The usual reasons babies cry, when crying is at its peak, and the signs that crying means she may be ill.
In short
- Crying is how she tells you things.
- Check hunger, nappy, tiredness and temperature first.
- A cry that sounds different needs an emergency call.
The usual reasons
- hunger
- a dirty or wet nappy
- tiredness
- wanting a cuddle
- wind
- being too hot or too cold
- boredom
- too much going on around her
When crying is at its worst
All babies cry. Some cry more than others. Crying tends to increase from about 2 weeks old. It then slowly eases from around 3 months. Many babies cry most in the afternoon and evening. That is often when you are most tired.
Sometimes she keeps crying after you have checked everything. She is not trying to upset you. Your brain is made to find her cry uncomfortable. This makes you want to comfort her.
She may have colic if she cries more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for at least 1 week, and is otherwise well. Colic crying often comes in waves. It stops for a moment, then starts again. Between times, she is well, feeding and growing. Colic usually stops by 3 to 4 months.
Crying during feeds
Some babies cry around feeds. If you breastfeed, better positioning and attachment can help her settle. Crying during feeds can also be a sign of reflux. Talk to your health visitor or doctor.
Other signs she may be seriously ill
- She is violently sick again and again: call your emergency number now
- The soft spot on top of her head is bulging: call your emergency number now
- She is 3 to 6 months, has not had a vaccine in the last 2 days, and her temperature is 39C or more: call your emergency number now
- Her temperature is below 36C: call your emergency number now
- She has had no wet nappy for 12 hours: call your emergency number now
- She is not feeding at all: call your emergency number now
- Her skin feels cold or clammy: call your emergency number now
- Her hands and feet are unusually cold: call your emergency number now
- She is 3 to 6 months, had a vaccine in the last 2 days, and her temperature is 39C or more: call your doctor now
