Physical Development

Baby Crying Excessively for No Apparent Reason

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines

Editorial policy

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Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby crying excessively for no apparent reason, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

All babies cry, and some babies cry a lot more than others. The PURPLE crying period (Peak of Unreasonable Crying) describes normal crying that peaks around 2 months, can last for hours, occurs in the late afternoon/evening, and resists soothing. Excessive crying (more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks) was historically called "colic." While most excessive crying is a normal developmental phase that resolves by 3-4 months, it is important to rule out medical causes and to protect yourself from caregiver burnout.

Key takeaways

  • All babies cry, and some babies cry a lot more than others. The PURPLE crying period (Peak of Unreasonable Crying) describes normal crying that peaks around 2 months, can last for hours, occurs in the late afternoon/evening, and resists soothing. Excessive crying (more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks) was historically called "colic." While most excessive crying is a normal developmental phase that resolves by 3-4 months, it is important to rule out medical causes and to protect yourself from caregiver burnout.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby under 3 months cries intensely in the evening but is happy, feeding, and growing well at other times
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
— Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, all babies cry, and some babies cry a lot more than others. The PURPLE crying period (Peak of Unreasonable Crying) describes normal crying that peaks around 2 months, can last for hours, occurs in the late afternoon/evening, and resists soothing. Excessive crying (more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks) was historically called "colic." While most excessive crying is a normal developmental phase that resolves by 3-4 months, it is important to rule out medical causes and to protect yourself from caregiver burnout. At 0-2 weeks, newborns cry to communicate hunger, discomfort, and need for closeness. Crying that seems constant in the first 2 weeks is often related to feeding challenges, hunger, or difficulty adjusting to life outside the womb. Ensure your baby is feeding well (8-12 times per day for breastfed babies), having adequate wet and dirty diapers, and being held skin-to-skin. If crying is high-pitched, inconsolable, or your baby seems unwell (fever, poor feeding, lethargy between crying episodes), contact your pediatrician. It is generally considered normal when your baby under 3 months cries intensely in the evening but is happy, feeding, and growing well at other times. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your baby under 3 months cries intensely in the evening but is happy, feeding, and growing well at other times
Your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying
Crying peaks around 2 months and is gradually decreasing
Your baby has a fever, is vomiting, has a rash, or seems unwell alongside excessive crying
Your baby can be partially soothed with holding, rocking, and white noise even if they don't fully stop crying
You feel you might shake or harm your baby - put them in a safe place and call for help immediately (1-800-4-A-CHILD or 988)
Crying episodes last 1-3 hours and then resolve, and the baby is fine between episodes
Your baby is inconsolable AND lethargic, limp, or unresponsive between crying episodes

By Age

What to expect by age

0-2 weeks

Newborns cry to communicate hunger, discomfort, and need for closeness. Crying that seems constant in the first 2 weeks is often related to feeding challenges, hunger, or difficulty adjusting to life outside the womb. Ensure your baby is feeding well (8-12 times per day for breastfed babies), having adequate wet and dirty diapers, and being held skin-to-skin. If crying is high-pitched, inconsolable, or your baby seems unwell (fever, poor feeding, lethargy between crying episodes), contact your pediatrician.

2 weeks - 3 months

The peak of crying. Healthy babies may cry 2-3 hours per day, and some cry even more. The PURPLE crying period is characterized by: a peak pattern, unexpected episodes, resistance to soothing, a pain-like face, long-lasting episodes, and evening clustering. This is not your fault and does not mean something is wrong. The 5 S's (swaddle, side/stomach position while held, shush, swing, suck) may help. If you feel overwhelmed, put the baby in a safe place (crib) and take a 5-10 minute break.

3-6 months

Excessive crying typically resolves by 3-4 months. If your baby continues to cry excessively beyond 4 months, evaluate for: reflux, food sensitivities (especially cow's milk protein in breastfed babies or formula), sleep deprivation, overstimulation, or other medical causes. A "high-needs" baby temperament is also a possibility - some babies are more intense, more sensitive, and need more holding and movement. This is not a disorder but can be exhausting for caregivers.

6-12 months

Babies over 6 months who cry excessively should be evaluated for specific causes rather than attributed to "colic." Consider: teething pain, ear infections, constipation, illness, separation anxiety, sleep problems, and overstimulation. If your baby had excessive crying as a younger infant and it resolved, you can feel confident that you weathered one of parenting's hardest phases. If excessive crying is new at this age, something is likely causing it.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed baby crying excessively for no apparent reason and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby cries more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, and it has been going on for more than 3 weeks.
  • Mention if crying has not decreased by 4 months.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby under 3 months cries intensely in the evening but is happy, feeding, and growing well at other times
  • Crying peaks around 2 months and is gradually decreasing
  • Your baby can be partially soothed with holding, rocking, and white noise even if they don't fully stop crying
  • Crying episodes last 1-3 hours and then resolve, and the baby is fine between episodes
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby cries more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, and it has been going on for more than 3 weeks
  • Crying has not decreased by 4 months
  • Your baby seems to be in pain during crying - arching, pulling legs up, refusing to eat
  • You are struggling to cope with the crying and need support
Act now when...
  • Your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying
  • Your baby has a fever, is vomiting, has a rash, or seems unwell alongside excessive crying
  • You feel you might shake or harm your baby - put them in a safe place and call for help immediately (1-800-4-A-CHILD or 988)
  • Your baby is inconsolable AND lethargic, limp, or unresponsive between crying episodes

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice baby crying excessively for no apparent reason — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your baby under 3 months cries intensely in the evening but is happy, feeding, and growing well at other times — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-2 weeks, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying.

Baby High-Pitched Screaming

A high-pitched scream can have many causes, ranging from completely normal (excitement, frustration, experimentation with voice) to potentially concerning (pain, illness, or neurological issues). Many babies go through a "screaming phase" around 4-8 months when they discover they can make loud, high-pitched sounds - this is a normal vocal development milestone. However, a sudden, persistent, inconsolable high-pitched cry that is different from your baby's usual cry, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Toddler Having Constant Meltdowns

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development - most 2-3 year olds have at least one tantrum per day. Meltdowns happen because toddlers feel big emotions (frustration, disappointment, overwhelm) but their prefrontal cortex is far too immature to regulate those emotions. However, when tantrums happen many times per day, last more than 25 minutes, are violent (self-injury, destruction), or persist beyond age 4 without decreasing, it may indicate that your child needs additional support for emotional regulation.

Baby Too Quiet and Never Cries - When to Worry

While most parents worry about babies crying too much, having a very quiet baby can also raise questions. Some babies are genuinely calm, easy-going, and cry less than average - this is a normal temperament variation. However, a baby who rarely or never cries, is unusually quiet and still, does not signal hunger, and seems disconnected from their environment may need evaluation. The key difference is between a calm but engaged baby (makes eye contact, responds to voices, signals needs) versus a quiet and unresponsive baby.

Triage

Excessive Crying Triage

Determine whether crying patterns need medical attention.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is baby crying excessively for no apparent reason normal?
All babies cry, and some babies cry a lot more than others. The PURPLE crying period (Peak of Unreasonable Crying) describes normal crying that peaks around 2 months, can last for hours, occurs in the late afternoon/evening, and resists soothing. Excessive crying (more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks) was historically called "colic." While most excessive crying is a normal developmental phase that resolves by 3-4 months, it is important to rule out medical causes and to protect yourself from caregiver burnout.
When should I call the doctor about baby crying excessively for no apparent reason?
Your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying Your baby has a fever, is vomiting, has a rash, or seems unwell alongside excessive crying You feel you might shake or harm your baby - put them in a safe place and call for help immediately (1-800-4-A-CHILD or 988)
When is baby crying excessively for no apparent reason normal?
Your baby under 3 months cries intensely in the evening but is happy, feeding, and growing well at other times Crying peaks around 2 months and is gradually decreasing Your baby can be partially soothed with holding, rocking, and white noise even if they don't fully stop crying
What causes baby crying excessively for no apparent reason?
All babies cry, and some babies cry a lot more than others. The PURPLE crying period (Peak of Unreasonable Crying) describes normal crying that peaks around 2 months, can last for hours, occurs in the late afternoon/evening, and resists soothing. Excessive crying (more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks) was historically called "colic." While most excessive crying is a normal developmental phase that resolves by 3-4 months, it is important to rule out medical causes and to protect yourself from caregiver burnout. Common explanations include: Your baby under 3 months cries intensely in the evening but is happy, feeding, and growing well at other times. Crying peaks around 2 months and is gradually decreasing.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby crying excessively for no apparent reason?
You should mention baby crying excessively for no apparent reason at your next visit if: Your baby cries more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, and it has been going on for more than 3 weeks. Crying has not decreased by 4 months. Your baby seems to be in pain during crying - arching, pulling legs up, refusing to eat.
Is baby crying excessively for no apparent reason normal at 0-2 weeks?
Newborns cry to communicate hunger, discomfort, and need for closeness. Crying that seems constant in the first 2 weeks is often related to feeding challenges, hunger, or difficulty adjusting to life outside the womb. Ensure your baby is feeding well (8-12 times per day for breastfed babies), having adequate wet and dirty diapers, and being held skin-to-skin. If crying is high-pitched, inconsolable, or your baby seems unwell (fever, poor feeding, lethargy between crying episodes), contact your pediatrician.
Is baby crying excessively for no apparent reason normal at 2 weeks - 3 months?
The peak of crying. Healthy babies may cry 2-3 hours per day, and some cry even more. The PURPLE crying period is characterized by: a peak pattern, unexpected episodes, resistance to soothing, a pain-like face, long-lasting episodes, and evening clustering. This is not your fault and does not mean something is wrong. The 5 S's (swaddle, side/stomach position while held, shush, swing, suck) may help. If you feel overwhelmed, put the baby in a safe place (crib) and take a 5-10 minute break.
Should I go to the ER for baby crying excessively for no apparent reason?
Seek emergency care if your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying, or if your baby has a fever, is vomiting, has a rash, or seems unwell alongside excessive crying. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does baby crying excessively for no apparent reason go away on its own?
In many cases, baby crying excessively for no apparent reason resolves on its own, especially when your baby under 3 months cries intensely in the evening but is happy, feeding, and growing well at other times. By 6-12 months, babies over 6 months who cry excessively should be evaluated for specific causes rather than attributed to "colic." Consider: teething pain, ear infections, constipation, illness, separation anxiety, sleep problems, and overstimulation. If your baby had excessive crying as a younger infant and it resolved, you can feel confident that you weathered one of parenting's hardest phases. If excessive crying is new at this age, something is likely causing it.
AAPNIHAAP

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Colic and Crying. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Barr RG. The Normal Crying Curve: What Do We Really Know? Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. 1990. NIH
  3. [3]Zeevenhooven J, et al. The New Rome IV Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants and Toddlers. Pediatric Gastroenterology. 2017. AAP

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Crying Excessively for No Apparent Reason.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed baby crying excessively for no apparent reason and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby cries more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, and it has been going on for more than 3 weeks.
  • Mention if crying has not decreased by 4 months.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your baby cries more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, and it has been going on for more than 3 weeks
  • Crying has not decreased by 4 months
  • Your baby seems to be in pain during crying - arching, pulling legs up, refusing to eat

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying
  • Your baby has a fever, is vomiting, has a rash, or seems unwell alongside excessive crying
  • You feel you might shake or harm your baby - put them in a safe place and call for help immediately (1-800-4-A-CHILD or 988)

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Crying TriageDevelopmental ActivitiesEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of baby crying excessively for no apparent reason are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby's cry is high-pitched, shrill, or sounds different from normal crying.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Related Physical Concerns

Baby High-Pitched Screaming

A high-pitched scream can have many causes, ranging from completely normal (excitement, frustration, experimentation with voice) to potentially concerning (pain, illness, or neurological issues). Many babies go through a "screaming phase" around 4-8 months when they discover they can make loud, high-pitched sounds - this is a normal vocal development milestone. However, a sudden, persistent, inconsolable high-pitched cry that is different from your baby's usual cry, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Toddler Having Constant Meltdowns

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development - most 2-3 year olds have at least one tantrum per day. Meltdowns happen because toddlers feel big emotions (frustration, disappointment, overwhelm) but their prefrontal cortex is far too immature to regulate those emotions. However, when tantrums happen many times per day, last more than 25 minutes, are violent (self-injury, destruction), or persist beyond age 4 without decreasing, it may indicate that your child needs additional support for emotional regulation.

Baby Too Quiet and Never Cries - When to Worry

While most parents worry about babies crying too much, having a very quiet baby can also raise questions. Some babies are genuinely calm, easy-going, and cry less than average - this is a normal temperament variation. However, a baby who rarely or never cries, is unusually quiet and still, does not signal hunger, and seems disconnected from their environment may need evaluation. The key difference is between a calm but engaged baby (makes eye contact, responds to voices, signals needs) versus a quiet and unresponsive baby.

Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?

Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.

Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment

Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.

My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other

Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.