Babies cry—because crying is how they express all their feelings and needs, such as hunger, pain, fear, or sleep.
To soothe a crying baby, you first need to understand the reason behind the tears. But how can you figure that out? Especially in the first few months after birth, it may take a little extra time to recognize your baby’s behaviors and understand what they need.
The good news: babies usually cry for a handful of common reasons. Once you’ve discovered these and learned to read your baby’s reactions, calming them down becomes much easier.
Why Do Babies Cry?
If They're Hungry
Hunger is one of the most common reasons babies cry. Learning to recognize the signs of hunger—before the crying starts—can help you feed your baby in time.
Newborns often display hunger cues like lip-smacking, rooting reflexes, or putting their hands in their mouths.
If Their Diaper Is Dirty
A dirty diaper is uncomfortable and a leading reason babies cry. While some babies signal you the moment they need a change, others might tolerate it for a while.
If your baby seems fussy, a quick diaper check could be the answer.
If They’re Tired
Although it might seem like babies can sleep anytime, anywhere, that’s not always the case. When overly tired, babies can have difficulty falling asleep—and that frustration can lead to crying.
If They Want to Be Held
Babies crave closeness. Seeing your face, hearing your voice, feeling your heartbeat, and smelling your scent brings them comfort. One of the main reasons babies cry is simply wanting to be near you.
If They Have Stomach Discomfort (Gas, Colic, etc.)
Digestive issues like gas or colic are common culprits for long bouts of crying. If your baby cries after feeding, they might be experiencing tummy trouble.
Before trying any remedies, it’s best to consult your pediatrician.
If you suspect gas, gently moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion while lying on their back can help.
If They Need to Burp
Sometimes, the reason behind a baby's tears is simply trapped air. Swallowing air during bottle-feeding is a common cause.
While some babies are barely affected, others may struggle with this more frequently.
If They’re Cold or Too Warm
During clothing or diaper changes, babies can get cold—sometimes more than you might expect. Cold tends to bother newborns more than heat.
To keep your baby comfortable, a good rule is to dress them in one more layer than what you would wear in the same environment.
If They’re Uncomfortable
Tiny things can cause major discomfort for babies. For example, a stray hair wrapped around a finger or toe can be painful—a condition known as “hair tourniquet syndrome.”
Babies may also be sensitive to certain fabrics, tags, or even pacifiers and bottles. Finding the materials and textures your baby prefers will help you avoid these triggers.
If They’re Teething
Each new tooth pushes through the gums, causing pain. Teething can also bring fever or other symptoms in some babies.
If your baby seems to be in unexplained discomfort, gently check their gums to see if teething might be the cause.
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months.
If They’re Overstimulated
Babies experience the world in their own unique way. Too many sounds, lights, or passing hands can overwhelm them. Crying is often their way of saying, “That’s enough.”
In such cases, moving to a calm and quiet space—or swaddling them for a sense of security—can help.
If They’re Understimulated
Some babies are naturally curious and eager to explore. For these little adventurers, too little stimulation can lead to boredom—and crying.
If keeping up with their energy is tough, try using a sling or baby carrier, or visit child-friendly places like museums or zoos together.
If They’re Unwell
If all basic needs are met and your baby is still crying in a way that seems unusual, they might be sick.
Sick babies often cry differently than when they’re just tired or hungry. In such cases, check their temperature and look for other signs of illness—or consult your doctor.