Baby Won't Stop Crying at Night
The short answer
Nighttime crying is extremely common in young babies and is usually not a sign of anything wrong. Many newborns have a fussy period in the evening (often called the "witching hour"), and colic-like crying peaks around 6 weeks of age and typically improves by 3-4 months. However, sudden changes in crying patterns or inconsolable crying with other symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Nighttime crying is most intense during this period. Many babies have a predictable fussy period in the late afternoon or evening, sometimes lasting several hours. This is often attributed to colic, which affects up to 25% of infants. The "period of PURPLE crying" framework describes this normal developmental phase that peaks around 6 weeks and typically resolves by 3-4 months. Soothing strategies include swaddling, shushing, swinging, sucking, and side/stomach positioning while held. Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
3-6 months
By this age, colic-type crying usually has resolved significantly. If your baby is still crying extensively at night, consider hunger, overtiredness, sleep environment issues, or developmental leaps. Babies this age are developing more predictable sleep patterns, and establishing a calming bedtime routine can help. Some babies cry due to undertiredness if naps were too long or too close to bedtime.
6-12 months
Nighttime crying at this age is often related to separation anxiety, teething, sleep regressions, or hunger from growth spurts. Babies around 8-10 months commonly experience separation anxiety that makes them cry when put down at night. Teething pain can also disrupt sleep and cause nighttime waking with crying. Consistent, reassuring bedtime routines help your baby feel secure.
12-36 months
Toddlers may cry at night due to nightmares, night terrors, fears, or changes in routine such as a new sibling or a move. Separation anxiety can resurge around 18 months. If your toddler suddenly starts waking and crying at night after sleeping well, consider environmental factors, illness, or emotional stressors. Consistent reassurance and a predictable bedtime routine remain the most effective strategies.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby has a predictable fussy period in the evening but is otherwise feeding well and gaining weight.
- Your baby is under 3 months and cries for stretches at night but can eventually be soothed.
- The crying follows a pattern and is not accompanied by fever, vomiting, or unusual lethargy.
- Your baby is crying more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, and this pattern has continued for more than 3 weeks.
- You notice the crying is getting worse instead of better after 3-4 months of age.
- The crying seems to be associated with feeding (arching back, pulling off the breast or bottle).
- Your baby has a sudden change in cry (high-pitched, weak, or unusual-sounding) combined with fever, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Your baby is inconsolable and has a swollen or tense abdomen, bloody stool, or is drawing legs up as if in severe pain.
- You feel you are at risk of losing your temper or harming your baby -- put the baby in a safe place and call for help immediately.
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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When a baby becomes overtired, their body produces cortisol and adrenaline as a stress response, which paradoxically makes it harder for them to fall asleep. This creates a frustrating cycle: the more tired your baby gets, the harder it is for them to settle. Recognizing your baby's early sleepy cues and catching the right sleep window is the most effective prevention strategy.
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