Why Is My Newborn Crying? Causes and Warning Signs

Why babies cry

Crying is your newborn's only way to say "something isn't right", and the something can be as simple as a wet nappy or as vague as "I just need you." Babies cry a lot, and it is normal. Sources describe an average of around two to three hours a day, and some babies cry much more.

This guide helps you work out the likely reason, quickly. For soothing methods and colic, see our guide to soothing a crying newborn.

Can you tell what a cry means?

You may have heard that different cries mean different things, such as a "hungry cry" or a "tired cry". The research is less neat than that. A 2025 study from the University of Saint-Etienne, reported in Communications Psychology, recorded almost 40,000 crying episodes from 24 babies, and neither a computer model nor 146 adult listeners could tell the cause from the sound alone, even after training. Parents in the study did guess the cause correctly about three-quarters of the time, but the researchers think this was because of context, such as how long since the last feed or nappy change, not because of the cry itself.

The takeaway is encouraging. You don't have to learn a secret code. You need to think about what has happened in the last few hours, and run through a short list of likely causes.

The cause finder

Possible cause	Clues	Try first
Hungry	Rooting, opening the mouth, hands to the mouth, lip smacking. Crying is a late sign.	Feed. If your baby is already upset, calm them with a cuddle or skin-to-skin first
Wet or dirty nappy	Wriggling, fussing that eases when changed	Check and change the nappy
Wind	Often after feeds, when a baby may squirm or pull up their legs. These signs are not specific to wind	Hold upright and gently rub or pat the back
Too hot or too cold	Hot, sweaty or flushed, or cool. Tight or scratchy clothing can also bother them	Adjust layers, check labels and seams, and use a thermometer if you are worried they are unwell
Tired	Yawning, clenched fists, jerky movements, a worried look, trouble focusing	Start the settling routine now, before the crying starts
Wants closeness	Quiet when picked up, upset when put down	Cuddle, skin-to-skin, or carry in a sling
Overstimulated	Turns away, arches, cries after lots of noise, light or handling	Move to a calm, dim, quiet room
Unwell	Different from their usual cry, feeding poorly, unusually sleepy or floppy, fever	Seek medical advice, don't wait it out

These are common reasons babies cry. Sometimes there is no obvious cause, which is normal too.

Hunger cues: catch them early

Crying is a late hunger signal, and a baby who is already upset can be harder to feed. Looking out for earlier signs usually makes feeding calmer. These stages come from Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and NHS Grampian.

Stage	What you may see
Early	Stirring, opening the mouth, turning the head from side to side, rooting, hands to the mouth
Mid	More movement and restlessness, stretching, more hand-to-mouth, sucking on lips or hands, lip smacking
Late	Crying, agitated movements, and sometimes reddening skin (which may not show on brown or black skin)

If you missed the early cues, calm your baby first with a cuddle or skin-to-skin, then feed. Watch your baby, not the clock. Feeding patterns shift during growth spurts.

A quick checklist when the crying starts

Think back. When did they last feed, sleep and have a nappy change?
Feed if it has been a while or you see hunger cues.
Check the nappy.
Burp your baby upright, especially after feeding.
Check temperature and clothing for too hot, too cold, or anything scratchy or tight.
Look for tired signs, and start the sleep routine if you see them. See our safe sleep guide for how to settle your baby safely.
Offer closeness, then a break from noise and light if they seem overstimulated.

How much crying is normal?

A lot more than most new parents expect. Crying builds from about 2 weeks, peaks around 6 to 8 weeks, often bunches in the evening and eases by about 3 to 5 months. Averages of about two to three hours a day are described, and some healthy babies cry much longer. A baby who feeds well, gains weight and settles between spells is usually going through this normal phase. Our soothing guide covers colic, "PURPLE" crying and what to try when nothing seems to work.

When crying is a reason to get help

Under 3 months with a fever: a temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if your baby seems well. Check the advice in your country.
Call your emergency number if your baby has difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips or skin, is floppy, unresponsive or hard to wake, has a seizure, or has a rash that does not fade when pressed.
Get urgent medical advice if the cry is weak, high-pitched or different from usual, or your baby is feeding poorly, has fewer wet nappies, or vomits repeatedly.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, get your baby checked.

When the crying is getting to you

It is stressful, even when you know it is normal. If you reach your limit, put your baby safely on their back in the cot, step away for a few minutes and ask someone to take over. Never shake a baby. Our soothing guide has more on coping and where to get support.

Common mistakes and confusing bits

Waiting for crying to feed. Crying is a late hunger cue. Feed at earlier signs where you can.
Trying everything at once. Work through the checklist, one thing at a time.
Assuming it's your fault. Crying peaks in every healthy baby, however good the care.
Relying on a cry "translator". Research suggests the sound alone doesn't tell you the cause. Use context.
Missing tired cues. An overtired baby often cries harder and settles worse.
Giving remedies without advice. NCT says over-the-counter medicines, sugar and herbal products have limited evidence. Ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
Ignoring a changed cry. A weak or unusual cry needs checking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Often no clear reason is found. Crying is normal and builds from about 2 weeks, peaks around 6 to 8 weeks and eases by 3 to 5 months. If your baby feeds well, gains weight and settles between spells, it is usually part of normal development.

Not reliably from the sound alone, according to a 2025 study of almost 40,000 cries. Parents usually work it out from context, such as the time since the last feed, sleep or nappy change.

Hunger shows as rooting, opening the mouth and hands to the mouth. Tiredness shows as yawning, clenched fists, jerky movements and a worried look. Crying is a late sign of both.

Averages of about two to three hours a day are described, and some babies cry up to five hours. It peaks around 2 months and often bunches in the evening.

Yes. Crying often increases in the late afternoon and evening, and it usually eases by 3 to 4 months.

Get urgent help if the cry is weak, high-pitched or different from usual, or your baby is under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher. Seek advice if your baby is feeding poorly, has fewer wet nappies, vomits repeatedly, or cries more than three hours a day in a way that is unusual for them. Call your emergency number for breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness.

Yes, it can. Babies swallow air when they feed, and trapped wind can cause tummy pain, although squirming or pulling up the legs doesn't prove wind is the cause. Holding your baby upright and gently rubbing their back often brings up a burp. If crying is persistent or comes with feeding problems or repeated vomiting, seek advice.

Many newborns want closeness. Being held, skin-to-skin or carried in a sling is familiar and calming for a baby, and wanting a cuddle is one of the common reasons for crying. It is not spoiling.

This page is general information and not medical advice. It does not replace advice from your doctor, midwife or child health nurse. If you think your baby is unwell, get medical help.

Why Is My Newborn Crying?