PhysiologyReading time: 4 minutes

When Your Baby's Cry Deserves Attention

CategoryPhysiology
When Your Baby's Cry Deserves Attention

Medically reviewed by pediatrician Alexandra Zglavosiy

Crying is normal — it’s how your baby asks for food, comfort, or sleep. But if the crying sounds unusual, comes with a fever, low energy, or refusal to eat — it's best to check with a doctor. Sometimes, crying means your baby needs help.

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What’s Inside

Quick takeaways

  • Crying is a baby’s main form of communication — not manipulation. It signals hunger, tiredness, discomfort, or the need for closeness.
  • Red flags: crying with a fever (above 99.5°F), rash, vomiting, weak or hoarse cry, refusal to eat, unusual sleepiness, pale or bluish skin.
  • Soothing strategies: white noise, skin-to-skin contact, gentle techniques, babywearing, or a car ride.
  • Responding to your baby’s cries builds trust and emotional security.
  • If you feel overwhelmed, it's okay to take a short break and ask for help. Crying is not your fault.

Crying is more than a sound — it’s your baby’s first language

At 1–2 months, your baby can’t talk or gesture. Crying is how they express needs, discomfort, or a desire for connection.

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Crying isn’t manipulation — it’s a vital survival tool

You should always respond to your baby’s cry

You might hear that if you pick up your baby every time they cry, you’ll spoil them.

But modern science says otherwise: consistently responding to your baby’s needs builds their sense of safety and trust.

Babies who feel secure early on tend to grow into more confident and independent children.

Common reasons why babies cry at 1–2 months

  • Hunger: the most frequent reason, especially 1–3 hours after feeding
  • Dirty or wet diaper: many babies dislike feeling even slightly wet
  • Wanting to be held: physical closeness makes babies feel safe
  • Tiredness: paradoxically, babies often cry to signal they need sleep
  • Gas or colic: often in the evening, with legs pulling up to the belly
  • Overstimulation: bright lights, noise, or too much activity
  • Boredom: even tiny babies crave interaction and novelty
  • Temperature discomfort: too hot or too cold can trigger tears

Babies have different “melodies” of crying

Over time, you may learn to tell them apart.

  • Hunger cry: rhythmic, builds gradually, with pauses and rooting
  • Pain cry: sudden, sharp, high-pitched
  • Tired cry: whiny or grumbly, often with yawning or rubbing eyes
  • Boredom cry: intermittent and stops with a change of scene

Purple Crying is often confused with colic

PURPLE Crying is a normal but intense phase of crying in healthy infants.

It’s not the same as colic (which includes digestive symptoms), but can feel just as hard.

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The acronym PURPLE helps describe it:

  • P (Peak): crying peaks around 6–8 weeks
  • U (Unexpected): crying starts suddenly, without a clear cause
  • R (Resists soothing): nothing seems to work
  • P (Pain-like face): baby looks distressed, even if not in pain
  • L (Long-lasting): crying can last up to 5 hours
  • E (Evening): crying often increases in the afternoon and evening
  • Typically begins before 5 months of age
  • Episodes often occur in clusters
  • Common soothing strategies may not work
  • Weight gain is normal; there’s no fever or illness
  • If your baby cries ≥3 hours/day at least 3 days/week — or this pattern appears in your diary — talk to your pediatrician to rule out other causes.
  • Purple crying fades on its own, usually by 3–4 months

Soothing strategies to try during intense crying

  • Swaddling: secure, snug wrapping to mimic the womb
  • White noise: fan, vacuum, or white noise apps
  • Rocking or bouncing: gentle rhythmic motion
  • Skin-to-skin contact: baby on your chest calms stress
  • Change of scenery: walk to another room or step outside
  • Babywearing: sling or carrier can help with colic and calm fussiness

When to call your pediatrician

  • Cry sounds weak, hoarse, or high-pitched like a cat’s cry
  • Fever above 99.5°F (37.5°C)
  • Refusing to feed (especially 2+ feedings in a row)
  • Excessive sleepiness or hard to wake up
  • Pale or bluish skin, or rash
  • Sudden change in crying — from calm to intense and unusual

Chronic crying is exhausting — take care of yourself too

  • Trade off soothing time with your partner
  • Try headphones and calming music if crying overwhelms you
  • Take short breaks — put baby in a safe place and breathe
  • Ask friends or family for help

Crying is temporary. You are not failing. You’re doing your best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Crying

Is it normal for a baby to cry a lot at 1–2 months?

Yes. At this age, crying is your baby’s main form of communication. It can signal hunger, tiredness, discomfort, or a need for closeness and connection.

Why does my baby cry for no obvious reason?

Sometimes crying is part of the normal PURPLE Crying phase. It can start suddenly, be difficult to soothe, and happen more often in the afternoon or evening. This phase usually improves on its own by 3–4 months of age.

How can I soothe a crying baby?

White noise, skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking, or a change of scenery may help. Some babies also settle more easily when swaddled, carried in a sling or baby carrier, or taken for a car ride.

When should I call a doctor about my baby’s crying?

Contact your pediatrician if your baby’s crying is accompanied by a fever above 99.5°F (37.5°C), refusal to feed for two or more feedings, unusual sleepiness, a rash, or pale or bluish skin. A weak, hoarse, high-pitched, or suddenly different cry should also be evaluated.

With care

Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.

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  • Onigbanjo MT, Feigelman S. The First Year. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020: chapter 22. ISBN: 9780323529501
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