Why Your Baby Cries: 7 Common Reasons & How to Soothe
Crying is your newborn's only way to communicate. "Why are they crying?" can feel overwhelming and frustrating, but there are patterns to baby cries. Let's explore the main reasons and how to respond.
1. Hunger
This is the most common reason babies cry.
Signs
- Sucking on lips or hands
- Turning head side to side, searching for breast (rooting reflex)
- Making "neh" sounds (according to research)
- Starts as fussing, builds to full crying
What to Do
- Feed before crying escalates - catch early hunger cues
- If baby is too upset, calm them first, then feed
- Feeding intervals vary by baby (typically 2-3 hours)
2. Tiredness
Babies get cranky when tired too. Ironically, overtired babies have harder time falling asleep.
Signs
- Yawning, rubbing eyes
- Looking away, glazed eyes
- Pulling at ears
- Burying face into parent's body
What to Do
- Act on tired signs immediately
- Reduce stimulation: dim lights, lower noise
- Hold and rock gently to calm
- Use white noise
3. Dirty Diaper
Wet or soiled diapers can irritate baby's skin. Sensitivity varies - some babies don't mind, others cry immediately.
Signs
- Reaching toward diaper area
- Squirming or lifting bottom
- Uncomfortable expression
What to Do
- Check diaper every 2-3 hours
- Clean thoroughly after bowel movements, let skin dry completely
- Use diaper cream or consult doctor for diaper rash
4. Needs to Be Held / Bored
Babies have social needs too. They need warmth, touch, and attention.
Signs
- Stops crying when picked up
- Cries again when put down
- Looks for parent's face
What to Do
- Hold and cuddle, try skin-to-skin (kangaroo care)
- Use a baby carrier or sling
- Talk to baby, sing songs
- The old saying "holding spoils babies" has no scientific basis
5. Gas or Colic
Immature digestive systems can cause gas buildup or colic. Especially common from 2 weeks to 3 months old.
Signs
- Pulling legs toward tummy
- Bloated belly
- Face turns red, straining
- Intense crying, especially in evenings (colic)
What to Do
- Burp during and after feeds
- Tummy massage: gentle clockwise circles
- Bicycle legs: move legs like pedaling a bike
- Warm hand on tummy
- If severe, consult pediatrician (formula change, medication options)
6. Too Hot or Cold
Babies can't regulate body temperature well. Being too hot or cold causes discomfort and crying.
Signs
- Too hot: sweating, red face, damp hair
- Too cold: cold hands/feet, pale skin
What to Do
- Check temperature by feeling back of neck or tummy (hands/feet are naturally cooler)
- Dress baby in one more layer than you're wearing
- Room temperature: 68-72°F (20-22°C)
- Overheating increases SIDS risk
7. Overstimulated
New environments, many people, loud noises... Babies have limits to processing information.
Signs
- Looking away, turning head
- Sudden explosive crying
- Clenched fists
- Hard to soothe
What to Do
- Move to a quiet, dark place
- Reduce stimulation: turn off TV, minimize visitors
- Shushing sounds or white noise
- Hold close and swaddle
The 5 S's: Basic Soothing Techniques
Developed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, the 5 S's method is highly effective.
- Swaddling: Wrap snugly in a blanket
- Side/Stomach: Hold on side or tummy (always place on back for sleep)
- Shushing: White noise, "shh" sounds
- Swinging: Gentle rocking motion
- Sucking: Feeding or pacifier
Combining 2-3 techniques increases effectiveness. Example: swaddle + shushing + swinging
When to See a Doctor
Crying is normal, but seek medical attention if you notice:
- Inconsolable crying for more than 3 hours
- Fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
- Refusing to feed or vomiting
- Limp or unresponsive
- Unusual cry (high-pitched, different from normal)
- Rash, breathing difficulties, or other symptoms
Final Thoughts
Baby crying is communication. At first, you won't know what each cry means, but over time, you'll learn to distinguish "this is the hungry cry" from "this is the tired cry."
You don't need to respond perfectly to every cry. Babies also learn to express and regulate their emotions through crying. Keeping them safe and responding with care is enough.