Dr. Murali Gopal
Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Crying is communication.
Some crying is normal, but sudden, unusual, persistent, or illness-associated crying needs prompt medical review, especially in newborns.
Why do babies cry?
Babies cry for hunger, tiredness, discomfort, overstimulation, wind, needing closeness, or normal developmental fussiness. Crying should always be considered alongside feeding, urine, stool, temperature, colour, breathing, and alertness.
What may be normal
- Crying may increase during the first weeks and may be worse in the evening.
- Baby may settle with feeding, holding, burping, sleep, or a quieter environment.
- Needing comfort does not mean a baby is spoiled.
Home support
- Respond calmly and check the baby from head to toe.
- Try feeding, burping, nappy change, checking temperature, reducing noise and light, holding, and gentle rocking.
- Use safe sleep if putting the baby down: back, firm flat surface, clear cot.
- Ask for help from family or a clinician if you are exhausted.
- Never shake, slap, throw, or roughly handle a crying baby.
Red flags / when to seek medical review
Seek urgent medical review if any of these occur:
- Fever or low temperature in a newborn, poor feeding, refusal to feed, or reduced urine output.
- Crying is high-pitched, sudden, persistent, inconsolable, or worse when touched or moved.
- Lethargy, unusual drowsiness, floppy baby, seizures, abnormal movements, or baby looks very unwell.
- Breathing difficulty, grunting, chest indrawing, blue lips, or pauses in breathing.
- Repeated vomiting, green vomit, swollen abdomen, blood in stool, or diarrhoea.
- Jaundice in the first 24 hours, deepening jaundice, poor feeding with jaundice, pale stools, or dark urine.
- Any parent feels unsafe, overwhelmed, or worried they may lose control.
Important facts for parents
- Babies cannot be spoiled by being comforted.
- Crying does not always mean hunger; repeated feeding when full can worsen discomfort.
- A calm caregiver is part of baby safety; it is acceptable to put the baby safely in the cot and take a short break.
- Trust your instinct. Newborn crying with illness signs should be checked early.
Medical disclaimer
General education only This guide does not diagnose the cause of crying, exclude serious illness, or replace medical consultation and examination. Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms. Final clinical use requires clinician review.
You may also find useful
Related guide: Colic in Babies.
References
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Kids Health Info: Crying and unsettled babies / colic.
- WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care / postnatal care: newborn danger signs and referral principles.
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Guidelines for Parents and newborn/infant education resources.
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org. Safe sleep guidance.
Last reviewed: 16 June 2026.
Medical review
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