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Crying Baby: Causes, Symptoms & Tips

A crying baby cries excessively and is difficult to soothe. Learn about causes, symptoms, and helpful tips for affected parents.

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Things worth knowing about "Crying baby"

A crying baby cries excessively and is difficult to soothe. Learn about causes, symptoms, and helpful tips for affected parents.

What is a Crying Baby?

The term crying baby (in German: Schreibaby) refers to an infant who cries excessively and intensely without an obvious medical cause. In clinical terms, this is also described as excessive infant crying or infantile colic. The widely used Rule of Three, introduced by Wessel, defines it as crying for more than 3 hours per day, on more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks.

Approximately 15 to 25 percent of all infants are affected by excessive crying in the first months of life. It is one of the most common challenges for new parents and can cause significant emotional stress.

Causes

The exact causes of excessive infant crying are not fully understood. It is generally believed that multiple factors contribute:

Gastrointestinal discomfort: Gas, colic, or an immature digestive system may cause pain and trigger crying.
Sensory sensitivity: Some infants are particularly sensitive to external stimuli such as sounds, light, or touch.
Immature nervous system: The infant's nervous system is still developing and may struggle to regulate overstimulation.
Hunger or digestive issues: Insufficient feeding or intolerances (e.g., cow's milk protein allergy) can cause discomfort.
Parental stress: Stress in the home environment can be sensed by the infant and may intensify crying.
Temperament: Some babies are naturally more temperamental and harder to soothe.

Symptoms and Characteristics

A crying baby typically shows the following signs:

Prolonged, intense crying, often in the late afternoon or evening
The baby is difficult or impossible to soothe
Drawing the legs toward the abdomen (indicating stomach discomfort)
Flushed face and a tense abdomen during crying episodes
Normal weight gain and development despite the crying
Crying phases usually begin within the first 2 to 6 weeks of life and typically resolve by the 3rd to 4th month

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of excessive infant crying is primarily made by ruling out organic causes. The pediatrician will:

Take a detailed medical history (feeding habits, sleep patterns, family environment)
Perform a physical examination to rule out medical causes such as ear infections, gastroesophageal reflux, or food intolerances
Possibly recommend a crying diary to identify patterns

It is important for parents to seek medical advice early to rule out serious conditions.

Treatment and Support

There is no universal solution for a crying baby, but various approaches can help:

Soothing Strategies

Carrying and movement: Many infants calm down with gentle rocking or being carried in a baby wrap.
Background noise: Steady background sounds (so-called white noise) can have a calming effect.
Swaddling: Wrapping the baby snugly in a blanket can provide a sense of security.
Pacifier: Sucking can be soothing for some infants.

Dietary Adjustments

If a cow's milk protein intolerance is suspected, trying a hypoallergenic infant formula may be beneficial.
Breastfeeding mothers may try avoiding certain gas-producing foods.

Support for Parents

Professional counseling through infant crying clinics or parent-child centers
Relief provided by family members, friends, or midwives
Psychological support if parents are at risk of burnout

Medical Interventions

In some cases, a physician may recommend medications to treat colic or reflux. The use of prebiotics or probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus reuteri) has shown positive results in some studies involving breastfed infants, but is not suitable for all babies.

When to See a Doctor

Parents should seek immediate medical attention if:

the baby develops a fever
the crying starts suddenly and is extremely intense
the baby is not gaining weight or shows signs of dehydration
parents feel they are losing control and there is a risk of harm to the baby

Important: Never shake a crying baby! Shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma) can lead to severe permanent injury or death.

Prognosis

The good news for affected parents: excessive infant crying is generally a temporary phase. Most crying babies calm down significantly by the end of the 3rd or 4th month of life. With timely support, long-term consequences for the child's development are not typically expected.

References

Akman, I. et al. (2006): Mothers' postpartum psychological adjustment and infantile colic. In: Archives of Disease in Childhood, 91(5), 417-419.
Wessel, M.A. et al. (1954): Paroxysmal fussing in infancy, sometimes called colic. In: Pediatrics, 14(5), 421-435.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Colic Relief Tips for Parents. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org

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