Understanding your baby’s crying

When a baby starts crying at night or during the day, it may be a sign of how they are feeling. We can describe crying in terms of the sound of the cry and the amount of crying.  How much a baby cries may be related to whether something is persistently bothering your baby or not.  You may notice your baby has different cries too, and the sound of the crying may be related to how much discomfort the infant is feeling. There are also other signs of discomfort in a crying baby, such as facial expressions, a change in how fast their heartbeats, or even breathing. Noticing how much your baby is crying and the sound of the cry may help you understand what is causing it. However, if you are unsure or if your baby’s crying worries you, you should speak with a doctor.

Could they be hungry?

When a baby starts crying, one reason may be hunger. So, could they be hungry? Infant cues for feeding can be different from child to child, so recognising whether your baby is crying because of hunger may take a little bit of time, even if they’re not your firstborn!  While you are still feeling your way around this, another cue to look out for is called the “root reflex”; an involuntary primitive reflex that helps newborns find the source of food (breast or bottle) and start feeding. You may see this when your baby’s mouth is touched or stroked, they may turn their head towards the direction the touch is coming from and then push out their tongue. Clenched fists, turning their head towards the breast or bottle, as well as fussing and/or licking their lips are other root cues as well. If your baby stops crying after feeding, then their cry may have just been simply related to hunger after all. But if they keep crying, or don’t feed, then see a doctor for advice.

Are they overstimulated?

In the excitement of playing, growing and exploring, babies and young children can become overstimulated,  which can also lead to crying. What do we mean by that? If your baby has been around lots of exciting activities, experiences, sounds, sensations or noise, then they may become cranky, upset, move their arms and kick or start crying.   To help prevent overstimulation, try to balance the amount of activity with some quiet time. To help calm an overstimulated, crying baby at night or during the day, calm yourself first with a few deep breaths. Then, try taking the baby to a quiet place and gently comforting them or placing them down to rest if needed.

Understanding your baby’s sleep pattern

Unlike most adults, newborn babies in particular usually have very different sleep needs and patterns.  While each baby is unique, in general, babies tend to sleep multiple times during the day, and it is common for them to also wake at night. When a baby wakes at night, it is usually because they need feeding. As your baby grows older, their sleep patterns and needs over 24 hours will also change. For example, newborns between 0–3 months old generally sleep for a total of 12–16 hours in 24 hours and cannot distinguish between day and night.1 Between 0–3 months, newborns also sleep in short bursts (known as sleep cycles) ranging from 20 to 50 minutes in length.1 Then, between the 3–6 months, babies will generally sleep for a total of 10–18 hours in 24 hours and for longer periods lasting between 2–3 hours.2 Remember though, every baby is different, and you should speak to your Child Health Nurse or doctor if you have any questions about your baby’s sleep patterns.

The importance of a sleep routine

If you are up at night because of your baby’s crying and you feel like you’ve tried it all - you are not alone! Anywhere from 15–35% of parents report problems with their infants’ sleep.3  Sometimes it may be down to their routine. A baby sleep routine aims to help train them to resettle by themselves. During the day, a sleep routine may look a little like this: feed, change their nappy, cuddle, play, followed by a nap. Towards the evening, around the same time each day, try a warm bath and keep their room dim or dark to settle them in. It is a good idea to settle your baby in their bassinet/cot to help them associate sleep with their bed and not elsewhere.

But remember, not every day will go as planned. You may need to find a balance between structure and flexibility, as their needs and what works may change over time.

Some comforting techniques to soothe a crying baby at night

Soothing a crying baby at night is called ‘responsive settling’. Some methods include gentle patting on the back or bottom, humming/gentle singing, speaking softly and gently using sounds like ‘shh, shh’. As your baby gets older, you can reinforce a sleeping routine to help them sleep more soundly at night and resettle themselves.

But what if your baby is crying due to teething? To help relieve the pain, try rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend pain relief options such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help as well.

The magic of a warm bath

Bath time can be a relaxing experience for the parent and child. Try incorporating a relaxing pre-sleep bath routine before putting them down for rest. Pick a time when you are less likely to be rushed or interrupted. Also be mindful that your baby’s skin is still developing, so use a baby-suitable soap that won’t dry out, change the pH balance of their skin or sting their eyes –  all of which may also make them unsettled. 

Power of a pacifier

Some parents find a pacifier or dummy helps to soothe their crying baby.  Some babies take to pacifiers easily, while others may be less interested. If you are thinking about trying a pacifier, always check you are getting the right size and that it complies with the appropriate Australian Standard (AS 2432:2015). Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a suitable product. If you are breastfeeding, the recommendation is to wait until feeding is established before using a pacifier.

Swaddling to help calm baby

Swaddling a baby before sleep may help them rest more soundly. Correct swaddling technique is important to help to prevent overheating or restricting their hip and leg movements  Ask your doctor or Child Health Nurse to show you the correct way to swaddle your baby for sleep.

Using sounds such as soft music

Have you tried soft, gentle, relaxing music to help soothe a crying baby? You can try gently singing or humming or recording music with slow, gentle sounds and minimal talking, or even classical music. Remember to keep the volume soft, preferably at a low speaking volume. Take a moment to see how your baby responds to the music. If you sense they are not enjoying it, then perhaps avoid this option. It is also best to avoid music when your baby is already in deep sleep.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment

Creating a sleep-friendly environment is another option to explore to help a baby sleep soundly. A sleep-friendly environment means a dark room (no bright lights, blocked-out daylight or streetlights). It is also important to keep the room free from noise as much as possible (including sudden noises), air pollution or high temperatures. As we mentioned earlier, your baby might even prefer some low-level noise (like gentle music) and you can try a few things to see what works for you.

When to seek professional help

As your baby grows, you can expect their sleep patterns to also change If you are concerned that your crying baby is not sleeping at night, it is best to see a doctor. Also see a doctor if you are not getting enough rest and experiencing fatigue. A doctor can help you find further help.

Persistent, high-pitched or unusual crying

Earlier, we mentioned the sound and duration of a baby's crying. Generally, the sound of a baby’s cry indicates how much discomfort they are experiencing rather than the specific cause of discomfort.  However, if the amount or type of crying is causing you concern, you should see your Child Health Nurse or doctor for help.

Changes in baby's eating, sleeping, or behaviour patterns.

In the first few months of life, crying at night may be expected - and will usually settle as your baby grows. However, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your doctor if things change or you are unsure, for instance, your baby:

  • is crying more than usual
  • isn’t sleeping as soundly as before or
  • isn’t feedingas usual

Aside from crying, there are other reasons your baby’s behaviour might change, including having an infection or if they are teething.  Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you are unsure or worried about your baby's crying.

 

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful. NUROFEN® is a registered trademark of the Reckitt Benckiser Group of Companies. Level 47, 680 George St, Sydney 2000, NSW Australia. Prepared December 2024. RKT-M-33897.

References:

  1. Better Health Channel. Victoria State Government – Department of Health. Typical Sleep behaviour – Newborns 0 to 3 months. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/typical-sleep-behaviour-nb-0-3-months(accessed November 2024).
  2. Better Health Channel. Victoria State Government – Department of Health. Typical Sleep behaviour – Babies 3 to 6 months. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/typical-sleep-behaviour-nb-3-6-months(accessed November 2024).
  3. Cook F, et al. BMC Pediatr 2012;12:13.