From tiny newborn to a bit bigger: every baby cries. But some babies cry particularly often and for particularly long stretches - that's when we talk about a "crying baby" or colicky baby. This article explains the definition, why some babies cry so much, and how to cope with it.
How much does a baby cry?
It's normal for a baby to cry around two hours a day, especially in the first six weeks, while they're still adjusting to the world outside the womb. At first, a baby cries instinctively - it's their only way of communicating, of showing they feel uncomfortable. For most babies, crying peaks around six weeks; after that, the number of crying hours usually decreases.
Definition of a colicky or "crying" baby
A baby is called a crying baby when they cry for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks in a row. By this definition, around 10 to 15% of babies fall into this category. Alongside frequent crying, these babies often show other typical traits, such as difficulty coping with change. Other possible signs include:
- "Ordinary" crying that alternates with hysterical screaming
- Always the same, hard-to-distinguish cry - for hunger, attention, a full nappy, or tiredness
- Frequent restlessness
- Flushing red quickly
- Being difficult to console while crying
- Being very active
- A tense, firm tummy (likely from all the tension)
Note: these signs can have all sorts of causes. Not every crying baby shows all of them, and not every baby who shows them is automatically a "crying baby".
Why does a crying baby cry so much?
Often, no clear reason can be found for excessive crying. Still, various factors can affect a baby's sense of calm - and therefore their crying: stress, a difficult birth, physical discomfort (such as colic, thrush, allergies, or reflux), and tension within the family. Keep in mind that every baby cries, sometimes up to two hours a day at first - many parents find this extreme, but it's completely normal; it's how they communicate. In crying babies too, the crying usually settles on its own: in most cases, your baby will have grown out of this phase within three to six months.
How do you cope with a crying baby?
Having a baby who cries a lot isn't something that leaves you unaffected. It can cause frustration, despair, and exhaustion, and make you doubt yourself as a parent - why can't you seem to settle your baby? Keep in mind that a crying baby is, by nature, hard to console. You're rarely doing anything wrong by continuing to offer comfort, even if your baby doesn't settle right away - comfort genuinely helps, even when it isn't immediately obvious.
Comforting your baby
A few ways to help calm your little one:
- Carry your baby close in a sling - nowhere feels as secure to them as skin-to-skin contact with you.
- Let your baby sleep near you at night, for example in a crib in your bedroom.
- Try swaddling - wrapping your baby snugly in cloths limits their movement, which can have a calming effect. Ask your health visitor for advice on this beforehand.
- Give your baby a warm bath with a calming (lavender) oil, or a baby massage - this builds connection, soothes, and can reduce crying.
- Sing a song softly - your voice often has a calming effect.
Keep offering your baby love and comfort, even when you're running on empty yourself. Your baby isn't crying to get their own way - in the first weeks, they genuinely need comforting.
Calm and routine
A baby who cries a lot leaves parents overtired and sometimes desperate. Your baby senses this, and may cry even more as a result, since they too become tired from the situation - creating a cycle that keeps the crying going. Calm and routine are therefore especially important for crying babies. Research shows that children with a fixed daily pattern cry less and feel calmer. Try feeding and putting your baby to sleep at set times, and keep a consistent order to the daily routine: feed, cuddle, play, sleep. Avoid too much stimulation, and make sure there's enough rest.
Feeding and a crying baby
Frequent crying in a young baby can be linked to colic. If that's the case, your baby often starts crying and kicking their legs around half an hour after feeding, often flushing red. It can help to take a closer look at your baby's feeding pattern: have you changed anything recently, or have they been given more milk than usual?
And if that doesn't help?
Tried everything, and nothing seems to work? Some parents of crying babies find relief by visiting an osteopath, who uses manual techniques to release tension in the baby's body, helping them move more freely. This approach is holistic; you don't need a referral to see one.
Take good care of yourself too
One more important tip: take good care of yourself. A crying baby takes a real toll on your sleep, and can wear you down both physically and mentally. Try to eat well, and catch some extra sleep where you can - this gives you the energy to offer your baby the love and attention they need, day and night. Also ask friends or family for help where possible, so you can share the caregiving and get some rest yourself. You'll find it does you good.
Remember you're not alone, and that a crying baby always grows out of this phase eventually. Until then, your best approach is to comfort them as much as possible, and offer calm and routine.
About this article
This article is part of a series on common baby ailments. The information has been carefully put together to support new parents. Every child is different: if symptoms are severe or persistent, always contact your doctor or health visitor.
About Kabrita
Kabrita goat milk-based formula combines mild Dutch goat milk with a modern composition based on the latest scientific insights, resulting in a complete formula that delivers key nutrients gently. Kabrita is produced entirely in the Netherlands, using Dutch goat milk.