Baby Won't Stop Crying at Night
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines
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Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed baby won't stop crying at night, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your baby has a predictable fussy period in the evening but is otherwise feeding well and gaining weight.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has a sudden change in cry (high-pitched, weak, or unusual-sounding) combined with fever, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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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.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Won't Stop Crying at Night.
Things to mention
- 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).
Observations to share
- 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).
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Conditions
My Baby Is Extremely Fussy (High-Needs Baby)
Some babies are simply born with more intense temperaments - they cry more, need more holding, sleep less, and react more strongly to stimulation. This is a normal variation in temperament, not something you caused and not a reflection of your parenting. High-needs babies are often very alert, smart, and engaged with the world, and their intensity frequently becomes a strength as they grow.
My Baby Seems Overtired but Won't Sleep
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.
My Baby Screams in Their Sleep
Babies commonly cry out, scream, or shriek during sleep without fully waking. This usually happens during transitions between sleep cycles or during active REM sleep, when the brain is highly active. It sounds alarming, but in most cases your baby is not in distress and will settle back into deeper sleep within seconds to minutes.
My Baby Has Excessive Gas
Gas is incredibly common in babies and usually peaks around 6-12 weeks. While it can seem uncomfortable, most babies pass gas 15-20 times per day as their digestive systems mature. Simple techniques like bicycle legs, tummy time, and proper burping can help, and it typically improves significantly by 3-4 months.
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Frequently asked questions
Is baby won't stop crying at night normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby won't stop crying at night?
When is baby won't stop crying at night normal?
What causes baby won't stop crying at night?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby won't stop crying at night?
Is baby won't stop crying at night normal at 0-3 months?
Is baby won't stop crying at night normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby won't stop crying at night?
Does baby won't stop crying at night go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby won't stop crying at night are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has a sudden change in cry (high-pitched, weak, or unusual-sounding) combined with fever, vomiting, or lethargy.
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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My Baby Is Extremely Fussy (High-Needs Baby)
Some babies are simply born with more intense temperaments - they cry more, need more holding, sleep less, and react more strongly to stimulation. This is a normal variation in temperament, not something you caused and not a reflection of your parenting. High-needs babies are often very alert, smart, and engaged with the world, and their intensity frequently becomes a strength as they grow.
My Baby Seems Overtired but Won't Sleep
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.
My Baby Screams in Their Sleep
Babies commonly cry out, scream, or shriek during sleep without fully waking. This usually happens during transitions between sleep cycles or during active REM sleep, when the brain is highly active. It sounds alarming, but in most cases your baby is not in distress and will settle back into deeper sleep within seconds to minutes.
My Baby Has Excessive Gas
Gas is incredibly common in babies and usually peaks around 6-12 weeks. While it can seem uncomfortable, most babies pass gas 15-20 times per day as their digestive systems mature. Simple techniques like bicycle legs, tummy time, and proper burping can help, and it typically improves significantly by 3-4 months.
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