By Erica Lötter, certified baby sleep consultant · Ages Newborn – 12 months · 6 min read · Updated
The short answer
Babies cry to communicate — most often because they are hungry, tired (especially overtired), uncomfortable, overstimulated or need to be close to you. Crying normally increases from about 2 weeks, peaks around 6–8 weeks and settles by 3–4 months. Work through the basics (feed, wind, nappy, temperature, a calm dark room), then soothe with holding, gentle movement and white noise. If your baby has a fever, a weak or high-pitched cry, or simply seems unwell, contact your doctor straight away.
Is this much crying normal?
Yes — for many babies it is. Researchers call the early weeks the “Period of PURPLE Crying”: crying tends to start around 2 weeks, peaks at about 6–8 weeks and eases by 3–4 months. During this phase a healthy baby can cry for long stretches, often in the late afternoon and evening, and may resist soothing even when nothing is wrong.
Knowing that this phase is normal and temporary does not make it easy — but it can help you stop searching for something you are “doing wrong”.
| Letter | What it means |
|---|---|
| P — Peak of crying | Crying increases week by week, peaking around 2 months |
| U — Unexpected | Crying can start and stop for no obvious reason |
| R — Resists soothing | Your baby may keep crying no matter what you try |
| P — Pain-like face | Your baby may look as if they are in pain even when they are not |
| L — Long lasting | Bouts can last hours a day |
| E — Evening | Crying is often worse in the late afternoon and evening |
The most common reasons babies cry
- Hunger — rooting, sucking on hands, lip smacking. Crying is a late hunger sign.
- Overtiredness — the most overlooked cause. Yawning, red eyebrows, staring into space and jerky movements come first; frantic crying comes once a baby is past tired.
- Wind or discomfort — pulling legs up, arching, crying after feeds.
- Overstimulation — too much noise, light, handling or visitors, especially in the evening.
- Temperature — too hot or too cold. Feel the back of the neck, not the hands.
- A wet or dirty nappy, scratchy clothing or a hair wrapped around a finger or toe.
- Needing you — babies are wired to want closeness. This is not a bad habit.
Calming steps to try, in order
- Check the basics: feed, wind, nappy, temperature.
- Lower the stimulation: dim the lights, turn off the TV, move to a quiet room.
- Hold your baby close — skin-to-skin works well for young babies.
- Add gentle, rhythmic movement: swaying, walking or rocking.
- Use steady white noise or a soft “shhh” close to your baby’s ear.
- Offer a dummy if you use one.
- Look at the clock: if your baby has been awake too long for their age, they are probably overtired and need help to sleep, not more entertainment.
If you feel overwhelmed
Continuous crying is exhausting and it is normal to feel frustrated. If you reach your limit, put your baby down safely on their back in their cot, close the door and take a few minutes to breathe. Call your partner, a friend or family member to take over. Never shake a baby.
Crying and sleep
Many “crying babies” are really tired babies who cannot fall asleep. When daytime sleep and the bedtime routine are sorted out, the evening crying often reduces dramatically. If your baby is over 8 weeks and still crying for hours most evenings, a personalised routine review can help — book a consultation with Erica.
When to call your doctor or go to the emergency room
- Your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38 °C or higher.
- The cry is weak, high-pitched or very different from usual.
- Your baby is floppy, unusually sleepy or hard to wake.
- Breathing is fast, noisy or laboured, or you see blue or grey lips.
- Repeated vomiting (especially green), blood in nappies, or a rash that does not fade when pressed.
- Fewer wet nappies, refusing feeds, or you simply feel something is wrong.
Sleep advice never replaces medical care. If in doubt, contact your doctor, clinic or nearest emergency unit.
Frequently asked questions
How long is too long for a baby to cry?
Healthy babies in the first 3–4 months can cry for long periods, especially in the evening. What matters more is whether your baby seems unwell. If the crying is unusual for your baby, sounds weak or high-pitched, or comes with fever, vomiting, poor feeding or floppiness, seek medical help.
Is it colic?
Doctors often describe colic as crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, in an otherwise healthy, thriving baby. It overlaps with the normal Period of PURPLE Crying and usually improves by 3–4 months. Ask your doctor to rule out other causes such as reflux or allergy.
Will picking up my crying baby spoil them?
No. Young babies cannot be spoiled. Responding to your baby builds trust and security — which actually makes independent sleep easier later.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic — The Period of PURPLE Crying
- NHS — Fever and high temperature in babies under 3 months
- American Academy of Pediatrics — A parent’s guide to safe sleep (HealthyChildren.org)
This guide is general information to support healthy, full-term babies and is not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your doctor or clinic.