Excessive Crying
Babies cry for many reasons – most commonly because they are hungry or need a nappy change. Sometimes babies cry because they are uncomfortable or are unwell. This may be due to colic, reflux, constipation or infection amongst other things (see below). Sometimes the crying can feel like it’s become too much, and if this is the case, find out more information about local services and ICON organisation for advice on what you can do.
Below are some things to look out for if your baby is crying that may suggest they are unwell.
Please see Red-Amber-Green tables for advice on when and where to seek care for your child.
Crying behaviours peak from 2 weeks to 4 months of age. This is a normal developmental process and is unrelated to the diagnosis of 'colic' or 'wind'.
Crying behaviours peak from 2 weeks to 4 months of age. This is a normal developmental process and is unrelated to the diagnosis of 'colic' or 'wind'.
When should you worry?
If your child has any of the following:
- Breathing very fast, too breathless to talk, eat or drink
- Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs, or noisy breathing (grunting)
- Breathing that stops or pauses
- Is pale, blue, mottled or feels unusually cold to touch
- Difficult to wake up or very sleepy
- Weak, high-pitched cry or can’t be settled
- Has a fit (seizure)
- Has a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the glass test)
- Has a temperature more than 38°C or under 36°C (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features
You need urgent help.
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or call 999 - dial 999.
If your child has any of the following:
- Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
- Dry skin, lips or tongue
- Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
- Poor feeding (less than half of their usual amount)
- Irritable (Unable to settle them with cuddles, toys or feeding)
- Getting worse and I am still worried
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.
Please contact your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111.
If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your child has not developed any red features.
None of the above features are present
- Continues to feed well
- Has plenty of wet nappies
- Additional information is available about infant crying and how to cope.
Self care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your baby, speak to your health visitor, local pharmacist or call NHS 111– dial 111.
Advice and Guidance
Self care and Prevention
Crying behaviours peak from 2 weeks to 4 months of age. This is a normal developmental process and is unrelated to the diagnosis of 'colic' or 'wind'. There is lots more on this here.
Baby may be unsettled due to:
- hunger
- dirty nappy
- tiredness
- wanting a cuddle / reassurance
- abdominal wind
- feeling too hot or too cold
Advice for parents:
- try different winding positions
- skin to skin contact
- rocking / singing or music
- a warm bath (after the first week)
- going for a walk or short drive (do not encourage long periods in a car seat)
Watch a video from ICON on ways to cope.
Learn more about the ICON support available.
Video Showcase
