Welcome to Koyo’s series of trusted healthcare articles. If you need more personalised advice, you can chat with a Koyo doctor today.
Written by: Favour Francis | Reviewed by: Dr Ortega Ogomigo
INTRODUCTION
It is often said that caring for a baby before they can talk will test your patience, and honestly, that saying isn’t wrong. Many mothers in Nigeria can attest to this. One minute your baby is calm, the next minute they’re crying, and you’re left trying to figure out what went wrong.
At this stage, babies can’t explain what they need. They can’t point or speak. Crying is the only way they know how to communicate. But when the crying becomes constant, it’s easy to become worried or even overwhelmed.
So, what may your baby be trying to tell you when they’re constantly crying? And how can you respond in a way that actually helps?
This article will help you understand:
- Whether it is normal for babies to cry so much
- Common reasons your baby may be constantly crying
- How to calm your crying baby
- When you should speak to a doctor concerning your crying baby
Is It Normal for Babies to Cry So Much?
Yes, it is.
In the early weeks of life, crying is your baby’s main way of communicating. It’s how they tell you they’re hungry, uncomfortable, tired, or simply need to be held. So, while it can feel overwhelming, frequent crying is often a normal part of development.
Most newborns cry for about 1 to 3 hours a day. This can increase around 6 to 8 weeks of age, a phase many parents notice as the “peak” of crying. During this time, your baby may seem harder to settle, especially in the evenings. After this stage, the crying usually begins to reduce gradually.
It’s also important to understand that some babies naturally cry more than others. This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Babies are different, and their ways of expressing themselves can vary.
However, while crying is normal, doctors advise that excessive and persistent crying may need closer attention. The trick is learning what is typical for your baby, and noticing when something feels different.
Common Reasons Your Baby May Be Constantly Crying
When your baby seems to be crying all the time, it can feel exhausting. But in most cases, there’s a reason behind it. The challenge is figuring out which one.
Here are some of the most common reasons your baby may be crying more than usual:
- Hunger
This is often the first thing to consider.
Newborns feed frequently, and sometimes what feels like “constant crying” is simply your baby asking to be fed again. You may also notice early signs like sucking on their hands, turning their head (rooting), or becoming restless before the crying even starts.
- Discomfort
Babies are very sensitive to small changes.
A wet or dirty diaper, tight clothing, feeling too hot or too cold, or even something as simple as a tag or seam rubbing against their skin can make them uncomfortable enough to cry.
- Gas or Colic
If your baby cries intensely, especially after feeding or in the evenings, gas might be the cause. Mothers often notice signs like:
- Pulling their legs toward their tummy
- A hard or bloated stomach
- Difficulty settling even after feeding
Some babies also experience colic, where they cry for long periods without an obvious cause.
- Overtiredness (Need for Sleep)
It sounds strange, but babies often cry more when they are tired.
When a baby becomes overtired, it actually becomes harder for them to fall asleep. This can lead to intense crying, especially if they’ve been awake for too long.
- Need for Comfort or Attention
Sometimes, your baby simply wants to be close to you.
Being held, rocked, or comforted helps them feel safe. At this stage, responding to your baby does not “spoil” them; it helps build a sense of security.
- Illness or Pain
If the crying feels more intense or unusual, it may be a sign that your baby is unwell.
Look out for:
- Fever
- Poor feeding
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Changes in behaviour
If you notice any of these, it’s important to pay closer attention and consider speaking to a doctor.
How to Calm Your Crying Baby
The truth is, there isn’t one single solution that works every time. But there are simple things you can go through, one by one, to help settle your baby.
Start with these:
- Check if They’re Hungry
Even if you just fed your baby, they may still be hungry, especially during growth spurts. Try to feed them again to see if they settle. Sometimes, that’s all they need.
- Burp Your Baby
Gas can make babies very uncomfortable. Hold your baby upright and gently pat or rub their back. Even if they’ve already been burped, it’s okay to try again.
- Change Their Diaper
If your baby’s diaper is wet or dirty, it can make them fussy. Check and change them if needed. It’s a simple step, but it can be easily overlooked, especially when you’re stressed.
- Help Them Sleep
If your baby has been awake for a while, they may be overtired.
Try:
- Carrying them on your back with a wrapper to hold them in place
- Carrying them in your arms and walking around
- Reducing noise and light
Sometimes, what looks like “unexplained crying” is just a tired baby who can’t settle on their own.
- Hold and Comfort Your Baby
Your baby may just need closeness. So, carry them, hold them against your chest, or try skin-to-skin contact. Your voice and warmth can be very calming.
- Use Soothing Sounds
Some babies calm down with steady background sounds like a fan, soft music, or just you humming gently, as this can help recreate the environment they were used to before birth.
- Swaddle Your Baby
Wrapping your baby snugly in a light blanket can help them feel secure and reduce sudden movements that wake them up. Just make sure it’s done safely, not too tight, and with room for their hips to move.
- Take a Moment if You Need To
If you’ve tried everything and your baby is still crying, it’s okay to take a moment. You can place your baby in a safe space, like their crib, and give yourself a minute to breathe. Caring for a constantly crying baby can be overwhelming, and taking a short break can help you feel better.
Over time, you’ll start to understand what works best for your baby. What calms one baby may not work for another, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you’re trying and learning.
When Should You Speak to a Doctor About Your Crying Baby?
While crying is normal, sometimes it may be a sign that something more needs attention.
As a mother, you’ll gradually learn what is typical for your baby. So, when the crying feels harder to settle, it’s worth paying closer attention.
You should consider speaking to a doctor if:
- The Crying Is Persistent and Difficult to Soothe
If your baby cries for long periods, like 2 hours non-stop, and nothing seems to help, even after feeding, burping, changing, and comforting, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.
- Your Baby Has a Fever
A fever in a newborn or young baby should always be taken seriously. If your baby feels unusually warm or you record a high temperature, don’t ignore it. Consult your doctor immediately.
- There Are Changes in Feeding
If, in addition to the constant crying, your baby suddenly refuses to feed, feeds less than usual, or seems too weak to feed properly, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
- You Notice Vomiting or Diarrhea
Your crying baby having frequent vomiting or loose stools can point to discomfort, infection, or digestive problems.
- The Cry Sounds Unusual
A very high-pitched, weak, or different-sounding cry compared to your baby’s usual pattern can sometimes indicate pain or illness.
- Your Baby Seems Unwell
Trust what you’re noticing. If your baby appears unusually sleepy, less active, irritable, or simply “not like themselves,” it’s better to have them checked.
- You Feel Overwhelmed or Unsure
It is okay to feel unsure about things while caring for your baby. So, if you start to feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do next, speaking to a doctor can give you clarity and reassurance.
From the Desk of Koyo Doctors
Dear mom, in most cases, your baby crying frequently is not a cause for concern, but a normal part of early development. What matters most is observing them closely and responding to their needs with patience.
As long as your baby is feeding well, growing, and remains generally well, there is usually little to worry about. However, if anything feels unusual or concerning, it is always best to seek proper medical advice rather than make assumptions.
With the right guidance and support, this stage becomes easier to navigate for both you and your baby.
