Babies crying endlessly Dr Trisha Macnair Babies communicate their distress or discomfort by crying, but it can be deeply stressful for their parents. So why do babies cry, what's normal and what can you do to soothe your baby?

In this article

Why do babies cry? What is excessive crying?

What causes it? What can be done?

When there's no answer

Crying is the most effective way babies have of communicating their needs. Most babies spend as much as seven per cent of the day crying.

It can take parents some time to learn to recognise what a baby's cries mean. But by about four to six months most are able to differentiate between a cry of pain from a grizzle of hunger or a whine of boredom.

Most tiny babies have episodes of crying, which is often a sign of discomfort such as colic, but the cause often isn't proven. Even by the age of nine months, one in four babies has episodes of crying for no obvious cause.

When a child cries excessively it may sound like their normal cry but it may sound unusual, especially if there's an underlying medical problem or if the child is getting particularly distressed or tired. Breathing may become irregular with gasps and gulps.

Excessive crying may occur at certain times of the day, sometimes linked to a baby's routine.

It's important to be alert for medical problems, especially infections such as otitis media (infection of the middle ear), gastroenteritis, meningitis or a respiratory tract infection, as well as problems ranging from severe nappy rash to rarer conditions such as intussusception or a strangulated hernia.

If you're worried, especially if there are abnormal signs such as a skin rash or a fever, get medical advice.

Inconsolable crying is often put down to colic, but there's no definite test for it. It tends to affect babies for the first three to four months. They may show signs of tummy pain, such as pulling their legs up to their abdomen, while others pass a lot of wind.

Ask your health visitor for advice on your baby's diet and your own if you're breastfeeding. Some foods, such as cow's milk, citrus fruits or grapes, seem to aggravate colic. When the mother eats these, chemicals from the food may pass into her breast milk and reach the baby.

Signs of teething include crying, alongside gnawing, mild fever, sleep problems and mild diarrhoea. The first tooth usually appears at about four months.

Often though, the cause is more benign. Some babies are sensitive to tensions within the family or to changes in routine. Others just need a lot of attention or company. Some babies just seem to cry for no obvious reason.

Possible explanations include birth trauma, an attempt to release stress, liking the sound of their voice and simply a baby's personality.

First, you need to rule out all the standard causes for crying. Your baby may be hungry, have a wet nappy or be cold.

Small babies need to be snugly wrapped in clothes in a moderately warm environment. In their cot, they need thin layers they can kick off if hot. Babies don't need to wear a hat indoors. Babies don't need to wear a hat indoors.

Some babies find it hard to settle into a routine, while others can't get themselves off to sleep easily. It takes babies around 12 weeks for brainwave patterns to develop a regular routine.

Some babies just need to be left in a safe spot in a quiet, dark, warm room, while others want to be held, massaged and stroked. Some like silence, while others prefer a tape of music.

Some infants just like to be held constantly. Try carrying them round on your back or front held secure in a cloth or sling.

A regular routine of bath, feed and song seems to be most successful.

If all possible causes can be ruled out and you're desperate for a rest, put your baby somewhere warm and safe, such as in their cot, and close the door. Go into another room and listen to music or the TV, or practise stretching and breathing exercises.

It's difficult not to get anxious, and you may want to listen at their door or peep in after a few minutes - try to leave longer and longer breaks between each check.

Some babies will suddenly stop crying endlessly as mysteriously as they started, while others take months, or even years, to grow out of it.

Make sure you get plenty of breaks and rest. Find help wherever you can and take up any offer of help from family or reliable friends.

If you find you're still struggling, talk to your GP or health visitor. Ask for help before you reach crisis point.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in January 2008