Soothing a Crying Newborn: What Works, Colic and When to Get Help

Why newborns cry, and how much is normal

Crying is a baby's main way of telling you what they need or feel. The Raising Children Network says babies cry and fuss for about two hours a day on average in the first three months, about 2 in 10 cry for much longer, and crying usually peaks around six to eight weeks. The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) adds that it is often worse in the late afternoon and evening and usually eases after about four months.

The causes are usually ordinary: hunger, tiredness, discomfort, a need for closeness, or too much stimulation. Check first that your baby isn't unwell or hurt (see the red box below).

A soothing menu, not a recipe

Nothing works every time, so think of this as a menu. Try one thing at a time and give it a few minutes before switching.

• Feed. If it has been a while, offer a feed (see our guides to feeding gear and how much and how often to formula feed). The Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland also suggests paced bottle-feeding for a bottle-fed baby.
• Hold close. Skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking and holding in different positions are suggested by the HSE. Raising Children adds carrying in a sling, a walk, or a drive. If your baby falls asleep on the move, move them to a cot on their back, because the car seat or sling isn't a safe place for a nap. For slings, follow the T.I.C.K.S. checks in our newborn essentials guide.
• Calm the senses. Dim the lights, use a soft voice or singing, and try steady background sound. Raising Children mentions white noise such as a fan, and the HSE mentions household noise or gentle music.
• Warm bath or massage. Both are suggested by Raising Children and the RCH.
• Wrap. Raising Children says wrapping can give security, but to stop once your baby shows signs of rolling. See our safe sleep guide for wrapping rules.
• Sucking. Breastfeeding or a dummy can calm a baby who needs to suck.

The HSE notes that a crying baby may be overtired or overstimulated. Lay them on a mat beside you, turn down the lights and reduce noise.

Evening crying and "PURPLE" crying

The RCH describes a typical pattern of crying that is Peak (worst around six to eight weeks), Unexpected, Resistant to soothing, Pain-like in appearance, Long-lasting and Evening-weighted. Knowing that this pattern is common, and that it passes, can make it easier to cope with. Colicky crying can look as though your baby is in pain, even when a medical cause isn't found. Because crying can also be a sign of illness, seek medical advice if your baby seems unwell, the cry is unusual, feeding changes, or you're worried.

What is colic?

Raising Children defines colic as persistent crying and fussing with no illness or injury behind it: at least three hours a day, on at least three days a week. It affects about one in five babies, is most common in the first six weeks, and the cause is not known. Colicky babies may cry loudly, draw up their legs, squirm and strain, and be hard to comfort.

• See your doctor. Raising Children says your GP can rule out other causes such as reflux, infection, hernia, allergy or nappy rash. See them promptly if your baby seems listless or pale, isn't feeding well or gaining weight, has a fever, or has persistent vomiting or diarrhoea.
• What may help. A nurse can check your feeding technique and suggest settling programs or early parenting centres. Some evidence suggests a specific probiotic strain may reduce crying in some exclusively breastfed babies, according to the RCH. The results don't apply to all probiotics or to every feeding situation, so speak with your GP or child health nurse before trying one.
• What probably won't. Raising Children says over-the-counter colic mixtures, reflux medicines and naturopathic or homeopathic remedies have no proven benefit, spinal manipulation isn't recommended and may harm, and changing a breastfeeding mother's diet or the baby's formula rarely helps unless an allergy is diagnosed.

Dummies

Red Nose says breastfed babies should wait until breastfeeding is established, usually around 4 to 6 weeks, while bottle-fed babies can be offered one from birth. Don't force a dummy on a baby who refuses it, don't put it back in if it falls out during sleep, clean and replace dummies regularly, and never coat one in anything sweet. Red Nose suggests starting to phase out dummy use after your baby turns one. For the safe sleep side, see our safe sleep guide.

Common mistakes

1. Doing everything at once. Changing, rocking, singing and bouncing together can overstimulate. Try one thing at a time.
2. Letting a baby sleep in a sling, swing or car seat. Move them to a cot on their back once they settle.
3. Buying a colic remedy and not asking. Many products lack evidence and some may be harmful, according to the RCH.
4. Seeing crying as failure. Most crying is normal, and settling takes time and varies between babies.
5. Ignoring your own limit. Put the baby safely down and take a break before you reach breaking point.
6. Waiting too long to ask. If the cry sounds different, or you're worried, see a doctor or nurse.

When to get help

• See your GP or child health nurse if you suspect a medical cause, your baby only cries around feeds, isn't gaining weight, or you aren't coping (HSE, RCH).
• Go to a hospital if you can't settle your baby and are worried they are unwell (RCH).
• See your GP if you notice signs of postnatal depression, such as persistent sadness, irritability, difficulty coping or strong anxiety (Raising Children).

Soothing advice around the world

We have drawn mainly on Australian sources, with advice from the HSE in Ireland. The core messages are the same wherever you live: crying is normal, never shake a baby, and ask for help early. Support lines differ by country, so check your own health service.

Frequently Asked Questions