Quick Answer
Crying is a normal and healthy way for newborns to communicate their needs. However, some babies experience prolonged periods of intense, difficult-to-soothe crying that may be diagnosed as colic. While colic can be frustrating and exhausting for families, it is typically temporary and does not mean that parents are doing anything wrong. Understanding the difference between normal crying and colic can help families respond confidently while recognizing when medical evaluation may be appropriate.
Key Takeaways
- Crying is a normal part of newborn communication.
- Colic involves prolonged periods of intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby.
- Colic usually begins around 2 to 3 weeks of age and often improves by 3 to 4 months.
- The exact cause of colic remains unknown.
- Every crying episode is not a sign of hunger.
- Soothing strategies may help, but they do not always stop colic.
- Persistent or unusual crying should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- Parents should never blame themselves for colic.
- Caring for a baby with colic can be emotionally exhausting.
- Support for parents is just as important as comforting the baby.
Introduction
One of the biggest surprises for many new parents is just how much newborns cry.
Some cries signal hunger.
Others communicate fatigue, discomfort, or the need for comfort.
Most crying is completely normal and gradually becomes easier for parents to interpret as they learn their baby's cues.
Sometimes, however, babies cry for extended periods despite being fed, changed, held, and comforted.
These episodes can leave parents feeling helpless, frustrated, and worried that something is wrong.
Understanding what is considered normal crying—and how it differs from colic—can help families navigate this challenging stage with greater confidence.
Why Do Newborns Cry?
Crying is a newborn's primary form of communication.
Babies cry because they cannot yet use words to express their needs.
Common reasons for crying include:
- Hunger
- Fatigue
- Wet or soiled diapers
- Feeling too hot or too cold
- Wanting to be held
- Overstimulation
- Gas or digestive discomfort
- Needing help settling to sleep
As parents become familiar with their baby's cues, they often find it easier to identify what their baby needs.
What Is Normal Crying?
All healthy newborns cry.
In fact, crying generally increases during the first several weeks of life before gradually improving.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), periods of fussiness and crying are a normal part of infant development.
👉 Source: https://www.healthychildren.org
Normal crying often occurs:
- Before feedings
- During periods of fatigue
- In the evening
- During growth spurts
- When babies need comfort
These episodes usually improve when the baby's needs are met.
What Is Colic?
Colic is a term used to describe excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant.
Although the exact definition varies, healthcare providers have traditionally described colic using the "Rule of Threes":
- Crying for more than three hours a day
- More than three days per week
- For more than three weeks
While newer clinical approaches focus less on this rule, the general concept remains the same—prolonged, difficult-to-soothe crying without an identifiable medical cause.
When Does Colic Usually Begin?
Colic often develops during the first few weeks after birth.
Symptoms commonly:
- Begin around 2 to 3 weeks of age
- Peak around 6 weeks
- Gradually improve by 3 to 4 months
The good news is that colic is temporary.
Most babies eventually outgrow it without long-term effects.
What Causes Colic?
Researchers continue to study the causes of colic.
There is no single proven explanation.
Possible contributing factors include:
- Immature digestive systems
- Developing nervous systems
- Sensitivity to stimulation
- Normal infant temperament
- Gastrointestinal development
It is important to note that colic is not caused by poor parenting.
Signs That May Suggest Colic
Babies with colic may:
- Cry intensely for long periods
- Be difficult to soothe
- Draw their legs toward their abdomen
- Clench their fists
- Arch their back
- Turn red during crying episodes
Between episodes, many babies feed well, gain weight appropriately, and appear healthy.
Soothing Strategies That May Help
Although there is no guaranteed cure for colic, some babies respond to comforting techniques such as:
- Holding or cuddling
- Gentle rocking
- Swaddling (following current safety recommendations)
- White noise
- Babywearing
- Offering a pacifier, if appropriate
- Taking a walk with the baby
- Reducing environmental stimulation
Different babies respond to different approaches.
Parents may need to experiment to determine what works best.
When Crying May Indicate Something Else
Not every episode of excessive crying is colic.
Parents should contact their healthcare provider if a baby experiences:
- Fever
- Poor feeding
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor weight gain
- Extreme lethargy
- A sudden change in crying patterns
Medical evaluation helps rule out illness or other underlying conditions.
Caring for Yourself Matters Too
Prolonged crying can be emotionally and physically exhausting.
Parents caring for a baby with colic often experience:
- Sleep deprivation
- Frustration
- Self-doubt
- Anxiety
- Emotional fatigue
These feelings are understandable.
Taking breaks, asking for help, and sharing caregiving responsibilities can make a meaningful difference.
When frustration begins to build, it is okay to place the baby safely in their crib for a few minutes while taking time to regroup.
The Importance of Support
Families experiencing prolonged infant crying often benefit from additional support.
Help may come from:
- Partners
- Family members
- Friends
- Healthcare providers
- Newborn Care Specialists
- Postpartum doulas
Having experienced guidance and reassurance can reduce stress while helping parents feel more confident during this challenging stage.
Common Misconceptions About Colic
Myth: Babies With Colic Are Always in Pain
Fact:
While researchers continue to study colic, the exact cause remains unknown.
Not all excessive crying is caused by pain.
Myth: Colic Means Something Is Seriously Wrong
Fact:
Most babies with colic are otherwise healthy and continue to grow and develop normally.
Healthcare providers can help rule out medical concerns.
Myth: Good Parents Can Always Stop Their Baby From Crying
Fact:
Even the most experienced caregivers cannot always soothe a baby with colic.
Parents should not blame themselves for prolonged crying episodes.
The Bigger Picture
Crying is one of the earliest ways babies communicate with the people who care for them.
While normal crying can be challenging, colic can make the newborn period feel especially overwhelming.
The good news is that colic is temporary, and most babies gradually improve as they grow and their nervous and digestive systems mature.
Parents are not expected to have all the answers.
With support, education, patience, and realistic expectations, families can navigate this stage while continuing to build strong, loving relationships with their babies.
Because sometimes what parents need most is not another way to stop the crying.
It is reassurance that they are doing an excellent job, even when the crying continues.
About The Newborn Care Solutions Agency
The Newborn Care Solutions Agency is the only newborn care placement agency founded by an internationally accredited training provider. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the agency serves families nationwide by connecting them with rigorously vetted, professionally trained Newborn Care Specialists.
All content is grounded in evidence-based newborn care practices and current maternal-infant health recommendations.
For more information, visit thencsa.com or call (602) 695-6775.
