Your baby’s cry is their very first language. The sound is loud, it’s constant, and it tugs at your heart in a way nothing else does. You might find yourself wondering what’s wrong or if you’re missing something. But every parent feels that way at some point. You’re not alone.



Crying is just your baby’s way of talking to you. They can’t use words yet, so their cries are how they let you know they need something. But over time, you’ll get better at knowing what they’re trying to tell you. What matters most right now is that you show up, that you try, and that you stay connected with your baby!



Why Your Baby Might Be CryingTake a look at the most common reasons your baby might be crying:

• Hunger: This is often the first thing you think of when your baby starts crying. Newborns have tiny stomachs that empty quickly, so they may need to feed every couple of hours. Look for early hunger cues like lip-smacking, rooting (turning their head to find your breast), or sucking on their hands.
• Dirty nappy: Some babies don’t mind a wet or soiled nappy, but others will cry the moment they feel uncomfortable. A quick check or sniff can tell you if a nappy change is needed.
• Tiredness: Babies can find it hard to sleep when they’re overtired. Look out for yawning, rubbing eyes, or just staring blankly. Too much noise or activity makes it harder for them to settle.
• Need for comfort: Sometimes they just want to be held. This is especially true in the first few months when they need lots of cuddles.
• Too hot or too cold: Babies are sensitive to temperature. Check their tummy or the back of their neck to see if they’re too warm or chilly.
• Tummy troubles: Issues like gas or colic can make your baby cry. Gas isn’t usually painful, but it can cause fussiness. Colic is when a baby cries for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks.
• Teething pain: Babies between 6 and 12 months may cry from sore gums. Look for swollen gums, extra drooling, or chewing on anything they can reach.
• Overstimulation: Too much noise, light, or activity can overwhelm your baby. They might cry to say, “I’ve had enough!” Look for cues like them turning their head away or becoming fussy after lots of play.
• Need for stimulation: On the flip side, some babies cry because they’re bored. Outgoing babies might want more activity or to explore the world around them.
• Feeling unwell: A sick baby’s cry can sound weaker or higher-pitched. If they have symptoms like fever, vomiting, or lack of energy, it’s time to check with a doctor.

How to Soothe a Crying BabyOnce you’ve figured out why your baby is crying, you can try some soothing techniques.



These are some ideas to help calm your little one:

• Feed them early: Watch for hunger cues like rooting or hand-sucking and offer milk before the crying starts. For breastfeeding, let your baby feed as long as they want. For formula-fed babies, offer smaller amounts more often if they seem to prefer it.
• Change the nappy: A quick nappy change can work wonders if that’s the issue.
• Help them sleep: If your baby’s tired, take them to a quiet, dimly lit room. Try gentle rocking or a lullaby to help them drift off.
• Offer cuddles or babywearing: Hold your baby close to your chest so they can hear your heartbeat. Skin-to-skin contact or using a sling to carry them can be incredibly comforting. Swaying gently while holding them might also help.
• Adjust their temperature: If they’re too hot, remove a layer or blanket. If they’re cold, add one.
• Ease tummy troubles: For gas, try laying your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion. Burping after feeds is also important. Hold them over your shoulder and pat gently to release trapped air.
• Soothe teething pain: If your baby is in the teething stage, they might cry because their gums hurt. You can give them a clean, cold washcloth or a solid teething ring to chew on.
• Reduce stimulation: If your baby’s overstimulated, take them to a calm, quiet place. White noise can mimic the womb and help them settle.
• Provide more activity: Some babies cry because they’re bored. Try carrying them in a front-facing carrier so they can look around the house. A walk in the pushchair or a trip to the park can be a nice change of scenery.

Crying is your baby’s main way of communicating right now, but it won’t always be this way. With time, you’ll start to recognise their patterns and the small signals that come before the bigger cries. As you figure out what works for your baby, you’ll feel more confident and calmer, too.



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FAQs on This is Probably Why Your Baby is Crying and Here's How You Can Soothe Them

Do babies cry more in the evening?

Yes. Many newborns cry more in the evening, a phase often called the “witching hour".

Does gripe water help with colic?

Despite its popularity for colic and gas pains, no adequate studies have shown gripe water to be effective in easing stomach pain.