Why Is My Baby Crying? Common Reasons, Home Fixes & When to See a Doctor

Dr. Sandip Gupta

A pediatrician gives a step-by-step guide to help parents understand why their baby is crying and how to soothe them at home, plus signs that indicate a more serious cause needing a pediatrician's consultation. Covered in this video: Why babies cry Babies under 1 year, especially under 6 months, have only one way to communicate — crying. They cry for every need since they cannot attract attention any other way. Common causes and how to identify/soothe them Hunger — Feeding every 2–3 hours; hunger cries are recognisable by tongue out, lip smacking/lip-making, and turning the head side to side searching for the nipple/breast (rooting) before crying starts. Wet diaper — Babies under 6 months urinate and pass stool frequently (6–8 times each), which can wake and upset them. Prolonged diaper wear can also cause soreness/redness (diaper rash), leading to crying. Uncomfortable clothing or temperature — Overdressing in hot weather causes sweating and discomfort, with the baby moving arms and legs restlessly. Rule of thumb: dress the baby in just one extra thin layer compared to what's comfortable for you, not many extra layers out of fear of cold. Fan/AC use is fine for babies: fan not above speed 3, avoid direct airflow; AC between 24–27°C, avoid direct airflow onto the baby. (A separate detailed video on AC and fan use is linked in the description.) Acid reflux from insufficient burping — Air swallowed during feeding causes gas and can bring milk back up into the throat, causing burning sensation (gastroesophageal reflux). Prevent by burping the baby with the head slightly elevated for 10–15 minutes after every feed. Baby colic (infantile colic) — The most distressing type of night crying, typically starting after 3 weeks of age, usually in the late evening or night, with continuous crying for 3–4 hours, red face, clenched fists, legs drawn up to the belly, and body twisting. (A separate detailed video on colic is linked.) Short explanation: gas builds up from digesting milk and causes pain when it doesn't pass. 3 preventive techniques: proper burping, cycling the baby's legs, and colic massage (circular clockwise massage with oil around the navel). 3 relief techniques when crying: carry on the shoulder to open space (corridor/terrace) for a walk, use a simeticone-based drop (e.g. Colicaid or Colimex DF) after checking with a doctor, and a stroller or car ride if the baby is still not settling. Crying just before or during urination/defecation — A few seconds of crying right before passing urine or stool is normal (similar to the mild discomfort adults feel, plus the effort/pressure needed). But if the baby cries while actually passing urine or stool, it may indicate burning during urination or hard stool causing difficulty — consult your doctor. "Attention/cuddle" crying (calling cry) — Crying as soon as put down on the bed, wanting attention, love and care, since a baby is fully dependent on parents. Soothe by holding on the shoulder, gently stroking, and only laying the baby back down once in deep sleep — lower body first, then head, with continued gentle stroking; swaddling can also help. Sleepiness/tiredness — Signs include yawning and rubbing eyes or ears with hands; gentle stroking helps the baby fall asleep. When to consult a doctor Crying with fever — could indicate a serious infection (throat, ear); give paracetamol for fever first and consult a doctor. Teething — gum irritation causes biting urges and crying; relieve by gently massaging the gums with a clean finger or a cloth dipped in cold water. Blocked nose/heavy cold — saline nasal drops at home, then consult a pediatrician for proper cold/cough treatment. Mouth ulcers causing the baby to stop eating and cry a lot — needs proper treatment. Crying with vomiting — consult a pediatrician. Severe diaper rash causing pain in the bottom/diaper area, especially when it touches the bed — needs a pediatrician's consultation for proper medication. Questions this video answers: Why is my baby crying? How do I tell if my baby is crying from hunger? Why does my baby cry after a wet diaper or too long in a diaper? Why is my baby uncomfortable and crying in hot weather? How many layers of clothing should I use? Can I use a fan or AC for my baby, and how should I set the temperature? Why does my baby cry after feeding — could it be acid reflux? How do I burp my baby properly to prevent reflux? What is baby colic and why does my baby cry for hours at night? How do I prevent and relieve colic pain at home? Is it normal for my baby to cry right before passing urine or stool? Why does my baby cry while urinating or passing stool — could it be burning or hard stool? Why does my baby cry as soon as I put them down on the bed? How do I safely put a sleeping baby down without waking them? What are the signs my baby is sleepy or tired? When should I worry about my baby's crying and see a doctor? Can fever, teething, blocked nose, mouth ulcers, vomiting or diaper rash cause excessive crying? Relevant for: parents of newborns and babies under 1 year, especially new parents trying to understand and soothe unexplained crying. Disclaimer: All information and suggestions given in this video are general health information. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If your baby's crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, severe rash, or other concerning signs, consult your pediatrician or doctor.