Excessive Crying

My baby won't stop crying - is something wrong?

Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Key takeaways

  • Go to the ER if: call your pediatrician now
  • Call your doctor if: call during office hours
  • Usually safe to monitor at home: likely colic - you're not doing anything wrong
  • When in doubt, call your pediatrician — they would rather hear from you than have you worry alone

How long has the crying lasted?

This is not medical advice. When in doubt, always call your pediatrician.

Quick Reference Guide

Call 911 / Go to ER

  • Call your pediatrician now

    Inconsolable crying with pain signs, fever, or vomiting needs prompt evaluation.

    • Call your pediatrician or after-hours line
    • Check for hair tourniquets on fingers and toes
    • Note how long the crying has lasted and any other symptoms

Call Your Pediatrician

  • Call during office hours

    It's worth discussing this pattern with your pediatrician.

    • Call your pediatrician at their next office hours
    • Keep a log of when the crying happens and how long it lasts
    • Try the 5 S's: Swaddle, Side/Stomach position (while held), Shush, Swing, Suck
    • If crying suddenly gets much worse or you notice new symptoms, call sooner

  • May be reflux - mention at next visit

    Crying after feeds, especially with spitting up or arching, can indicate reflux.

    • Keep baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeds
    • Try smaller, more frequent feedings
    • Mention it to your pediatrician - they may suggest further evaluation
    • If your baby is losing weight or refusing feeds, call sooner

Monitor at Home

  • Likely colic - you're not doing anything wrong

    Colic affects up to 25% of babies. It is not caused by anything you did and it will end - usually by 3-4 months.

    • Try the 5 S's: Swaddle, Side position (while held), Shush, Swing, Suck
    • It's okay to put your baby down in a safe place and take a break
    • Take turns with your partner or another caregiver if possible
    • Call your pediatrician if the pattern changes or you have concerns
    • This is one of the hardest things about being a new parent - you're doing great

Excessive Crying — When to Seek Care Decision Guide

Urgency: Emergency / ER

Scenario: Call your pediatrician now

What to Do: Inconsolable crying with pain signs, fever, or vomiting needs prompt evaluation.

Key Actions: Call your pediatrician or after-hours line; Check for hair tourniquets on fingers and toes; Note how long the crying has lasted and any other symptoms

Urgency: Call Doctor

Scenario: Call during office hours

What to Do: It's worth discussing this pattern with your pediatrician.

Key Actions: Call your pediatrician at their next office hours; Keep a log of when the crying happens and how long it lasts; Try the 5 S's: Swaddle, Side/Stomach position (while held), Shush, Swing, Suck; If crying suddenly gets much worse or you notice new symptoms, call sooner

Urgency: Call Doctor

Scenario: May be reflux - mention at next visit

What to Do: Crying after feeds, especially with spitting up or arching, can indicate reflux.

Key Actions: Keep baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeds; Try smaller, more frequent feedings; Mention it to your pediatrician - they may suggest further evaluation; If your baby is losing weight or refusing feeds, call sooner

Urgency: Monitor at Home

Scenario: Likely colic - you're not doing anything wrong

What to Do: Colic affects up to 25% of babies. It is not caused by anything you did and it will end - usually by 3-4 months.

Key Actions: Try the 5 S's: Swaddle, Side position (while held), Shush, Swing, Suck; It's okay to put your baby down in a safe place and take a break; Take turns with your partner or another caregiver if possible; Call your pediatrician if the pattern changes or you have concerns; This is one of the hardest things about being a new parent - you're doing great

Based on AAP and CDC symptom management guidelines. Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Frequently asked questions

When should I take my baby to the ER for excessive crying?
Call your pediatrician now: Inconsolable crying with pain signs, fever, or vomiting needs prompt evaluation..
When should I call the doctor about baby excessive crying?
Call during office hours: It's worth discussing this pattern with your pediatrician.. May be reflux - mention at next visit: Crying after feeds, especially with spitting up or arching, can indicate reflux..
When can I monitor excessive crying at home?
Colic affects up to 25% of babies. It is not caused by anything you did and it will end - usually by 3-4 months..

Bottom line

Most cases of excessive crying in babies can be managed at home with monitoring. Seek emergency care if you notice call your pediatrician now. When in doubt, call your pediatrician.

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

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

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