in the first month. The general guide is 2-2.5 ounces per pound of body weight per day, divided by the number of feeds.
• Typical volumes often increase rapidly in first 4–6 weeks
• May need more during growth spurts

2. Discomfort

Check:

• Diaper: Even slightly wet can bother some babies
• Temperature: Feel baby's chest/back (hands/feet are often cool even when baby is warm). One layer more than you're wearing is a good rule
• Clothing: Tags, tight elastic, scratchy fabric
• Hair tourniquets: Hair wrapped around finger, toe, or (in boys) penis—uncommon but important to check
• Position: Try different holding positions

3. Gas and Tummy Trouble

Signs of gas:

• Pulling legs up
• Arching back
• Passing gas
• Tense abdomen

What helps:

• Burp frequently during and after feeds
• Bicycle legs gently
• Tummy massage (clockwise circles)
• "Colic hold" (baby face-down on your forearm)
• Warm bath (water should be comfortably warm, not hot)

Note: Gas is common and rarely indicates a medical problem. Simethicone has limited evidence but is safe to try if recommended by your pediatrician.

4. Need for Sleep

Overtiredness is real. Most newborns can stay awake 45–60 minutes before needing sleep (some slightly longer by 2–3 months).

Overtired signs:

• Fussing/crying
• Rubbing eyes
• Jerky movements
• Staring into space (gone past tired to overtired)

What helps:

• Calm, dark, quiet environment
• Swaddling
• White noise
• Rocking or gentle movement
• Don't try to "wear them out"—overtired babies struggle more to sleep

5. Overstimulation

Newborns have limited capacity for stimulation. Too much can overwhelm their developing nervous system.

Signs of overstimulation:

• Turning away from faces
• Fussing during play
• Hiccups
• Crying that worsens with more interaction
• Crying that worsens the more you try to soothe (can be a sign of sensory overload)

What helps:

• Move to quiet, dimly lit space
• Reduce noise and activity
• Calm holding without trying to engage
• Sometimes babies just need boring

6. Need for Comfort and Closeness

Some babies simply need more physical contact. This is not "spoiling"—it's meeting a biological need.

What helps:

• Skin-to-skin contact
• Baby wearing
• Rocking, bouncing, swaying
• Gentle sounds (shushing, singing, humming)
• Pacifier (if breastfeeding is going well; evidence on exact timing is mixed)

The "5 S's" (Dr. Harvey Karp):

• Swaddle
• Side/stomach position (while holding—never for sleep)
• Shushing sounds
• Swinging/swaying
• Sucking (pacifier, breast, bottle)

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When Crying Might Indicate a Problem

Most crying is normal, but sometimes it signals something needing medical attention:

Illness

Concerning signs:

• Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
• Extreme lethargy or difficulty waking
• Poor feeding
• Fewer wet diapers than usual
• Decreased tear production (dry eyes while crying) can indicate dehydration
• Vomiting (not just spit-up)
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Different cry than usual (weak, high-pitched, painful scream)

Action: Call pediatrician same day, immediately if fever or severe symptoms

Reflux

Reflux peaks at 1–4 months and is usually benign.

Signs of reflux (common, often benign):

• Spitting up frequently (often normal)
• Arching back during/after feeding
• Obvious discomfort after eating

Signs of GERD (reflux causing problems):

• Poor weight gain
• Refusal to eat
• Choking or difficulty breathing
• Blood in spit-up or stool

Action: Mention reflux at well visit. Call if severe symptoms or poor weight gain.

Milk Protein Sensitivity

Signs:

• Visible blood or persistent mucus in stool
• Excessive fussiness, especially after eating
• Rash, eczema
• Vomiting

Action: Discuss with pediatrician. May need formula change or (if breastfeeding) maternal diet modification.

Ear Infection

Less common in newborns, but possible:

• Pulling at ear (though ear pulling alone is not reliably a sign of ear infection in infants this young)
• Fever
• Inconsolable crying
• Poor feeding

Action: Call pediatrician for evaluation

Intussusception (Rare but Serious)

Signs:

• Sudden, severe crying (pulling knees to chest)
• Vomiting
• Bloody or "currant jelly" stool
• Periods of apparent wellness between episodes

Action: Seek immediate emergency care

Neurological Concerns

Very rare, but see doctor if:

• High-pitched, unusual cry (especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms)
• Extreme stiffness or floppiness
• Seizure-like movements
• Bulging fontanel (soft spot).The fontanel may temporarily bulge when the baby is crying forcefully—this is usually normal. Call immediately if it remains bulging when baby is calm and upright.
• Extreme irritability with any touch or movement

Action: Seek immediate medical evaluation

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Colic: When Crying is the Diagnosis

Colic definition (Rule of 3s):

• Crying more than 3 hours per day
• More than 3 days per week
• For more than 3 weeks
• In an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby

Peak: 6 weeks of age Resolution: Usually by 3-4 months

What colic is: A description of a crying pattern, not a disease. Cause is unknown.

What doesn't cause colic:

• Bad parenting
• Something you did wrong
• Permanent problem

What might help (evidence is mixed):

• The 5 S's
• Probiotics (ask pediatrician; Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 shows some benefit in breastfed infants)
• Reducing stimulation
• Taking turns with partner
• Accepting it will pass

Note: Elimination diets for breastfeeding parents are not routinely recommended unless symptoms strongly suggest allergy.

Most important: Colic is temporary. It WILL end.

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When You're at the End of Your Rope

This is critical: Crying can push parents to a dangerous breaking point.

If you feel angry, frustrated, or at risk of harming your baby:

1. Put baby in safe place (crib, bassinet)
2. Leave the room
3. Take a break (even 5-10 minutes)
4. Call someone for support
5. Return when calmer

It's OKAY to let your baby cry safely in their crib while you take a break. Stepping away is a responsible, protective choice—not neglect. This is safer than holding them when you're at your breaking point.

Never shake a baby. Shaking can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Get help:

• Call partner, family member, friend to take a turn
• Call your pediatrician or local nurse advice line (many insurance plans/pediatric offices have 24/7 triage)
• Call postpartum support hotline: 1-800-944-4773
• If in crisis: Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

You are not a bad parent for feeling overwhelmed. This is one of the hardest phases of parenting.

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Survival Strategies

For the crying:

• Take it in shifts with partner/support person
• If possible, plan 1–2 predictable rest periods daily with partner or support person
• Use white noise (for baby and to muffle crying for you)
• Baby wear for hands-free soothing
• Go for walk/drive (change of environment helps everyone)
• Accept that sometimes nothing works

For you:

• Sleep when baby sleeps (really—chores can wait)
• Accept help from others
• Lower all non-essential standards
• Remember this phase is temporary
• Talk to other parents (you're not alone)

What not to do:

• Don't compare your baby to others
• Don't blame yourself
• Don't try every piece of advice you receive (be selective)
• Don't ignore your own mental health

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When to Call the Doctor

Call immediately for:

• Fever 100.4°F/38°C or higher
• Signs of serious illness (lethargy, difficulty breathing, blue color)
• Suspected injury
• You're concerned you might harm your baby

Call same day for:

• Crying pattern changes drastically
• Accompanied by repeated vomiting (especially if forceful/projectile), diarrhea, or rash
• Baby seems in pain
• Poor feeding or fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after day 5
• You're concerned something is wrong

Mention at next well visit:

• Excessive crying (colic pattern)
• Reflux symptoms
• Questions about normal crying amounts
• Struggling with baby's crying (pediatrician can offer support)

Trust your instinct: You know your baby. If something feels wrong, call.

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Key Takeaways

• Newborn crying peaks at 2-6 weeks and is normal, though exhausting
• Average newborn cries 2-3 hours per day; some cry much more
• Most crying has no underlying medical problem
• Your job is not to "stop the crying" but to keep your baby safe, fed, and comforted—crying improves with age
• Work through the comfort checklist systematically
• Fever in baby under 3 months always requires immediate medical attention
• It's okay to put baby down safely and take a break when overwhelmed
• This phase is temporary—crying typically improves significantly by 3-4 months
• Never shake a baby—seek help if you're at your breaking point

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Related Resources

For more detailed information:

• 📚 Why is my baby crying? Complete guide
• 📚 Understanding baby sleep cycles
• 📚 Feeding schedules by age
• 📚 Postpartum survival guide

Quick Help on related topics:

• 🚨 Won't sleep through the night
• 🚨 Refusing bottle/breast
• 🚨 Gas and colic relief
• 🚨 Fever in baby

By Age:

• 📅 Newborn (0-3 months)
• 📅 Baby's first month: What to expect

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Medical Review: Alisha Blevins, MSN, CPNP-AC, Pediatric Neurology NP Last Updated: [Date]

⚠️ Important: If you believe your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. If you're feeling overwhelmed and at risk of harming your baby, put baby in safe place and call for help: National Parent Helpline 1-855-427-2736 or Crisis Line 988.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your child's healthcare provider.