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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Why is My Baby Crying? (0-3 Months)

It is stressful when a young baby cries, especially if you don't know why. Use this checklist to troubleshoot the problem, understand "Colic," and know when to call the doctor.

1

🚨 When to Get Help

Call 911 Now

  • Baby is not moving or is very weak.
  • You suspect a life-threatening emergency.

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

  • Fever: Baby is under 12 weeks old with a fever (>100.4° F / 38° C). Do not give medicine before seeing the doctor.
  • Touch: Baby cries specifically when you touch, move, or hold them (could indicate injury).
  • Bulging Soft Spot: The soft spot on the head is swollen or bulging.
  • Swollen Groin: The scrotum or groin area looks swollen.
  • Vomiting: Forceful throwing up (not just spit-up).
  • Nonstop Crying: Crying lasts more than 2 hours straight and nothing soothes them.
  • Refusal to Eat: Will not drink for more than 8 hours.

Contact in 24hrs

  • Baby is not gaining weight.
  • You are worn out and struggling to cope.
2

✅The Quick Checklist (Common Causes)

Before worrying about medical issues, check these six common needs. Most crying in this age group is caused by one of these:

  • Hunger: This is the #1 reason. If it has been more than 2 hours (formula) or 1.5-2 hours (breastfeeding), they are likely hungry.
  • Dirty Diaper: Stool can burn the skin and cause pain.
  • Sleepiness: If your baby has been awake for 2 hours, they are likely overtired. Instead of sleeping, overtired babies often scream.
  • Temperature: Are they too hot or too cold? Check if their clothing is too tight.
  • Overfeeding: If they just ate a lot, their stomach might be bloated.
  • Stimulation: Caffeine (from breastmilk) or too much activity can make a baby jittery and tearful.
2

Is it Colic?

If the baby is well-fed, clean, and healthy but still crying, it might be Colic.

  • The Definition: Crying that lasts more than 3 hours a day.
  • The Key Sign: Between crying spells, the baby acts completely normal, happy, and content.
  • The Good News: It is not caused by bad parenting or illness. It usually peaks at 6 weeks and disappears by 3 months.
  • Common Myths: “Gas” and “Spitting Up” are usually normal and do not cause pain or colic.
3

👩🏽‍🍼How to Soothe a Crying Baby

If you have checked their basic needs and they are still crying, try the 5 S’s approach to mimic the womb (Dr. Harvey Karp’s approach).

1. Swaddle (The “Burrito Wrap”) Tight wrapping stops their arms from flailing (the startle reflex) and makes them feel secure.

  • technique: Place arms straight at sides. Pull left side over and tuck. Fold bottom up (keep legs loose/frog-legged). Pull right side over and tuck again.
  • Note: Stop swaddling at 2 months or if baby can roll over.

2. Side or Stomach Position Hold the baby on their side or stomach while they are in your arms. This is often more comforting than being on their back.

  • Note: Always put them on their back when you put them down to sleep.

3. Shushing (White Noise) Babies love loud, constant noise (like a vacuum, fan, or white noise machine). It reminds them of the sound of blood rushing in the womb.

4. Swinging (Motion) Rhythmic movement helps. Try a swing, a rocking chair, a stroller ride, or gentle bouncing on a yoga ball.

5. Sucking A pacifier or a clean finger to suck on can calm a baby instantly.

5

⚠️A Warning on Safety

Never Shake a Baby. Frustration is normal, but shaking a baby can cause brain damage or death in seconds.

  • If you feel like you might lose control: Put the baby down in a safe crib. Walk out of the room. Close the door. Take 5-10 minutes to breathe, drink water, or call a friend. It is safer for the baby to cry in a crib than to be held by a parent who has lost control.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.