Crying and settling in the first months

Why your baby may cry, things you can try, and when to get help for your baby or yourself.

A crying baby can be hard to comfort, especially when you are tired too. Hunger, a wet nappy, tiredness or wanting to be held are all possible reasons. Sometimes you will not know why your baby is crying. You can still offer comfort without working it out straight away.

Why these weeks can feel hard

Many babies cry more from about 2 weeks and gradually less from around 3 months. Research across countries finds a broad early high period around 4 to 8 weeks, with plenty of variation. It cannot tell you which days will be hardest for your baby.

You may hear people talk about a six-week peak or a particular fussy phase. These can describe someone’s experience, but they are not a schedule every baby follows.

Things to try

  • Check for hunger, a wet nappy, or whether your baby seems too hot or cold.
  • Try holding them close, speaking softly or gently swaying.
  • If the room is busy, try somewhere quieter. Too much rocking or singing can sometimes be tiring too.
  • Give one response a little time before trying another. What helps may change from day to day.

Watching your baby and responding is what “responsive care” means. You are learning about each other through ordinary moments, including the difficult ones.

When you need a break

Put your baby safely in their cot, step into another room briefly and return once you have had a moment to calm down. Ask someone you trust to help if you can. Never shake a baby.

When to get medical help

Ask for medical advice if your baby’s cry sounds unusual, they cannot be consoled, they seem unwell or you are worried. In the UK, contact your GP or NHS 111 for urgent advice.

Call 999 in the UK if your baby has trouble breathing, is unresponsive or has a seizure. These are examples, not the full list of emergency signs. Read the NHS advice on crying and illness. Outside the UK, use your local medical and emergency services.

Support for you matters too

If crying is wearing you down, tell your health visitor, doctor or someone close to you. You do not have to wait until you cannot cope. Practical help with a meal, another child or a short break can make a difficult evening more manageable.