Overview
Crying is one of the most common reasons parents seek help in the first few months after birth. For many parents, the sound of a crying newborn can be distressing, especially when you're tired, unsure what's wrong, or feeling helpless. The good news? All babies cry. This is their first and most effective way to communicate with you. With time, support and guidance, you'll learn to interpret your baby's cries and discover strategies to help settle them.
Why newborns cry
Crying is a newborn's way of saying, "I need something." That something might be food, a cuddle, a nappy change, a different environment, or simply reassurance that you're close.
Sometimes, there’s no clear reason — and that’s normal too. All babies cry, and some cry more than others.
Common reasons babies cry:
- Hunger
- Tiredness or overstimulation
- A dirty or wet nappy
- Needing help to settle
- Wind or digestive discomfort
- Feeling too hot or too cold
- Illness or discomfort
When your baby cries, respond calmly and with a soft tone of voice. If something doesn’t seem right or the crying is different from usual, contact your GP or child and family health nurse.
What to expect in the early months
Crying typically peaks at 6–8 weeks of age, averaging 2–3 hours per day, and gradually lessens by 12 weeks.
Some babies may cry and be more unsettled in the late afternoon or evening — in the past, this phenomenon has been referred to as the “witching hour.”
We call this time the "Period of PURPLE Crying." It is a normal stage that begins around two weeks old. It peaks at about 6 to 8 weeks and slowly gets better by 3 to 4 months.
The acronym PURPLE captures six key characteristics of this stage:
- P – Peak of crying: Crying increases gradually each day, reaching a peak around 6 to 8 weeks, and then lessens over time.
- U – Unexpected: Crying can start and stop suddenly. It doesn’t always mean the baby is hungry or uncomfortable.
- R – Resists soothing: Some crying times keep happening even when you try hard to calm your baby. This can be very frustrating.
- P – Pain-like face: Your baby may look as if they are in pain, even when they are not.
- L – Long-lasting: Crying can go on for 30–40 minutes at a time or longer — the longest bouts your baby will ever have.
- E – Evening: Crying often happens more in the late afternoon or evening. This can be tough for tired parents.
It's important to understand that this behaviour is not a sign of illness or bad parenting. All babies go through this stage — some more intensely than others.
Unlike 'colic', which many people misunderstand, PURPLE crying is a normal part of development. All babies experience it in different ways.
This crying can be distressing, but it will end. What matters most is responding with calm reassurance and never blaming yourself or your baby.
If you're ever in doubt, speak with your child and family health nurse or GP to rule out any medical concerns and gain support.
You may have sought this article to find a way to stop your newborn crying. But know that crying is a normal developmental stage and does not mean anything is wrong with your baby — or your parenting.
What is Colic?
Colic means a baby cries a lot, often for over 3 hours a day. This usually happens more than 3 days a week, even if your newborn is healthy.
Though the cause is unclear, it can be exhausting and upsetting. Colic typically begins within the first few weeks, peaks around 6–8 weeks, and eases by 3–4 months.
Ruling out any underlying medical concerns with your GP is important. Rest assured - colic resolves with time.
Read more about colic in babies here.
How to manage newborn crying
Try to identify and respond to your newborn’s needs when comforting your baby, here are some strategies to try:
- Feeding: Notice if your newborn is showing hunger cues
- Sleep: Look for tired signs — yawning, clenched fists, jerky movements — and put baby to bed.
- Comfort: Hold, cuddle, or rock your baby in your arms or a baby carrier.
- Movement: Try a walk in the pram or a drive in the car.
- Swaddling: Wrapping baby securely can be calming (stop once baby can roll).
- Bath: A warm bath can relax some babies.
- Massage: Gentle strokes can soothe and support bonding.
- Sound: White noise, soft music or your voice can be comforting.
- Dummy: Sucking can be soothing, even when not hungry.
- Low stimulation: Dim the lights, reduce noise, and offer a calm space.
Reducing the frequency of newborn crying
While all babies cry, some strategies may help reduce how often your baby cries:
- Establish a predictable routine: Babies thrive on consistency. A feed-play-sleep pattern can help your baby feel secure and reduce overstimulation.
- Learn and respond to early cues: Picking up on hunger or tiredness cues early can prevent overtiredness or distress.
- Ensure adequate daytime sleep: Overtired babies often cry more. On average newborns need 14–17 hours of sleep per day.
- Avoid overstimulation: Keep your baby’s environment calm and quiet, particularly before and during sleep times.
- Promote skin-to-skin contact: Holding your baby close helps regulate their temperature and heartbeat, regulates stress hormones and promotes bonding.
- Feed responsively: Pay attention to your baby’s feeding cues instead of following a strict schedule. This can help stop hunger-related crying.
Looking after yourself
Caring for a crying baby is tough. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You are not alone.
Tips for looking after yourself:
- Take short breaks. Place your baby safely in their cot and step outside the room.
- Share the load with a partner, family member or friend.
- Rest whenever possible.
- Eat well and drink plenty of water.
- Seek support. Talk to your child and family health nurse, GP, or call Karitane Careline 1800 227 464
If you feel signs of postnatal depression — sadness, anxiety, trouble coping — seek help early. Postnatal depression affects both birthing and non-birthing parents.
Safety information
Never shake a baby. Shaking can cause serious and permanent brain damage. If you feel overwhelmed:
- Place your baby in a safe place like a cot.
- Walk away, take deep breaths, and calm yourself.
- Call someone for support or contact a parenting helpline.
Get advice or help
When to seek medical advice
If you are concerned about excessive crying in your baby.
See your child and family health nurse or GP if:
- Crying sounds unusual or high-pitched
- Your baby has a fever or is less responsive
- Feeding patterns change drastically
- There are fewer wet nappies
- You feel like something isn’t right with your baby.
Where to get help
- Karitane Careline – Speak to a child and family health nurse for free support: 1300 227 464
- Your GP or pediatrician
- Child and Family Health Nurse
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
You’re not expected to have all the answers. Crying is a normal part of newborn development. Trust your instincts, take breaks when you need to, and reach out for support. You are doing an incredible job.
